This article explains the causes and risk factors for jawline acne in more detail. It also discusses treatment opinions, when to contact a doctor, and more.
Your skin lubricates itself with naturally occurring oils from the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands channel these oils to the skin surface via the hair follicle pores.
Excess dirt, hair, and dead skin cells can clog these pores. Bacteria living on the skin surface may also grow into clogged pores, causing inflammation.
This can ultimately lead to pimples or acne forming.
Many factors can contribute to the appearance of acne on the chin and jawline, including:
- certain medications, such as steroids, lithium, and anticonvulsants
- exposure to excess sunlight
- endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome
- genetics
Other contributory factors include:
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and the use of birth control pills can cause hormonal changes. These changes can lead to acne formation.
- Shaving: Excessive shaving may irritate sensitive skin. Old or dirty razors may also introduce bacteria onto the skin surface and cause acne breakouts.
- Face beauty products: Oil-based face cosmetics may clog the pores and contribute to breakouts.
- Diet: Foods with a high glycemic index may make acne more severe. Examples of these foods include sugary drinks, starchy foods, and highly processed foods.
- Stress: Stress hormones may stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil. This may consequently cause acne flares.
Learn more about acne causes and risk factors.
How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial?
The National Health Service explains that acne may be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance if it occurs with certain symptoms. These symptoms include hirsutism or excessive body hair and irregular or light periods.
Acne that occurs during puberty may also be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance. This is because hormone levels change naturally during puberty.
Learn more about hormonal acne.
Jawline acne may present in different ways, including:
- whiteheads or closed white bumps
- blackheads or open black bumps
- papules or small, inflamed, pink bumps
- nodules or large, deep, painful solid lesions
Different skin types may show various acne types.
Learn more about the different types of acne pimples.
You may be able to treat jawline acne with home remedies. They include:
- applying cream containing tea tree oil
- using green tea extract
- washing the face regularly
If these remedies do not bring improvement, stronger treatment may be necessary. Your doctor may recommend:
- lasers, which use light to clean out pores
- chemical peels, which are a procedure that exfoliates the skin
- topical or oral antibiotics
- benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- topical or oral retinoids
- oral contraceptives
Your doctor may recommend oral isotretinoin for severe, extensive acne. They may also recommend spironolactone for people assigned female at birth.
Contact your doctor if your jawline acne is widespread, painful, or persistent. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and advise on treatment.
Visual inspection is often enough to diagnose jawline acne. Your doctor will carry out a physical examination and ask you questions about your symptoms.
Depending on any other symptoms you present, your doctor may order tests to rule out a medical condition that may be causing the acne. Your doctor can explain any tests they request and answer any questions you may have beforehand.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says that jawline acne may occur more frequently in people:
- having a family history of acne
- using corticosteroids and other hormone treatments
- experiencing adolescence
The following may also worsen acne, according to NIAMS:
- pressure from tight sports helmets
- environmental factors, such as pollution and high humidity
- excessively scrubbing the skin
- pimple squeezing or picking
You may be able to lower your chances of getting jawline acne. Steps you can take include avoiding:
- wearing tight sports helmets that might irritate your jawline
- getting exposure to excess sunlight
- using dirty or old razors
- applying irritants on sensitive skin
- popping a pimple
- touching your face with dirty hands
Using oil-free and noncomedogenic cosmetics and regularly washing to reduce oils and dirt on your skin can also decrease your chances of getting jawline acne.
Jawline acne occurs when excess dirt, hair, and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles of the jawline. Symptoms include closed white bumps, open black bumps, or large, solid lesions.
Many factors can contribute to jawline acne. They include hormonal changes, shaving, and genetics.
Doctors often diagnose the condition with a visual inspection. They may recommend creams containing aloe vera, tea tree oil, and topical or oral antibiotics. Other options are benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.
You can take some steps to reduce your risk of jawline acne. They include washing regularly and using oil-free face cosmetics.
Contact your doctor for advice if you have severe or persistent symptoms of jawline acne.
