Derm DMs: Why Do I Have Forehead Acne?

Not all acne is the same, but employing techniques like acne mapping can help with targeting breakouts on specific areas of your face. Today, we’re focusing on some of the common causes of forehead acne, as well as product recommendations to help keep blemishes in that area at bay. Keep reading for expert advice from Dr. Kenneth Mark, a Skincare.com consultant and board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

What Are Some Common Causes of Forehead Acne?

“All acne starts with a clogged pore, but forehead acne in particular is exacerbated by sweating, rubbing the area and the use of comedogenic shampoos and hair products,” says Dr. Mark. If you have bangs or are considering cutting bangs to hide your forehead acne, you may want to consider how much you break a sweat and your styling products, which could exacerbate the breakouts in this area. 

What Are Common Types of Forehead Acne?

“Most forehead acne is what we call comedogenic, which means whiteheads and blackheads, or papular and pustular, which means either red bumps or white juicy bumps,” says Dr. Mark. “One can have cystic acne on the forehead, but that is more common on the cheeks and along the jawline.” 

Our Tips if You Have Forehead Acne

According to Dr. Mark, one way to help address forehead acne is by exfoliating regularly. If you are looking for product recommendations to get started, we are here to help.  For  an exfoliating cleanser, try the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, which is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and designed to minimize active breakouts and deeply penetrates pores to keep them from getting clogged with acne-causing bacteria. You can also apply the Vichy Normaderm S.O.S. Acne Rescue Spot Corrector directly to blemishes for targeted relief. The product contains maximum strength 10% sulfur to dry up blemishes, as well as glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells. 

Design: Hannah Packer

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A Simple Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin Types

Can Grooming Your Brows Cause Eyebrow Acne?

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