Acne at thirty feels different than acne at fifteen. The reasons behind it have changed, and the old fixes don’t always work anymore.
Stress Isn’t Helping
Stress spikes cortisol. Cortisol tells your oil glands to work overtime. More oil means clogged pores, which turn into breakouts.
Then it gets messy. You break out, you stress about breaking out, and that stress keeps your skin acting up. If you’ve got forehead acnethat won’t quit, you might find yourself:
- Canceling plans
- Checking mirrors constantly
- Feeling self-conscious in good lighting
- Staying stressed, which keeps the cycle going
Where It Shows Up Tells You Why
Teen breakouts hit the forehead and nose. Adult breakouts show up on your chin, jaw, and the spots matter:
- Forehead: Hair stuff dripping down, stress
- Cheeks: Hormones, inflammation
- Chin and jaw: Androgens, your cycle
Acne on forehead can also be from touching your face too much or not washing your pillowcase enough.
Types Matter
Surface issues like blackheads are one problem. Deep, painful bumps are another. Cysts go deeper and leave scars.
The difference between cystic acne vs acne on the surface changes how you treat it. Cysts need strong prescriptions or shots. Shallow breakouts respond to creams.
Knowing which different acne types you have keeps you from trying things that won’t do anything.
The stages of acne move at different speeds depending on what’s setting it off.
Why It Itches
Pimples don’t usually itch. When they do, you’ve got inflammation going. Your body releases histamine to fight bacteria.
Itchy pimples are tough not to mess with, but scratching spreads bacteria. If itchy pimples on face are bugging you, ice helps.
Do pimples itch normally? Not really, so if yours do, inflammation is high.
What’s Setting It Off
Sugar spikes insulin. Insulin makes your skin produce more oil. Less sugar usually means better skin.
Other things that trigger breakouts:
- Your period
- Some medications
- Sitting in sweaty clothes
- Heavy makeup
What Works
Face
Types of pimples and treatment depend on what’s happening:
- Blackheads and whiteheads. Retinoids, salicylic acid
- Red bumps. Benzoyl peroxide, prescription creams
- Hormonal issues. Spironolactone, birth control
- Cysts. Isotretinoin, cortisone shots
Get an appointment with Wade’s Care First to get personalized treatment.
Body
How to get rid of body acne:
- Shower after the gym
- Use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash
- Wear breathable clothes
- Wash your sheets
- Skip heavy lotions on your back and chest
Timeline
Recovery for acne takes time. Prescription creams need six to eight weeks. Hormone pills need three to four months.
Switching products every week doesn’t give anything a chance to work. Stick with it.
Related – Sun Protection for All Skin Types and Ethnicities
When to See a Dermatologist
Mild breakouts usually clear up with drugstore products. Past that, you need someone who knows what they’re looking at. See a provider if:
- Drugstore stuff hasn’t worked after two months
- You’re getting painful cysts
- You’re starting to scar
- Your breakouts match your period
- It’s messing with your life
Wade’s Care First looks at more than just your skin. We provide culturally sensitive care. We look at your hormones, your stress, and what’s going on in your life.
Our dermatology services build plans based on what’s actually causing your breakouts.
We provide same-day appointments in multiple states as well.
Book an appointment to figure out what’s behind yours and what’ll fix it.
FAQs
Can makeup cause breakouts?
Heavy makeup blocks pores. Use lighter, non-comedogenic stuff and wash it off before bed.
Does sweat cause pimples?
Sweat plus oil plus bacteria clogs pores. Shower after working out.
Why are my pimples so itchy on my face?
Itchy pimples on face happen because your body releases histamine while fighting bacteria. Don’t scratch, you’ll spread it and scar worse.
Does soda make you break out?
The sugar can.
