Choosing the Right Forehead Acne Treatment: Insights from Dermatologists
- March 15, 2024
Table of Contents
Dealing with acne is an experience of irritation and stress. Especially if it occurs on a visible part of your body. For instance, your forehead. The forehead is the potential location for acne. You will see all kinds of forehead pimples or acne developing. All types are whiteheads, blackheads, and red, large, or inflamed pimples. This happens, especially if you are acne prone.
Like acne occurring in other body parts, forehead acne is also treatable. It can be treated with a long range of non-prescripted products. Also, prescribed medications are available. It is to aim for the prevention of acne breakouts. Thus, helping to keep your skin flawless and clean. In this article, we have mentioned the reason for the development of forehead acne. And the types that might appear on your forehead. We have also covered the scientific treatments behind them. Along with the preventive options to fight the acne appearing on your forehead and other body parts.
Causes of Acne on the Forehead
- Factors causing acne on the forehead are the same as in other body parts
- Whether it is one or two little blackheads or an extreme breakout of cystic acne. All of them occur for the same reason. The reason is the excessive production of sebum. Another reason is the collection of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.
- Sebum is a substance that is like oil. It is produced and secreted from your sebaceous glands. They are a small gland that secretes oil. They are connected by the follicles of hair on your skin.
- Sebum is required to maintain the health of your skin. Sebum helps seal moisture into your skin. It also prevents the loss of water. It is also an important component of the protective barrier of the skin. It helps protect your skin from infection and damage.
- Your sebaceous glands release sebum into the canals of your hair. It is where it travels to your skin’s surface. It is along the shaft of your hair.
- When your sebaceous glands secrete the exact amount of sebum, the process is smooth. It is to keep your skin healthy and smooth. However, when the sebaceous glands excrete too much sebum, the excess can stick to the follicles of your hair. Thus, it leads to congestion.
- Hair follicles that are congested with sebum can turn into acne lesions. It is a specific form of acne. The variety is based on the extremity of the blockage. And the presence of bacteria too.
- Although sebaceous glands can be found in every body part. Their numbers are mostly around the face.
- While sebum is an important factor in acne, whether it is on your forehead or any other body part. It is not the only substance that causes congestion in the follicles of hair.
- To repair damage, your body is continually producing new skin cells. It is through a process called epidermal turnover. As old skin cells are destroyed, they are replaced by new, undamaged ones. For most people, the duration of this process varies from 40 to 56 days.
- The old skin cells are replaced by the new ones in your body. With that, the old and dead skin cells build on the skin’s surface. Over time, these cells can mix with the extra sebum. It is produced by the sebaceous glands. It contributes to the congested follicles of hair. Along with breakouts of acne.
Many environmental and biological factors function. It functions in the production of sebum inside your body. The process of epidermal turnover is also included in it. It also includes the following:
- According to much research, the tendency for acne development is partly genetic. It means that you might inherit it from your parents.
- Androgen hormones are male sex hormones. It plays a crucial part in the excretion of sebum. Male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are specifically known to amplify sebum production. There is one reason for the link between sebum production and androgen hormones. That is why acne is a common issue for adolescents.
- Another reason is if you use any medications. There are some medications like lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsants. They are associated with the sebum production of your skin. Hence, there is a high chance of developing acne.
- Although your skincare and haircare products do not influence sebum production, some such products contain artificial or natural oils. It helps reduce congestion in the follicles of hair. It can trigger a breakout of acne.
Some habits can elevate the chance of acne developing on your forehead. For instance, smoking cigarettes and any stress-related activity that triggers acne breakouts.
Types of acne occurring on your forehead
- Comedonal acne is a gentle and non-inflammatory acne form. It can either be closed or open. If it is closed, it is whitish. Hence, it is named Whitehead. When someone is open, the oxygen in the air creates a reaction with the debris. Thus, causing it to take on a dark colour after clogging the follicles. These comedones are called blackheads.
- Inflammatory acne: A bacteria can become irritated or inflamed if it grows inside the come dome. Inflamed acne is the color red. It is raised from the skin. If touched, it can be painful. The common types of inflammatory acne are pustules and papules.
- Cystic and nodular acne: When inflamed acne becomes an extreme one, it is cystic or nodular acne. This type of acne can penetrate the skin deeply. It may leave behind scarring permanently.
