From a dermatologist’s perspective, Dr. Neha Khurana, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of House of Aesthetics understands that forehead acne is a widespread concern for teenagers and young adults. There can be many reasons for this, but primarily hormonal changes. It can sometimes be physically painful and emotionally upsetting.
Here are some suggestions that may help:
1. Maintain a consistent skin care routine: It is very important to follow a good skincare routine to get healthy skin. Clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and problem. Do not over-wash as this can strip out the natural oils from your skin, which can increase oil production and result in acne. Use non-comedogenic as it will not clog the pores and this is a must for acne-prone skin.
2Hydration and Moisturization: Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to stay hydrated. Using an oil-free, comedogenic moisturizer can help retain moisture and prevent excessive oil production.
3. Over-the-counter remedies: Consider incorporating over the counter treatments into your daily skincare routine. Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or AHAs may be effective. These ingredients help kill acne-causing bacteria and help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. You can start with a low concentration initially and gradually increase it to avoid skin irritation.
4. Avoid touching your face: This is the most common mistake we do, we touch our face and acne and transfer oil, dirt and bacteria from our hands to the face, which makes your acne worse. You should not pick or pop pimples, it can lead to scars and infection.
5. Manage hair care products: We usually forget about hair care when it comes to skin concerns, but hair care plays an important role. The most common cause of forehead acne is dandruff, dandruff falls on your skin and causes acne. To clear acne, first you have to get rid of dandruff. For this, use shampoos like ketoconazole and selenium sulfide for at least two weeks. Hair care products like gels, oils and sprays can cause forehead acne, especially if they come with your forehead. Always choose non-comedogenic hair products and try to keep your hair away from your forehead and acne. Wash your hair regularly if you have an oily scalp.
6. Diet and lifestyle adjustments: Studies show that there is a connection between diet and acne, but conclusions are yet to be drawn. Some suggest that high glycemic index foods and dairy products may aggravate acne. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing sugar and dairy products may improve your skin. Additionally, make sure you are getting enough sleep and managing stress.
7. Sun protection: It’s important to protect your skin from the sun, as exposure to UV rays can make your acne worse and cause hyperpigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
8. Consult a dermatologist when needed: Nowadays reels are trending on social media, so people are getting inspired to try home remedies. Trying all these home remedies can damage your skin as every person’s skin type and problem is different. Always consult a dermatologist, we may prescribe medications like topical retinoids, antibiotics or hormonal treatments like oral contraceptives for women.
