Forehead pimples are a common problem for many people. Pimples in this area, just like other areas form due to clogging up of hair follicles by bacteria and dead skins.
Pimples breakout on the forehead look like red bumps scientifically referred to as Papule or a cluster of bumps filled with pus scientifically called Pustule.
Signs and symptoms of forehead acne or pimples include:
- blackheads
- papules
- pustules
- Whiteheads
- Small or large, solid red painful bumps which sometimes is filled with puss underneath the skin.
However, the symptoms associated with forehead acne or pimples will vary depending on the severity of the breakout.
However, much spots on the forehead are common among teenagers; the forehead pimple breakouts can affect anyone at whatever age.
Causes of forehead acne
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The skin is usually lubricated and protected by sebum which is produced by the sebaceous gland and released to the surface of the skin through pores.
Pimples occur when dead skin cells, dirt, excess oil and dirt clog up the pores on your skin. This leads to the development of bacteria in the pores causing swollen lumps called pimples.
However, there are other factors that contribute to the development of forehead acne according to style craze and health line:
Medication
Some medications for instance birth control pills cause forehead acne breakouts in some people. Hence, it is vital to consult your doctor if this happens once you start taking any prescribed medication.
Hormones
A sudden hormonal change leads to the increase in sebum (oil) production leading to the development of pimples. The forehead being in the T-zone of the face (i.e. forehead and cheeks)where there is excessive oil secretion, forehead pimple breakouts are extremely common.
In many cases, people usually start experiencing acne breakout during puberty. During this stage, hormonal surges are at their peak.
Headgears and cosmetic products
Clothes such as hats or headbands and the chemical ingredients in cosmetic products can irritate your skin leading to acne breakouts on the forehead.
Additionally, constantly touching your face can lead to pimple breakouts, since your fingers are covered with oil and bacteria which are deposited on the skin and into the pores.
Hair
If your hair is dirty oily, it can be the cause behind the forehead bumps since the excess oil can be deposited on the forehead and clog up the pores.
Moreover, the products used in hair such as straightening and styling products can also be responsible for causing forehead pimples also called pomade acne as noted in health line.
This is because these products contain high amounts of cocoa butter or coconut oils which make your skin to become excessively oily.
What do pimples on the forehead mean?
Depending on the area of pimple breakouts, there is a theory commonly referred to as ‘face mapping’ which implies that the location of pimples or acne can be used to determine the underlying cause.
According to Chinese medicine practitioners’ pimples on the forehead are associated with problems in the digestive system and may denote a problem when it comes to breaking down certain foods.
Additionally, it could be associated with liver issues, stress or irregularities in your sleeping habits.
However, face mapping is not always accurate, while internal body organs may be represented by specific zones on your face according to Chinese medicine practitioners and reflexologists.
How to treat forehead acne or pimples
- Make sure you get sufficient amount of sleep from 7-9 hours every night. Even when you can’t sleep just allow yourself to relax.
- Ensure you hydrate properly to get rid of toxins.
- Avoid carbonated and sugar-sweetened drinks.
- Minimize your stress levels by incorporating stress relieving or relaxation techniques as well as some simple work out routines.
- Eat a wholesome balanced diet in order to improve digestion.
- Cut off on refined sugars.
- Keep a food journal in order to determine if your forehead acne breakout is related to any food groups such as dairy.
- Improve your hygiene: ensure you use clean hats and wash your hair (bangs) as often as possible.
- Be keen on the hair products (shampoos, conditioners) you use on your hair in order to determine whether they cause any irritation to your skin.
Home remedies
Apple cider vinegar
The presence of mild acidic properties of apple cider vinegar makes it an astringent agent. Therefore, assists in balancing the skin’s PH levels for a majority of skin types.
Once the ph. level on the skin normalizes, excess oil production reduces hence decreasing pimple breakouts.
Additionally, the acidity acts as an anti-bacterial agent thus eliminate all microorganisms from the region.
All you need to do is dab some cotton wool and apply on the pimple only for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it off. You can use this remedy at least twice a day.
Citrus fruits
Fruits such as lemon are good remedies for treating pimples. The acidic nature of citrus fruits eliminates the bacteria responsible for clogging pores and causing pimples as well as regulates the production of sebum due to their astringent properties.
All you need to do is clean the affected region, dab some lemon drops and leave it overnight for the best results. Apply this remedy once or twice in a span of 24 hours.
However, avoid exposure to sunlight while using this remedy as it tends to make the skin photosensitive hence may lead to skin blemishes or sun damage.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a natural anti-microbial and healing agent. Aloe Vera gel is famous for its ability to tighten the skin pores thus preventing future occurrences of acne.
All you need is fresh aloe Vera gel or an organic version, apply the gel on the pimple and let it stay for a while or even overnight before rinsing it off.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and work miraculously to treat acne and acne scars. Its natural acidic properties are perfect for eliminating scars.
All you need to do is slice a tomato into half and apply the pulp side on the affected region, leave it for 10-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
However, overusing this remedy will cause skin dryness; it’s therefore, advisable to dilute the juice with some water especially if you plan to use this remedy more than twice a day.
Eggs
Egg whites are rich in enzymes good for drying out getting rid of pimples. Additionally, it hastens the pimple healing process as it promotes skin cell regeneration.
Mixture of essential oils and clay mask
Cosmetic clay masks are good for treating the most horrific-looking pimples as well as making your skin supple and freshly nourished.
Clay masks consist of natural astringent properties and thus absorb excess oil on the skin.
Essential oils such as tea tree and lavender contain anti-microbial properties that eliminate bacteria’s that cause acne.
Sources
- http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/10-causes-and-simple-remedies-for-pimples-on-forehead/#gref
- https://www.healthline.com/health/forehead-acne#overview1
- https://www.healthline.com/symptom/papule
- https://www.healthline.com/symptom/pustule
- http://www.skinacea.com/acne/acne-face-map.html#.WhNgdLpFzzY