What causes forehead acne?
Hormones
Acne is common in puberty because hormones fluctuate most during this period. Women often experience forehead breakouts more than men due to their menstrual cycle. Moreover, high testosterone levels during menopause can make sebaceous glands override. Meanwhile, forehead acne in men can be a result of soaring testosterone levels that stimulate oil glands and result in clogged pores.
Diet and digestive problems
There is a relationship between acne and diet. If you consume heavily processed foods with a high glycemic load like refined sugars, fast foods, refined carbs, etc., they might trigger inflammation and interrupt gut pathogens [1]. Also, these foods increase insulin levels and lead to the overproduction of sebum.
Clothing and hats
Acne Mechanica is a common type of acne in those wearing hats, headbands, or helmets regularly. For instance, athletes and those active in sports are easily prone to this acne because they often wear protective headwear.
Hair product and cosmetics
Using oil-based or heavy creams products might block your pores and result in forehead breakouts. Besides, hair styling products like waxes, hair sprays, or gels might prompt the growth of forehead acne.
How to get rid of forehead acne naturally?
Aloe vera
This plant is famous for its healing and soothing properties that make it an ideal ingredient for almost all skin issues including forehead acne. Let’s take a little aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Tomato
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and include anti-inflammatory properties to remove acne on your forehead. Take ½ tomato and gently rub it all over your forehead. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that cure acne quickly [2]. Also, it helps keep the pH balance of the skin and prevents it from being too dry. Dilute 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar and 3 tablespoons of water. Then apply this mixture to your forehead with a cotton ball and let it sit there overnight.
It is fine to use once daily or every alternate day. But remember to mix it with water, or it might cause skin irritation and burns.
Egg white mask
Using egg whites does not only help with discoloration but also tones and firms the skin. Mix 3 egg whites and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and whip them until they are foamy. Wash your hands and then apply the mixture to the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Do not forget to apply moisturizer.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is often added to skincare products for acne-prone and oily skin because it includes antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [3]. Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil. Then dip a cotton swab in the mixture, apply it to your forehead, and leave it overnight.
Honey
Similar to tea tree oil, honey also comes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that might help get rid of acne. Use a Q-tip to apply a small amount of raw honey to your forehead. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Steam treatment
Facial steaming helps remove whiteheads and blackheads. Prepare a bowl of steaming water (you can add some drops of essential oil) and keep your face at least 12 inches from it. Remember to cover your head with a towel and stay for 15 minutes. After that, dry your face and use a facial mask to lessen the oil.
Which foods to eat and avoid while having forehead acne?
Eat foods high in vitamins A and D
Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant that can boost your immune health; meanwhile, vitamin D is anti-microbial that helps lower oil production and inflammation.
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Foods high in Vitamin A include fruits like mangoes, cantaloupe, and apricots; vegetables like spinach, sweet potato, other dark leafy greens, red peppers, pumpkin, carrots, summer squash, and carrots; liver, legumes, fish, and meat.
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Foods high in Vitamin D include eggs, oysters, mushrooms, tuna, salmon, cod liver oil, and mackerel.
Eat foods high in omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to control oil-producing molecules. The good news, it is easy to find omega-3 in foods. Fish and fish oils, like sardines, salmon, shad, mackerel, and whitefish, are good sources. Avocados are also effective. Plus, you can choose different kinds of seeds and nuts like chia seeds, walnuts, butternuts, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oil.
Cut down sugar intake and dairy stuff
Bacteria love sugar, so you need to stay away from foods with added sugar that might stimulate them. In line with cutting sugar intake, you should reduce dairy products in your diet to lower the severity of acne [4].
How to take care of the skin to prevent forehead acne?
If you are looking for ways to take care of your skin and prevent forehead acne, here are some tips you should follow.
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Wash your face with a gentle cleanser 2 times a day and after any activity that leads to sweat.
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Exfoliate your facial skin once or twice a week to get rid of the outer layer of the skin, dead skin, and open pores.
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Avoid using irritating products such as grease, chemicals, and oils in makeup. Hair gels, hair spray, and hair mousse also create the same irritation. If you do makeup, do not forget to remove it before going to sleep.
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Wash your hair often if you have hair or bangs that fall over your forehead.
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Avoid touching your forehead because your hands might transfer oil and other impurities and clog your skin. But if you get into the habit of touching your face, remember to wash your hands frequently.
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Always keep your sheets and pillows clean because your forehead might get dirt and oil from them.
Acne on your forehead might take between 10 and 15 days to go away. But sometimes, they might last for months. Hence, it is important to have the proper skincare and healthy lifestyle to heal acne faster and effectively. And if you read through our article, we believe you easily keep healthy and clear skin with no forehead acne.
