How to get rid of
spots on the chin
What causes spots on the chin
IN MEN AND WOMEN?
There are a few possible reasons for chin spots that apply to both men and women – these include stress, lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet.
The chin is a part of your face that gets touched often, which promotes the spread of oils, sebum and dirt and increases the growth of Acne bacteria.
There are more specific reasons why chin spots can occur:
Hormonal imbalance in women is a common reason for recurring spots in this zone. This results in an excess of androgen hormone that over‑stimulates the oil glands.
Women who still get adult acne in their mid to late twenties tend to get spots on their chin, around the mouth and jawline – this is called a “U zone”.
The hormonal imbalance in women is a common reason for recurring spots in this zone. This results in an excess of androgen hormone that over‑stimulates the oil glands.
Another hormone‑related reason is the menstrual period. During different parts of the cycle, the body produces more than the usual amount of certain hormones. By the end of it, more testosterone is produced, which also increases the activity of the oil glands.
Sebum helps keep your skin coated, moisturised and protected; however, excess oils on the skin can clog the pores and provoke spots on chin. They usually appear in the form of large, red painful bumps or whiteheads that stay under the skin, called comedones.
Men are also prone to hormonal fluctuations that can affect their skin; however, the most common reason for chin spots in men is ingrown hair. This happens when the tip of the hair grows back into the skin, causing redness and inflammation. An ingrown hair can develop an irritation that looks like a spot.
Are chin spots and acne on the chin
THE SAME SKIN ISSUES?
When talking about spots, we generally refer to random, occasional pimples that are quick to treat and don’t usually reoccur.
Acne, on the other hand, is a more advanced and painful form of blemishes that occur frequently and require some time and assistance to treat. It has several levels of severity with various types and reasons for occurring.
Acne on the chin is provoked by similar triggers as chin spots (hormonal fluctuations) but might require a more complex treatment when persistent.
There are many different ways to treat chin spots, and they can be reduced with just a little effort.
The first thing dermatologists advise is not to pick your spots – the less you touch them, the faster they will heal. Picking your spots will lead to inflammation and possible scarring.
Make sure you're cleansing your skin every day – use a face wash to remove makeup, dirt, pollution, sweat and bacteria from the skin’s surface.
It is a good idea to use a chemical exfoliator, starting with once or twice per week and moving into daily use to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production.
After cleansing and exfoliating, use a toner for your face to give your skin an extra boost of hydration and follow up with a moisturiser – this will help with the skin’s protective barrier and balance oil production.
Avoid harsh ingredients in your skincare products that can strip your skin of moisture – if the skin is overdried, the sebaceous glands overproduce oil to compensate for the loss of moisture, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Look for face care products with ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid; they break the oil in the pores down and help reduce Acne.
In men, when chin spots are a result of ingrown hair, the best way to reduce it is by using creams and shaving lotions that prevent itching and irritation of the skin.
Face exfoliation is also a good way to prevent ingrown hairs, and not shaving too close to the skin, as a little bit of stubble can stop bacteria from getting in.
If these methods are not working for your skin and chin spots keep reappearing or you think you have a more severe form of Acne, seek professional medical advice for more advanced treatment.
How to prevent
CHIN SPOTS FROM COMING BACK?
By using simple steps, you can prevent chin spots from reappearing:
- Wash your face twice per day, especially after sweating.
- Keep your hands away from your chin and jawline.
- Use non‑comedogenic skincare products (products that contain ingredients that won't clog or block the pores on your skin).
- Minimise stress and get good sleep – these will help with hormonal imbalance.
- Always try to have a healthy diet and minimise your sugar intake.
- Keep your sheets and pillowcases clean.
- Keep your hair clean and preferably away from your jawline.
- For men – use gentle hair removal techniques when shaving to avoid ingrown hair.
