Why is My Forehead Breaking Out? Plus Tips for Treatment and Prevention
Forehead acne often looks like solid red bumps, called papules. You might also see bumps with a collection of pus at the top. These are called pustules.
No matter where you spot acne, it's important to treat it properly. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication to help the pimples clear up more quickly.
This article reviews common causes of forehead acne and what you can do to treat and prevent it.
What causes acne to form on your forehead?
No matter where acne forms on your face, the cause is the same. Oil called sebum normally lubricates and protects your skin. Sebum is produced in tiny oil glands called sebaceous glands. Oil gets to the surface of your skin through small holes called pores.
Sometimes, pores get clogged with dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Bacteria grow inside, and inflammation occurs, creating swollen bumps, which are pimples.
A number of factors can increase oil production and make you more likely to get acne. Read on to learn about the most common causes.
Puberty hormones
People of all ages can get acne, but it is more common in teens. This is most likely due to puberty hormones. During puberty, a surge in hormone levels increases oil production, which can lead to pimples.
The forehead is one of the most common locations for these early breakouts.
Stress hormones
While stress doesn't directly cause acne breakouts, stress can trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol stimulates sebaceous glands to make more oil, which can lead to clogged pores.
Hair and hair products
Your hair can also be the source of forehead acne. If you don't wash your hair often enough or if you have oily hair, the oil can deposit on your forehead and clog pores there.
Breakouts might also be due to the hair products you use. Hair styling and straightening products are notorious for causing acne. These include:
pomades
oils
gels
waxes
These products often contain ingredients like cocoa butter or coconut oil. They can leave your skin extra oily. Acne caused by hair products is called pomade acne.
Clothing or makeup irritation
Irritation from clothing or the chemicals in makeup can also cause forehead acne, especially if your skin is sensitive. You may get a breakout after you use a new makeup brand or if you wear a hat or headband that irritates your skin.
Touching your face a lot can also lead to acne. Your fingers deposit oil and bacteria onto your skin and into your pores.
Genetics
Your chances of getting forehead acne can increase if a close relative, such as your father or mother, has a history of acne.
Genetics can also determine how effective your body's immune system is at warding off bacteria that promote acne.
Hygiene habits
Not washing your face every night can cause a buildup of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. If you use makeup, it's also important to remove it each night.
Infrequent face washing can lead to clogged pores.
Certain medications
Certain medications may cause acne as a side effect. These include:
Oral corticosteroids
Contraceptives, such as:
medroxyprogesterone injection (Depo-Provera)
implanted (Jadelle or Implanon)
intrauterine progesterone (e.g., Mirena)
oral contraceptives
Testosterone
Anabolic steroids, such as danazol, stanozolol, and nandrolone
What are the best home treatments for forehead acne?
To get rid of pimples on your forehead, start with good skin care.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. This will remove excess oil from your skin. If that doesn't work, try an OTC acne cream that contains ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Natural remedies
Some natural remedies may help treat mild acne. These include:
aloe vera
azelaic acid
green tea extract
tea tree oil
zinc
What are the best medical treatments for acne?
For more severe acne, see a dermatologist. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don't already have a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can recommend prescription-strength acne treatment, such as:
antibiotics
benzoyl peroxide formulation
retinoids
birth control pills (for women)
anti-androgen (hormone blocking) agent
Antibiotics and retinoids come in a cream. You can take them in pill form, too.
Your dermatologist may also recommend other treatments to clear up acne, such as lasers and chemical peels. Larger pimples may need to be drained.
Is it safe to pop a pimple on your forehead?
You never want to pop a pimple on your forehead — or anywhere else on your face or body.
Picking at acne introduces dirt from your fingers into your skin, which can lead to an infection. When you pop a pimple, it'll take longer to heal. Popping can also leave a permanent scar.
What other conditions cause forehead breakouts?
These other conditions can also cause bumps to form on your forehead:
Boils are red, painful lumps that grow out of infected hair follicles.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that forms around a cut or scrape.
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to products you use or touch, such as laundry detergent or clothing.
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle.
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungi.
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and pimples on the face.
What can you do to prevent forehead breakouts?
Try these tips to prevent acne on your forehead and other parts of your face:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry. Don't scrub. Rubbing can make acne worse.
Wash your hair often. If it's greasy, use a shampoo labeled for oily hair.
Avoid using oils or pomade products on your hair. If you have to use them, wipe off your forehead afterward with a damp washcloth.
Cut your bangs, or use a hair tie to pull them up and away from your skin. Bangs can cause acne breakouts on your forehead, especially if your hair is oily.
Avoid wearing headbands or hats with brims that touch your forehead.
Keep your hands away from your skin. Every time you touch your face, you introduce bacteria that can get into your pores. If you do have to touch your forehead, wash your hands first.
Use makeup, cleansers, and other products labeled 'noncomedogenic.' This means they won't clog your pores and cause acne. Don't use products that can irritate the skin, like cleansers that contain alcohol.
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