Oh hi, forehead friends! Acne is a natural occurrence, but it’s still one that brings discomfort to some, and we totally get it. This could be especially true if you find that you suffer from forehead acne and can't seem to get rid of the problem. Whether you simply have sweat pimples on your forehead, or there’s some other reason for your breakouts, this guide will help you learn more about what causes them and how you can treat them effectively.
Causes of Forehead Acne
Forehead acne's most common cause is sodium lauryl sulfate. Sulfates are what cause shampoos, conditioners, and certain body washes to foam. When they're used on or near your forehead, they can also clog your pores. Another reason that people get more acne on the forehead is because it's a common area for sweating when working out or simply spending time in a humid place. While the sweat itself doesn't cause breakouts, the moisture can help microbes that cause acne to thrive.
Friction, such as what you'd experience with football helmets or baseball hats, can make the problem worse. Lastly, one of the reasons for forehead acne may be fungus. Yes, that's right: your forehead acne may not be acne at all. Some small bumps are pityrosporum, a fungus that can be related to dandruff. Luckily, dandruff can also be treated!
Treating Your Forehead Acne
Now that you know what causes it, you’re probably wondering how to treat forehead acne. Start by changing your shampoo. If your shampoo has sulfates in it, switch to one that has zinc pyrithione. This cleanses hair just as well without leaving acne-causing residue behind. In fact, it can even help to clear any acne. It’s also important to cleanse your face daily with an organic face wash. These gentle cleansers are better for the skin and don’t use harsh chemicals that dry out skin in the process. If you work up a sweat, be sure to cleanse immediately afterward as well.
Hold on! There are other treatment options. In addition to using the right daily cleanser, it’s important to use organic acne oil as needed. When used before bed, these types of oils can strongly reduce the appearance of acne that’s already formed or even help to prevent acne that’s beginning to form. Of course, one of the biggest things you can do to take care of or prevent acne is to avoid touching your face. We know it’s tough but try your best not to. Over-touching increases the chance that you'll transport acne-causing bacteria to your forehead and make your breakouts worse.
Remember that acne isn’t the end of the world. Nearly everybody, teenagers and adults alike, gets breakouts from time to time. We’re human. It’s normal. The best thing you can do for your skin is to not overthink your breakouts, drink plenty of water, get as much sleep as possible, and try to avoid stress. By keeping these things in mind and knowing how to clear forehead acne, you are likely to have less breakouts and take less time to recover from the ones you do have. You are more than your acne!
