If you are having to deal with chin acne, know that you are not alone. According to a 2018 review of studies in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology, there was, and still is, a significant increase in adults suffering from acne on the chin.

What causes acne or spots on the chin?

Acne on the chin is obviously like other types of acne which can occur anywhere on the face or body. A hormonal change is often the cause and this change can occur at any time of your life; from puberty to adulthood. Androgens like testosterone trigger excess oil production which is why acne flare-ups are common amongst teenagers with raging hormones. In women, acne is caused by the spike in testosterone levels just before a period and during pregnancy.

What is interesting is that women who have acne in their early 20s tend to see it mostly on their chin, jaw line and lower cheeks. This is often called the “U-Zone” as opposed to the “T-Zone” so often seen in teenagers.

Is chin acne hormonal?

In most instances, acne on the chin occurs in the second half of your cycle or often a few days before your period is due. An increase in testosterone and a decrease in oestrogen are the factors that lead to acne. In the first half of your period, there is an increase in oestrogen and in the second half of your period, there is an increase in progesterone. Since testosterone is being produced on an ongoing basis, it becomes dominant in comparison to the female hormones before your period and in the second half of your period leading to acne on the chin. Testosterone increases both the size of your oil glands and the amount of oil produced. Both these actions can lead to blocked pores in which the bacteria can thrive and create deeper spots.

Other causes of chin acne

Your chin acne may be the result of coming off the Pill. Whether using a progesterone only or a combined Pill, these contain variations of female hormones and so they prevent the dominance of androgens in the body which results in less sebum or oil being produced. When you come off the Pill, the androgens gradually become dominant leading to spots and acne.

Stress also plays a role in acne. At times of stress, whether physical or emotive, the adrenals produce vast quantities of cortisol and other inflammatory hormones. Since these are inflammatory, stress invariably leads to excess oil production and could be the causal factor for chin acne.

You may have a sensitivity to gluten or lactose in dairy products such as cheese and milk. This often leads to inflammation and acne on the chin. It would be sensible to limit the intake of these foods especially gluten intolerance which is widely spread in the adult population.

How to prevent chin acne

Chin acne treatment requires a methodical approach to cleansing, exfoliating and adjusting one's diet to prevent acne flare-ups. Wash your face daily with a face wash that does not strip skin of its natural oils which can then result in skin compensating for this and producing more oil. Thyme Out Face and Body Wash contains just four natural ingredients to cleanse the skin, maintain healthy pH levels and does not strip skin of its natural oils. Additionally, Thyme extract displays powerful antibacterial properties to reduce the numbers of acne causing bacteria that live on skin’s surface.

Exfoliate at the very least twice a week using a gentle chemical exfoliant. Physical scrubs and exfoliants, if used incorrectly, can result in inflammation that can lead to excess oil production. Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly chemical exfoliant which helps to clean pores of any excess oils and removes dead skin cells ensuring that these do not clog pores. Azelaic Acid 10% Serum helps to calm any redness and inflammation that leads to excess oil production. It is also a skin-friendly acid meaning that it is ideal for sensitive skin types. Additionally, it helps to inhibit an enzyme that leads to dark patches on skin. This is why azelaic acid is great for acne breakouts, acne scarring and uneven skin tone.

Try to use water-based makeup and not oil-based which could clog up your pores. And remember to remove makeup before going to bed.

Do not pick, prick or squeeze your chin acne as this can develop into acne scars.

Consider using a serum containing niacinamide ten days before your period. Niacinamide serum helps regulate oil secretions and may therefore be useful in preventing the pores from getting clogged. Additionally, niacinamide works to calm any underlying inflammation which can cause more oil production. Niacinamide Serum contains 5% of niacinamide since some niacinamide serums with 10% can cause skin irritation and redness especially if you use too much. At this level, niacinamide 5% serum is gentle yet effective in treating any pigment problems associated with past acne breakouts.

Finally, Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier is a great product that bridges the gap between skincare and skin health with its unique formulation designed to help soothe and calm the skin, balance redness and help promote rapid skin recovery with visible results. Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier is suitable for all skin types including those prone to eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, acne and spots.  It provides an optimum environment for healthy skin to flourish and offers antimicrobial protection through advanced hypochlorous technology that cleanses and purifies the skin without the use of harmful irritants such as alcohol, toxins, sulphates, preservatives and artificial fragrance.

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