Forehead Acne

Acne on the forehead, like acne anywhere else on your face, happens for the same basic reasons. The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum.

Sebum is created in tiny glands called sebaceous glands, and it helps to protect and moisturize your skin. The oil reaches the surface of your skin through small openings called pores.

However, when these pores get clogged by things like dirt, extra oil, or dead skin cells, acne can form. This happens because the clogged pores create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which leads to swollen bumps known as pimples.

There are several reasons why someone might produce more oil than usual, and this excess oil can lead to more acne. For example, hormone changes, stress, and certain medications can all cause your skin to make more oil.

Puberty is one of the most common times for acne to start. During puberty, your body produces more hormones, which can cause an increase in oil production. This often leads to acne, and the forehead is one of the places where these breakouts frequently appear.

Your hair can also contribute to acne on your forehead. If you don’t wash your hair regularly or if you have oily hair, the oil can transfer to your skin and clog the pores on your forehead. Hair products can also be a cause of forehead acne.

Many hair styling and straightening products contain ingredients that are greasy or oily, like pomades, oils, gels, or waxes. Products with cocoa butter or coconut oil, for example, are known to leave the skin extra oily. This type of acne, caused by hair products, is sometimes called “pomade acne.”

To reduce acne on your forehead, it’s important to keep both your skin and hair clean. Avoid hair products that are heavy or greasy, and try to keep your hair off your face, especially if it’s oily. Washing your face regularly and using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) skincare products can also help keep your pores from getting blocked.