What's Triggering The Acne On Each Part Of Your Face & How To Prevent It

By Karmen on 06 Nov 2020

Digital Editor

Find yourself breaking out on a certain part of your face repeatedly? Well, the breakout area itself is a clue on what's causing it.

Keep reading to find out more!

#1 Forehead

Photo from Presslogic

Acne on the forehead may be the result of stress, an unhealthy, unbalanced diet or a lack of sleep. Try cutting out sugars and processed food from your diet, keep a regular sleep schedule and find ways to de-stress.

If you have bangs, it may be a contributing factor to breakouts on your forehead as excess oil and bacteria can get trapped under the hair. What's more, ladies with bangs are more likely to touch their face throughout the day while adjusting their bangs. Every time you touch your face, you're introducing bacteria to your skin which worsens acne. Hats and other accessories that touch your skin can also trigger acne through friction.

For those with oily skin at the forehead, the pimples may simply be the result of overactive sebaceous glands in that area. Your best bet is to use a gentle chemical exfoliator once or twice a week to get rid of oil build-up and dead skin cells, minimising clogged pores.

#2 Nose

Photo from Presslogic

This is a common breakout spot as it has a high concentration of oil glands which leads to clogged pores and acne. As oily skin is usually genetic, it can be difficult to prevent. What you can do is to use a clarifying face mask to remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores. Stay away from heavy creams and go for lightweight moisturisers formulated for oily skin.

P.S. find out if you have any habits that are making your oily skin even oilier.

#3 Upper cheeks

Photo from Presslogic

The upper cheek area is usually less prone to acne as there are less oil glands there. If you repeatedly get pimples on your cheek, it may be the result of things getting in contact with your face and spreading bacteria to your skin. This could be anything from your pillow or phone to resting your face on your hands.

Change your pillowcase at least once a week and clean your phone regularly with a disinfectant wipe. Also, try not to bring your phone to the bathroom with you!

#4 Chin and jawline

Photo from Presslogic

Acne around the chin and jawline is most likely the result of hormonal fluctuations. This fluctuation, which occurs about a week before the menstrual cycle, overstimulates the oil glands and contributes to clog pores. That's why many of us will notice flare-ups around the time when our period comes.

While our hormonal levels are mostly out of our control, what we can do is avoid dairy, processed food and refined sugars as these foods can affect hormone levels and worsen acne. Check out more tips to prevent hormonal acne.

#5 Around the mouth

Photo from Presslogic

Pimples around the mouth could be caused by lipstick and lip balm residue or food residue. It could also be hair follicles on the upper lip that are clogged by oil and dead skin.

If you get recurring pimples around the lip line, make sure to remove all lip products thoroughly and wipe your mouth after eating. Use a chemical exfoliator on your upper lip to get rid of excess oils and dead skin.