Pimples are a common and usually harmless type of skin lesion. However, if they keep appearing in the same area on your face, it can be frustrating. If you want to treat your recurring pimples, it’s important to understand what they mean and why they appear.
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What A Recurring Pimple Means
These are the five possible reasons you keep getting pimples in the same spot:
- Blocked Pores
Pores are always producing sebum (which is an oily and yellowish substance secreted by sebaceous glands), and the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oilier than other areas of your face. When sebum is combined with dead skin and dirt, it clogs the pores and leads to whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. To prevent this, regular exfoliation and having a good cleanser are a must. It’s also best to use products that help control excess oil like salicylic acid.
- Period-related
Some people get pimples during their menstrual cycle every month. Period pimples usually appear on the chin, lower cheeks, jawline, and neck since it’s also where the androgens activate the sebaceous glands during the menstrual cycle. There are OTC and prescription medicines that can help ease hormonal acne.
- Hormonal Cysts
Cysts are underground pimples that keep occurring in the same spots. The main cause of cysts is an imbalance in your body’s androgen level. A cyst is deeper than a regular pimple and takes a long time to heal. It also gets inflamed multiple times because of bacteria and excess oil accumulation. It may leave scars behind.
- Unhygienic Habits
If you frequently touch your face as a habit, you might be filling your pores with bacteria and oil. This will lead to pimples repeatedly appearing in the same areas you always touch. To prevent this, make sure to regularly sanitize your hands and the things you handle, like your phone.
- Previously Popped Pimple
If you squeezed a whitehead, but it wasn’t fully removed, it can become inflamed again. It’s also possible for another pimple to appear next to it because the area got irritated and exposed to bacteria. The best thing to do is avoid popping pimples or leave it to experts.
Why A Pimple Appears In A Specific Part
Aside from the reasons mentioned above, there are also evidence- and science-based explanations why you always get a pimple in a specific part of your face.
- Hairline
Acne that appears around the hairline is called pomade acne. The hair products you use clog your pores, resulting in pomade acne. If you always get acne along your hairline, it’s best to stop using your current hair products and switch to non-comedogenic (non-clogging) ones. You can also try shielding your face with a washcloth or your hand when applying sprays or dry shampoo.
- Forehead/Nose
If you frequently get pimples around your T-zone area, stress and excess oil are the culprits. Lack of sleep and fatigue can also be the cause. Managing your stress, having enough sleep, and using facial products that help reduce oil can treat your recurring T-zone pimples.
- Cheeks
If you have recurring cheek acne, it might be caused by bacteria from dirty pillows, cellphones, or any object that your cheek comes in contact with. It would help if you wipe your smartphone before each use and change your pillowcases weekly.
- Chin/Jawline
If you get recurring pimples on your chin or jawline, hormonal imbalance is the culprit. Your menstrual cycle and diet affect your hormones. A dermatologist can help you assess which food items you must cut back from your diet to avoid getting pimples.
What You Can Do
If you currently have recurring pimples, you can help your skin heal by doing the following:
- Avoid touching, popping, or picking at your pimple since it can get infected or leave a scar. When you touch your face, you might transfer dirt and oil from your hands to your face.
- Wash your face twice per day to keep oil and dirt from building up and clogging your pores. Be careful not to wash your face more than twice a day because it can irritate the skin and worsen pimples.
- Apply a warm compress on your pimple so it will open, release the pus, and start to heal. Soak a washcloth in warm water and apply it over a pimple for around 10-15 minutes. You can do this multiple times a day until your pimple is gone. This method is effective for underground pimples or cysts.
- Try OTC pimple treatments like retinoids (made from Vitamin A), salicylic acid (helps clear mild acne), benzoyl peroxide (fights bacteria that causes pimples), and cortisone (helps reduce redness and inflammation). RENEW Get Clear Cleanser with Aloe is one of our most effective products for treating acne. This thoroughly cleanses acne prone skin with a special soap-free cleanser fortified with benzoyl peroxide and infused with aloe.
- If you need a stronger treatment, a dermatologist can give you prescription medication after a skin consultation.
How To Prevent Recurring Acne
Prevention is better than cure. Follow these tips to prevent acne and breakouts:
- After washing your face, pat it dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it because scrubbing can lead to acne.
- If possible, only use water-based and oil-free makeup because greasy products will only cause breakouts.
- Eat a healthy diet and observe if there’s a specific food item that triggers your breakouts so you can avoid consuming it.
- Keep your hair clean by washing it whenever it gets oily. Keeping it away from your forehead and face will also prevent breakouts.
- Change your sheets and pillowcases regularly, preferably weekly.
When You Should Be Concerned
Pimples eventually disappear on their own. However, it might be best to consult a dermatologist if your pimple:
- Painful and very large
- Doesn’t heal after at least six weeks of treatment
- Accompanied by signs of having an infection like vomiting, nausea, or fever.
- Signs of skin cancer
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you can book an appointment with Team Dermatology so you can get treated right away!
