There are some breakouts so predictable that you feel like you pretty much have a standing date. They show up at regular intervals and in pretty much the same place: your chin and jawline. What’s behind this clockwork breakout pattern? And what can you do about it? Keep your chin up. We have answers to all your chin acne questions.
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Is it hormonal or just regular acne?
Breakouts that are localized to the chin and jawline are related to hormones. And, though any hormonal activity can be triggering breakouts, if it’s happening at regular intervals (like every month before you get your period), that’s a sure sign it’s hormonal.
Why does hormonal acne concentrate on the chin and jawline?
The chin and jawline have more hair follicles than the rest of your face (think beards). Follicles are the pathways for sebum. Whether related to puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or stress, hormones cause an increase in oil production. That means more oil on the chin and jawline. The excess oil mixes with dead skin cells clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
Why are chin pimples often so painful?
The hormonal stimulation of oil glands induces inflammation, which creates oxidative stress in the follicle. Oxidized or damaged sebum boosts the proliferation of keratinocytes, dead skin cells. This keratolytic over-abundance leads to an impaction that allows acne bacteria to thrive and produce still more inflammation. It’s the perfect storm that results in the raised, tender red bumps of cystic acne or painful subdermal nodules.
The recurrent nature of hormonal acne can mean the follicles become damaged, and the intensity of the breakout may worsen with each subsequent event.
What’s the best treatment for hormonal acne?
Calming and clearing hormonal acne lesions requires a balance of anti-inflammatory ingredients and chemical exfoliants like acids and REt (RP)™ retinoid (vitamin A) to accelerate cell turnover and speed healing.
Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser to help remove excess oil, impurities, and buildup from pores. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or mandelic acid are commonly used in acne-prone routines.
- Benzoyl peroxide is often used in teen or oilier skin routines
- Mandelic acid is a milder alpha hydroxy acid, known for its antibacterial properties that helps promote surface cell turnover and is suitable for more sensitive or mature-looking skin
Cool & Soothe
Rub ice over the acne cysts and surrounding area for two to three minutes to constrict blood vessels and reduce the swelling. It will also help the skin better absorb treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoid (vitamin A). You can repeat the icing step throughout the day.
Tone
Follow with a toner formulated with exfoliating acids to help keep pores clear and refine the look of skin texture.
For sensitive skin, mandelic acid-based toners offer a gentler alternative.
Target Suppport
Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Gel Medication , our most potent acne-fighter, is an excellent booster to reach into the pore, peel impactions, and speed healingIt can be applied as a 10-minute mask, then rinsed before continuing with the rest of your regimen as usual. For best results, it should be applied all over the face, not as a spot treatment. Spot treating leaves bacteria in surrounding areas to spark new flare-ups.
Renew
A Retinoid (Vitamin A) serum helps accelerate surface cell turnover and supports skin renewal, lifting away buildup to reveal a smoother, clearer-looking complexion. If you have not used vitamin A before, it’s important to acclimate your skin—start with a lower strength, like Derm-A-Gel®, and gradually increase as tolerated
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