How to Heal Your Chin Acne
For those who experience acne breakouts, you know that you can develop a pimple anywhere on your face. Acne that develops on your chin can be particularly frustrating. Pimples on your chin, around your mouth or on your jawline can draw the attention of others while you are talking and contribute to feelings of self-consciousness.
While few people actually want breakouts, it is important to know that pimples are normal. Perfect skin does not exist. However, you can control breakouts by educating yourself and working with a board-certified dermatologist. If you are having trouble controlling your acne and you live in the Atlanta area, call Buckhead Dermatology today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Straughn.
What is acne?
While acne can seem complicated to treat, how a pimple develops is really quite simple. A pimple forms when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells. Skin and hair care products can clog pores, as can tight-fitting clothing or sports equipment.
There are several underlying causes of acne. For many people, acne can be attributed to genetics. Hormonal changes can also cause a breakout to develop.
What causes chin acne?
Like acne that appears in other areas of your face, chin acne is a result of clogged pores. Chin acne is often correlated to hormonal fluctuations. Women often develop pimples on their chin, jawline or around the mouth around the time of their menstrual cycle.
Changes in hormone levels can boost oil production. The additional oil contributes to clogged pores when it mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria that is already present on the skin.
How can you treat chin acne?
The treatment of chin acne is possible when you follow a few basic steps. For one, it is important to establish a solid skin care routine that works for your skin. With the help of a dermatologist, you can evaluate if you have sensitive, dry, oily or combination skin. Your doctor can also perform a health history to identify any underlying causes of your breakouts. He or she can also assess lifestyle factors that could be impacting the condition of your skin, such as diet or water intake.
If you do have active pimples on your chin, you should avoid touching, picking or popping them. This can further the infection and result in scars, hyperpigmentation and the possibility of developing even more pimples in the near future.
Care for your skin by using gentle skin care products that will not irritate your skin. Avoid harsh soaps and exfoliants or those that contain fragrances. Do not over-wash or scrub, as this can irritate the skin and spark new breakouts.
Be mindful of other environmental factors that could lead to breakouts. Wash anything that comes into contact with the skin around your chin or on your jawline, such as towels, clothing, makeup brushes or sports equipment. Hair products can also clog pores, so swap your shampoo for a gentle shampoo meant for people with sensitive skin.
By following these tips at home, you can give your skin a chance to heal and prevent new pimples from forming. However, the best course of action for chin breakouts is to seek a treatment plan from your dermatologist.
There are a variety of topical and oral medications that can be effective at stopping new breakouts from appearing. Depending on the type of acne you are experiencing, your doctor may suggest topicals containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Retinols may also be prescribed. Oral medications can include antibiotics or medications to control hormones, such as oral contraceptives.
Leading Atlanta Chin Acne Dermatologist
Understanding how acne develops and the most common underlying causes of the condition can be a great first start to controlling your breakouts. Chin acne can be frustrating and challenging to treat. There are a number of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products that can address your acne breakouts.
If you have acne that does not respond to the topical medications that you can get at your local pharmacy, seek the help of your Atlanta-area dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist can prescribe medications based on the unique needs of your skin. With their help, you can get on the path to healthy and happy skin.