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While all acne may seem like a nuisance, you might be surprised to know that not all acne breakouts are triggered by the general nexus of clogged pores, bacteria and excessive sebum. Indeed, depending on the location that the acne has popped in, you can discover some crucial clues on its trigger.
While phone screens pressed against our faces for long durations of time can cause acne on the cheeks, certain hair products may hold the blame for pimples along your hairline. If you are looking to understand what your acne is trying to tell you, it helps to consider your face as a map and tackle each geographical area individually to effectively end the cycle of breakouts.
Need some help decoding what the placement of your acne means? Dr Meghna Mour, celebrity dermatologist and co-founder of Skucii Supercliniq, is here to help.
So, could the positioning of your acne on your jawline versus the hairline be caused by different triggers? According to Dr Mour, the location of acne can often hint at its underlying cause. “While genetics, hormones, lifestyle and skincare habits broadly impact acne, specific zones on the face may reflect particular triggers,” she explains. This includes hormonal imbalances, clogged pores from hair or makeup products or even gut health and stress.
Dr Mour believes that acne in this area is usually caused by hair products, such as pomades and oils. Other common culprits can also include sweat accumulation from wearing helmets or caps as well as poor hair-washing habits that clog pores in this region. For relief from acne in this area, she recommends opting for non-comedogenic hair products. “Cleanse the area thoroughly after workout or post wearing headgear. And consider lightweight salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatments,” she says.
If you have been noticing acne around your eyebrows, it might be time to take a closer look at your hair removal methods for this area, such as threading and waxing. Makeup residue and ingrown hairs can also irritate this area. Dr Mour adds, “Maintain hygiene during and after hair removal, use soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide and avoid heavy eyebrow makeup.”
The T-zone is a common spot for acne breakouts to camp out—and not without sufficient cause. The excess oil production witnessed by this area as well as clogged pores, stress and irregular exfoliation can lead to breakouts. If you are looking to stay one step ahead, gentle cleansing is the name of the game. “Regular exfoliation with BHAs, such as salicylic acid, lightweight oil-free moisturisers and occasional professional clean-ups or peels can help,” adds the Mumbai-based dermatologist.
While acne on the cheeks is a common sight, clogged pores are not the only cause. Dr Mour believes that constant contact with mobile phone screens, dirty pillowcases and friction from masks can also trigger breakouts as well as underlying gut health issues. “Regularly sanitise your phone, change pillowcases frequently, opt for breathable masks and integrate anti-inflammatory treatments like azelaic acid or adopt a gut-friendly diet,” she says.
Acne around the jawline may be less inconspicuous than a bright, shiny zit perched centrestage on your nose but it merits investigation, nonetheless. “Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens, are the primary culprits here—especially around the menstrual cycle or in cases of PCOS,” Dr Mour says. She recommends opting for hormonal evaluation for persistent acne in this area as well as topical retinoids and consistent skincare with actives targeting acne and oil control.
So, could the positioning of your acne on your jawline versus the hairline be caused by different triggers? According to Dr Mour, the location of acne can often hint at its underlying cause. “While genetics, hormones, lifestyle and skincare habits broadly impact acne, specific zones on the face may reflect particular triggers,” she explains. This includes hormonal imbalances, clogged pores from hair or makeup products or even gut health and stress.
Dr Mour believes that acne in this area is usually caused by hair products, such as pomades and oils. Other common culprits can also include sweat accumulation from wearing helmets or caps as well as poor hair-washing habits that clog pores in this region. For relief from acne in this area, she recommends opting for non-comedogenic hair products. “Cleanse the area thoroughly after workout or post wearing headgear. And consider lightweight salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatments,” she says.
If you have been noticing acne around your eyebrows, it might be time to take a closer look at your hair removal methods for this area, such as threading and waxing. Makeup residue and ingrown hairs can also irritate this area. Dr Mour adds, “Maintain hygiene during and after hair removal, use soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide and avoid heavy eyebrow makeup.”
The T-zone is a common spot for acne breakouts to camp out—and not without sufficient cause. The excess oil production witnessed by this area as well as clogged pores, stress and irregular exfoliation can lead to breakouts. If you are looking to stay one step ahead, gentle cleansing is the name of the game. “Regular exfoliation with BHAs, such as salicylic acid, lightweight oil-free moisturisers and occasional professional clean-ups or peels can help,” adds the Mumbai-based dermatologist.
While acne on the cheeks is a common sight, clogged pores are not the only cause. Dr Mour believes that constant contact with mobile phone screens, dirty pillowcases and friction from masks can also trigger breakouts as well as underlying gut health issues. “Regularly sanitise your phone, change pillowcases frequently, opt for breathable masks and integrate anti-inflammatory treatments like azelaic acid or adopt a gut-friendly diet,” she says.
Acne around the jawline may be less inconspicuous than a bright, shiny zit perched centrestage on your nose but it merits investigation, nonetheless. “Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens, are the primary culprits here—especially around the menstrual cycle or in cases of PCOS,” Dr Mour says. She recommends opting for hormonal evaluation for persistent acne in this area as well as topical retinoids and consistent skincare with actives targeting acne and oil control.
So, could the positioning of your acne on your jawline versus the hairline be caused by different triggers? According to Dr Mour, the location of acne can often hint at its underlying cause. “While genetics, hormones, lifestyle and skincare habits broadly impact acne, specific zones on the face may reflect particular triggers,” she explains. This includes hormonal imbalances, clogged pores from hair or makeup products or even gut health and stress.
Dr Mour believes that acne in this area is usually caused by hair products, such as pomades and oils. Other common culprits can also include sweat accumulation from wearing helmets or caps as well as poor hair-washing habits that clog pores in this region. For relief from acne in this area, she recommends opting for non-comedogenic hair products. “Cleanse the area thoroughly after workout or post wearing headgear. And consider lightweight salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatments,” she says.
If you have been noticing acne around your eyebrows, it might be time to take a closer look at your hair removal methods for this area, such as threading and waxing. Makeup residue and ingrown hairs can also irritate this area. Dr Mour adds, “Maintain hygiene during and after hair removal, use soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide and avoid heavy eyebrow makeup.”
The T-zone is a common spot for acne breakouts to camp out—and not without sufficient cause. The excess oil production witnessed by this area as well as clogged pores, stress and irregular exfoliation can lead to breakouts. If you are looking to stay one step ahead, gentle cleansing is the name of the game. “Regular exfoliation with BHAs, such as salicylic acid, lightweight oil-free moisturisers and occasional professional clean-ups or peels can help,” adds the Mumbai-based dermatologist.
While acne on the cheeks is a common sight, clogged pores are not the only cause. Dr Mour believes that constant contact with mobile phone screens, dirty pillowcases and friction from masks can also trigger breakouts as well as underlying gut health issues. “Regularly sanitise your phone, change pillowcases frequently, opt for breathable masks and integrate anti-inflammatory treatments like azelaic acid or adopt a gut-friendly diet,” she says.
Acne around the jawline may be less inconspicuous than a bright, shiny zit perched centrestage on your nose but it merits investigation, nonetheless. “Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens, are the primary culprits here—especially around the menstrual cycle or in cases of PCOS,” Dr Mour says. She recommends opting for hormonal evaluation for persistent acne in this area as well as topical retinoids and consistent skincare with actives targeting acne and oil control.
