Introduction to chin acne
Pimples can show up in strangest places ‒ your back, earlobes, and even inside your nose, to name a few. However, chin acne is also a thing, and while it may seem odd to have a huge pimple form on the bottom of your jawline, it’s a lot more common than you think.
In case you need a refresher, acne is a common skin condition triggered by pores becoming plugged (or clogged) with excess dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria. Acne usually starts in adolescence, and in some cases, can last well into adulthood.
There are several factors that influence breakouts. Genetics, for example, is one of its biggest driving factors (more on the others later.) If a parent had a bad case of acne growing up, your chances for developing it increase. Acne can appear on the cheeks, nose, and hairline areas. However, chin acne can also occur and these breakouts are sometimes triggered by hormonal fluctuations.
How to get rid of chin acne may seem like a tricky task at first glance, but it is more than possible with the right course of action. To help you nip these breakouts in the bud, we’re going to take a closer glimpse into what chin acne means, and, of course, examine how to help get rid of it.
Chin acne causes
So, clogged pores, genetics, underlying health conditions, and comedogenic products can all cause acne. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations ‒ caused by menstruation and menopause ‒ can also influence your breakouts, as these hormonal changes can cause sebum production to increase. This excess sebum then clogs pores and causes breakouts to appear on the chin and jawline areas.
How to get rid of chin acne
Treating chin acne may seem complicated, but it’s fairly simple if you take the right course of action.
To start, it’s best to avoid picking or popping your pimples, no matter how tempting it may be. This can lead to permanent scarring, and worse; new breakouts.
You’ll also want to be extra mindful about the skin care habits you practice on a daily basis ‒gently wash your face only twice a day and avoid over-washing. Similarly, be sure to wash your makeup brushes and face masks, and change your pillowcases often to help prevent bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, and oils from building up.
Switching to products containing anti-acne ingredients can also help. These include oil-free and noncomedogenic products, as well as cleansers containing 2% to 5% benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient known to eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
However, if your acne won’t clear after trying these preventative tips, it’s always best to seek out a dermatologist. These trained individuals can prescribe topical and oral medications that are much stronger than over-the-counter products.
Conclusion: Keep your chin up
While acne occurs when pores become plugged with excess sebum and bacteria, there are several factors that can influence breakouts. These include genetics, underlying health conditions, use of comedogenic products, and hormones. Hormonal fluctuations that influence chin and jawline breakouts tend to occur during the menstruation and menopause periods of life.
Treating chin breakouts can require adopting new preventative measures, like washing your face twice a day, cleaning makeup brushes, and changing pillow cases, as well as selecting products containing anti-acne ingredients, like Proactiv Solution®. Non-comedogenic and oil-free products can be helpful, as can products containing benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient that rids the skin’s surface of acne-causing bacteria.
However, if your acne won’t clear, see a dermatologist. These board-certified pros can prescribe topical and oral treatments and medications that are stronger than over-the-counter solutions.
