ACNE

How to Get Rid of Hormonal Chin Acne

March 16, 2021

Hormonal acne commonly makes an appearance on the chin and jawline region, especially before a woman’s menstrual cycle begins (PMS). However, just because chin acne is hormonal does not mean painful pimples popping up are out of your control! In this post, Dr. Zenovia shares the science behind the formation of chin acne and provides top tips to prevent and treat pesky chin zits.

Hormonal Chin Acne Causes

When our hormone levels fluctuate, the sebaceous glands begin producing excess sebum. These oils then get trapped in our hair follicles, leading to clogged pores. Bacteria begins proliferating because there is a lack of oxygen to control the bacterial overgrowth in the clogged pores. Our bodies will then alert our immune system when they experience this bacterial overgrowth mounting an inflammatory response at the follicle level which results in red, tender hormonal acne.

There is a high density of oil glands clustered along the chin and jawline region. It is very common to see an increase in chin acne around the time of your period because your hormone levels are fluctuating. Testosterone, for example, is an androgen hormone that stimulates the oil glands.

Related Article: Hormonal Acne in Men is Different

Top Tips to Get Rid of Hormonal Chin Acne

Dr. Zenovia recommends cleansing daily, exfoliating and incorporating a retinol weekly, and making other lifestyle changes to prevent chin acne flare ups.

Cleanse Daily

Using a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide on a daily basis will help remove buildup from clogged pores and eradicate chin blemishes. Fortified with Dr. Zenovia’s signature REG-ulate360 Complex™, our 10% benzoyl peroxide cleanser balances hormonal acne while protecting and soothing acne-prone skin with aloe vera and potent humectants.

Exfoliate Weekly

Dr. Zenovia recommends using a chemical exfoliant that contains glycolic or lactic acid once or twice a week. These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and prevent the pores from clogging. Dr. Zenovia’s 10% Glycolic Acne Control Peel Pads are delivered in a convenient pad format to promote the skin’s cellular renewal process, unclog the pores, and accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, effectively targeting chin acne and acne scarring.

Acne Spot Treatment

Fight the urge to pick at pimples- this can lead to scarring and dark spots in the future! Instead, apply a spot treatment on any chin pimples. A spot treatment can be worn at night or during the daytime under makeup. Dr. Zenovia’s 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment is a clinical-grade hormonal acne solution to target flare-ups whenever they strike while preventing the development of new acne blemishes and blackheads.

Incorporate a Retinol Treatment

One of Dr. Zenovia’s favorite skincare ingredients, retinol is one of the most researched and proven actives in dermatology for acne control. Retinol helps regulate sebum production and keeps the pores from clogging, preventing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.

Dr. Zenovia’s Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment features highly concentrated All-Trans-Retinol Technology. This alcohol version of the powerful retinoic acid helps support collagen synthesis and deeply penetrates the epidermis through a unique micro-polymer delivery system to support cellular turnover. This delivery system is key in stabilizing this delicate molecule making it both penetrable and giving it a slow, steady absorption.

If you are new to using a retinol, Dr. Zenovia recommends using a pea-sized amount two nights a week, combining it with a moisturizer, and applying it all over the face (not just as a spot treatment). If you experience dryness, redness, or peeling take a break for a few days. Then try to incorporate this ingredient slowly into your routine once the skin calms down by mixing it with a moisturizer or water and using it less frequently. It’s important to note that you will not see overnight results with retinol. It may take up to two months of consistent application to see a reduction in acne, fine lines, and dark spots.

Related Article: Hormonal Jawline Acne

Eat Healthy Foods

Achieving clear skin comes down to many different factors but the foods we eat definitely make a difference. Recent research shows that limiting our intake of foods with a high glycemic index, such as highly processed foods, white bread, and sugary foods can also help prevent acne flares and breakouts. Implementing a low glycemic-index diet and eating low inflammatory foods including more vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins can have a significant impact on our skin and overall health. Along with eating well, drinking at least 8 cups of water a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins.

Wash Your Pillowcase

Washing your bedding at least once a week, changing towels regularly, and cleaning your phone’s surface with antibacterial wipes will help prevent bacteria from building up and affecting your skin. Remember to clean any items that come in contact with your skin such as your headphones. Keeping your hands off your face is important for chin acne prevention as well.

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

On the topic of bed linens, sleep hygiene is imperative for the skin’s health because the skin repairs itself overnight. To improve your sleep hygiene, try to go to bed at the same time each night. Removing electronic devices that emit blue light a few hours before going to sleep will also help improve your sleep quality. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist

If your chin acne flare-ups coincide with your menstrual cycle, you may want to consider hormonal birth control with an anti-androgenic effect. If you are unsure of your chin acne’s causes and over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to be helping after regular usage, a dermatologist can conduct an evaluation and recommend appropriate prescription treatments.