Treatment of the acne on your forehead
Non-prescriptive products
You can use a non-prescriptive treatment method if you have gentle acne on your forehead. Various types of non-prescriptive products are available for the treatment of acne. It can range from gentle retinoids to mild cleaners. Common forehead bump treatments or over-the-counter acne treatments are as follows:
- Facial Cleansers: The facial cleansers that are over the counter help to clean your skin and wash away the extra sebum. It can often assist in the control of mild acne. If you are acne-prone, try to wash your forehead. And clean the other affected facial parts. That too with a facial cleanser. You can do these one or two times daily. For better results, choose a cleanser that is free from fragrance.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication. It can get rid of the bacteria that cause acne. It reduces the level of sebum. It is available on its own as a lotion or cream. Or as an ingredient in countless over-the-counter products. Just like a facial cleanser, it is easy to use. Most of the products are made to be used topically. Two to three times a day can be used. Side effects are rare. Scaling and skin dryness occur from the higher-concentrated products.
- Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works by unblocking the follicles of hair. The follicles have become congested due to dead skin cells and sebum. It can also decrease the inflammation and redness that occur on the skin of those prone to acne. You can buy it as a topical cream. It is also used as an active ingredient in many non-prescriptive products. Such products are cleansers, facial washes, and other products.
- Azelaic acid is a type of topical medication. It decreases the bacteria that cause acne. It also calms inflammation. It is available in many over-the-counter products. The products that are used for treating acne. And as a topical gel in various gels.
Prescriptive Medications
- Tretinoin - It is a topical retinoid. It works by accelerating the turnover of your skin cells. It can decrease the quantity of dead skin cells. Especially those that can build up on your skin surface. It contributes to the breakout of acne. Tretinoin takes time to react. However, according to several studies, it is one of the most effective medications for acne treatment. That too, in the long run.
- Clindamycin - It is a topical antibiotic that works slowly. It can also work completely to prevent the growth of bacteria. The bacteria that grow in the congested hair follicles. Thus, it leads to inflamed acne.
- Isotretinoin - It is an oral retinoid that works by decreasing the production of serum. Along with that, it controls the growth of bacteria that contribute to inflamed and painful acne.
Tips and Techniques for Acne Prevention
- Limitations of hair styling products - Oil-based products can congest the pores, leading to acne on the forehead.
- Opt for the non-comedogenic products - You can switch to non-comedogenic hair styling products. It can alleviate the risk of acne.
- Washing of Oily Hair Regularly - Frequent washing of hair can prevent the buildup of oil. The oil can transfer to the forehead.
- Keeping your hair off your forehead - style your hair from the forehead. It is to alleviate the contact of oil on your skin.
- Be careful of forehead coverings - Hats, helmets, and sweatbands can lead to acne. After you remove it, make sure you clean your forehead properly.
- Using Safe Paddings – You can place a soft pad between your helmet and your skin. It will help in the reduction of irritation and friction.
- Cleaning after Sweating – After you work out, make sure you wipe out all the sweat. After that, shower properly to prevent the growth of the bacteria.
- Avoid Popping of the Pimples – Squeezing the pimples elevates the risk of infection. It can cause acne scars.
- Prevention of the Appearance of the Bacteria – Squeezing the pimples promotes the introduction of bacteria. It makes the forehead acne worse. It further increases the possibility of scarring.
- Look for Professional Treatment – Professional interference might be required. It is important if you have severe scarring or acne.
Conclusion
Thus, this article is a complete guide on how to treat forehead bumps. Although acne on the forehead can be annoying. But it can be prevented. It can be cured as well. You can use the medications mentioned above. Especially if you have gentle acne. However, it is recommended that you use a comprehensive forehead pimple treatment from a professional and reputable skin clinic in Chennai. If your acne issue is related to genetic history, make sure you consult with the highly experienced and qualified dermatologists at our skin and laser clinic, Sky Skin and Laser Clinic.
With over 12 years of expertise, Dr. Chithra, M.B.B.S., D.D.V.L., honed her dermatology skills at Madras Medical College, attending 100-200 patients daily. Her experience and expert skills in dermatology & cosmetology makes Sky Skin & Laser clinic Chennai as go-to place for comprehensive skin and hair care
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