Where Acne Occurs And What It Means

Have you ever wondered why your chin repeatedly breaks out? Are you curious as to why your acne is so prevalent in your T-zone? Read on to learn what causes acne and why it tends to occur on specific areas of the face and body.

Why Do People Get Acne?

Your pores contain oil glands. These glands produce sebum, an oil that lubricates your skin and hair. Typically, your pores make just the right amount of sebum. However, when your hormones are active, your oil glands produce additional sebum. And unfortunately, when there’s an excess of sebum and dead skin cells, bacteria gets trapped inside the pores, causing acne.

What Causes Jawline and Chin Acne?

Adults with acne typically experience it on the chin and along the jawline. While both men and women can be affected, women tend to experience chin and jawline acne more often. This is typically due to the increase in male hormones they experience around the time of their periods.
When men experience acne in this region, it can be related to shaving. Shaving with a dirty razor can cause bacteria to enter the skin, and certain shaving creams can clog pores.
To minimize chin and jawline acne, we recommend you avoid touching this area, hold your cell phone away from your face, and take care when introducing a new face wash or makeup, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Why Do I Get Forehead Acne?

As with chin and jawline acne, forehead acne can also be triggered by hormone fluctuations. However, other culprits include hats, headbands, unwashed pillowcases, the hair products you use, and makeup or sunscreen that isn’t oil-free.

What Causes T-Zone Acne?

Along your forehead, nose, and chin, also known as the T-zone, there are more oil glands. Unfortunately, more oil glands means more opportunities for clogged pores. That’s why acne commonly can be found in this area.

Why Do I Have Acne on my Back?

While most people with acne experience it on the face, some acne sufferers also have acne on their bodies, particularly their backs. The main factors that determine whether you’re likely to have “bacne” are hormonal fluctuations and genetics.
To limit acne in this area, shower regularly with a gentle soap (especially after exercise), thoroughly rinse off hair conditioner, and avoid excessive sun exposure, which can worsen acne.

Why Do I Keep Getting a Pimple in the Same Spot?

Cystic acne refers to pimples that swell under the skin but never reach its surface. Your pore—which is shaped like a long tube—has branches. When oil travels down one of these branches away from the skin’s surface, the branch inflates or deflates, depending on the amount of oil you’re producing.

This can occur in the same area, and unfortunately, the only way to treat this type of acne is to wait it out or to seek treatment from a dermatologist.

What Can I Do to Prevent Acne Breakouts?

To prevent acne breakouts, we recommend you limit your consumption of dairy, avoid over-drying your skin, and choose mineral-based makeup. For more information on how these behaviors can help, check out our post, Three Tips to Limit Acne Breakouts.
We would also encourage you to consider participating in an acne research study at Aventiv. Participants have the opportunity to learn more about their condition, see a board-certified physician at no cost, and receive great care and treatment tips along the way.

To learn more about participating in one of our acne studies or enroll, call us at 614.501.6164, or visit our current acne study page.