A familiar scenario plays out across America over and over again every day of the year, and it’s probably happened to you, too. You’ve got a big event coming up that you’ve looked forward to for weeks. Your outfit is ready to go, and you’ve carefully made plans to be on top of your game in every way.

The big day arrives, but when you look in the mirror that morning, you see it: the telltale signs of forehead acne. Questions swirl: you wonder what you did wrong, why this is happening, and most importantly, how to get rid of it fast.

Thankfully, we’ve got the answers and are ready to spill the tea on how to banish that annoying pimple problem.

What Is Acne, Anyhow?

John Hopkins Medicine defines acne as a disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands. It develops when follicles get plugged by dead skin cells or dirt, which blocks the oil regularly secreted by the glands under your skin. Bacteria then grows inside the follicles, leading to the inflammation and skin disruptions you know as acne. 

These skin lesions include:

• Pimples
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Cysts
• Papules
• Pustules

Acne usually appears in the exact places you don't want it to: your forehead, cheeks, nose, shoulders, chest and back.

Who Gets Acne?

The National Institute of Health reports that four out of every five people between the ages of 11 and 30 get acne, a statistic that might surprise you. It’s incredibly common. Unfortunately, there are a good many people who still experience forehead and facial acne well into their 40s and 50s, especially around major life changes. Pregnancy, for example, work and stress changes – big life shifts can cause physiological shifts too.

Obviously, this isn’t the news you want to hear, especially if you’re in your teens and just starting to deal with your own first zits.

What Causes Pimples on Your Forehead?

To rid yourself of this annoying acne, you have to identify the cause and make changes to prevent it. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason for your acne when so many factors can contribute and cause breakouts, and there could be more than one factor at play. 

With that said, here’s a list of the usual culprits. Some of them may surprise you.

Hormones

You probably saw those first annoying pimples when you hit your tweens, and for good reason. Your hormones were churning, rising and falling dramatically, and hormonal changes are the most common cause of acne. Unfortunately, they can continue to show up even after your teen years are long gone. For many women, birth control can help regulate hormones and may help with acne problems. 

Hair Styling Products

You know all those styling products you use to achieve your favorite look? 

Although they make your hair look great, many of the ingredients in them can cause breakouts or clog pores. If possible, shield your face during your hairstyling routine and rinse your face once you're done. You may have to shake up your morning beauty routine to keep those elements off and your forehead build-up free.

Sunscreen

Absolutely you want to protect that skin from the harmful aging effects of the sun. Sun protection is one of the oft-overlooked necessities for smooth, young skin – but SPF can cause some issues too. Oily lotions can contribute to pore clogging and build-up, and depending on your skin type can lead to inflammation or discomfort.

Switching to a formula that’s labeled non-comedogenic and designed for sensitive skin can help. These formulas are intended specifically NOT to block pores or contribute to acne. 

Cleansers

The cleanser you’re using could be having the opposite effect on your skin if you aren't using an oil-free formula designed to clear out your pores instead of clogging them. Check the label and, again, look for non-comedogenic solutions.

Adding a gentle exfoliant also helps keep your skin blemish-free and offending acne triggers off your skin.

Hats

Have you glanced at the inside band of your go-to hat lately? Didn’t think so. 

Take a look and you’ll understand why it's time to start cleaning that thing occasionally – or ditching the hat altogether – to reduce the risk of developing forehead acne. Hat bands not only accumulate dirt, grime, and oils that then settle on your skin, they can also keep your skin from breathing and contribute to pore blockage.

Bangs

You may love the look of bangs, but if your hair is oily, those trendy tresses could be your problem. Take note of where and how your hair hits your forehead to assess whether it's a contributing factor. Consider growing out your bangs or use a hair tie to keep them off your forehead. Keeping your hair and scalp clean are key to forehead blemish control.

Grimy Gym Towels

The gym – you love it or your hate it – but because all that activity works up a sweat, it’s only natural to use those complimentary gym towels to wipe dry after a tough set. You might think nothing of draping your towel over the equipment in between, but check this out: those gyms surface can be a bacteria hot zone, and we all know how much germs love warm moist environments.

Using these convenient towels to wipe your face dry can inadvertently lead to depositing acne-causing bacteria on your face! Either ditch the gym towel or bring your own…and keep it draped over your shoulders, not the bench seat. 

How Do I Get Rid of Forehead Acne?

Acne is caused by a variety of factors, and the best way to get rid of it is to take a measured approach to learning why it’s showing up on your face in the first place. 

One of the fastest paths to relief is with the help of a physician. A one-size-fits-all treatment is never a great option, and you may need a custom treatment designed for your skin type that addresses the root cause of those zits on your face. 

At NavaMD, we know all about acne – and how to treat it. We believe every person's complexion is unique, and we’re committed to personalized treatment plans to get your face back to looking smooth and blemish–free. 

Your treatment starts with a free online consultation with one of our experienced physicians. They’ll examine your condition, ask all the necessary questions, and prescribe the right custom combination of NavaMD products to help clear up your acne, if appropriate. 

Our acne skincare line contains proven acne-fighting ingredients like

• Clindamycin – to kill bacteria 
• Tretinoin – to encourage healthy cell turnover on your skin
• Niacinamide – to fight the inflammation caused by acne

It’s like an online dermatology visit, and then we send your custom prescription treatment with free shipping. Your first visit is free, and refills show up when you need them monthly. It’s possibly the most convenient way to fight acne ever.

Knowledge is power. Now that you have the lowdown on root causes of that annoying forehead acne, you can take the right steps to change your habits and keep those zits from popping up in the first place. And, starting on a customized treatment plan as soon as possible is a great first step to dealing with your acne.

NavaMD is committed to treating your acne and giving you clear, flawless-looking skin. Get started with your own free consultation.