How to Treat Hormonal Acne on Your Chin, According to Dermatologists

Hormonal acne, although it appears to crop up like clockwork, can also be sneaky, arising when you least expect it. While all types of acne can typically be treated with a regimented skincare routine, this type is driven by our bodies' hormones and can be trickier to treat. Fluctuations in hormones typically happen around your menstrual cycle, during perimenopause, or pregnancy, which aren't exactly the types of things you can control. They typically manifest on the lower half of your face, along your jawline and chin, and come and go quickly, but they can be challenging to navigate.

Thankfully, there are ways to treat and prevent hormonal acne. For starters, some acne suffers experience a reduction in breakouts by altering their diet and removing things that may trigger inflammation, such as milk and cheese. On a topical level, regular exfoliation is key in helping to keep pores clear. And in more severe cases, prescription creams or antibiotics may be necessary to combat your breakouts.

Below, three board-certified dermatologists and an esthetician share their tips and tricks for treating and preventing hormonal acne on your chin. From insights as simple as cleansing your skin regularly to more extreme measures, such as taking oral medication, find everything they have to say, below.

Meet the Expert

What Types of Acne Can You Get on Your Chin?

In the same way that there are several types of acne that you can experience on your face and body, the chin is no exception when it comes to breakout diversity. Here are all the types of acne that can appear on your chin:

• Blackheads: Enlarged or clogged pores, blackheads form when the pores get clogged with oil and debris, such as dead skin cells. This clogging may even cause the pores to expand and become more noticeable. This form of chin acne becomes black in color because contact with the air causes oxidation and darkening of the oils.
• Pustules: These form when there is a layer of skin covering an inflammatory pimple near the surface. Oil and dead skin cells combined with bacteria trigger an inflammatory response by the body, which leads to the pus collecting under the skin. 
• Cystic pimples: They're pimples that are deeper under the skin. You don’t generally see the pus coming to the surface. Instead, they often manifest as deep, painful red bumps.
• Nodules: Similar to cysts except they are more solid and don’t have as much fluid-filled pus inside. These don’t drain.

What Causes Chin Acne?

Before tackling your breakouts, it's important to understand what the root cause of your chin acne is– it will help you to come up with the best game plan for treatment. Here are the main reasons you may be experiencing acne on your chin:

• Hormones: Higher levels of testosterone trigger more oil production, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• Lack of exfoliation: Excess oils, impurities, and clogged pores can lead to breakouts, particularly if the skin isn’t being exfoliated well. Regular exfoliation can help minimize the appearance of blackheads.
• Bacteria: With pustules, there is more of an inflammatory component that comes from the presence of bacteria trapped within the skin.

How to Prevent Chin Acne:

Once you've figured out what's causing your breakouts you can tackle them. Here are a few popular ways to get rid of chin acne for good:

• Cleansing: One of the best ways to prevent chin acne is to wash your face at least twice a day, especially if you wear makeup or tend to work up a sweat when you work out.
• Avoiding dairy: Studies have shown that dairy can increase acne production . Avoiding milk, cheese, and yogurt may potentially decrease and prevent chin breakouts.
• Regularly exfoliating: In addition to cleansing, exfoliating regularly can help prevent chin acne. Exfoliating helps unclog pores, reducing the chances of acne forming in the first place.
  

Treatment for Chin Acne