Acne can develop anywhere on your body, but it’s particularly common on the face, shoulders, chest, and back. The skin is made up of tiny glands below the surface known as sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum.
Pores on your skin can get blocked by too much sebum, dead skin cells, or bacteria. This results in the glands becoming inflamed, causing pimples to develop.
Acne can be in the form of pustules, papules, cysts, or nodules. Here, we go into detail about the different causes and the best home remedies to treat and prevent the condition.
Table of Contents:
- Forehead Acne Cause and Signs
- Hygiene
- Hormonal Changes and Puberty
- Touching Your Face Frequently
- Dandruff and Greasy Scalp
- Hair Products
- Clothing or Makeup Irritation
- Over-Exfoliation
- Digestive Problems
- Stress
- Medication
- Best Home Remedies for Forehead Acne
Forehead Acne Cause and Signs
Certain factors can cause an increase in the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. The sebum increases the likelihood of acne developing.
Hygiene
Not washing your hair and face regularly can lead to oily deposits on the forehead and blockages that cause acne.

Hormonal Changes and Puberty
Acne is particularly common in puberty because of significant fluctuations in hormone levels during this period. The forehead is usually the most common location for these early breakouts.
Touching Your Face Frequently
Picking on pimples and touching your face often can cause your fingers to deposit oil and bacteria onto your face. Popping your zits only causes the bacteria to spread and cause even more acne.
Dandruff and Greasy Scalp
Excess dandruff or oil on the scalp can clog skin pores, causing pimples and zits. Interestingly, this is one of the most common causes of forehead acne.
Hair Products
Some styling and straightening hair products such as gels, oils, and waxes are linked to breakouts of acne known as pomade acne. This is due to ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil, which can leave your skin extra oily.
Clothing or Makeup Irritation
Irritation from clothing or the chemicals in makeup can also result in forehead acne, especially if you have sensitive skin. Lanolin is a specific ingredient found in foundation creams that is known to cause facial acne.

Over-Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells to rejuvenate your skin and bring back your natural glow. However, overdoing it may result in acne and irritation. It is best to limit exfoliating to twice a week.
Digestive Problems
Studies have shown that gastrointestinal distress like constipation, abdominal bloating, and heartburn are associated with acne.
Stress
The body responds to stressful events by directing oxygen and blood flow to areas vital for fighting the stress and withdrawing from other sites, including the skin. As a result, the skin eventually becomes starved, dehydrated, dull, and prone to clogged pores and acne.
Medication
Certain types of medication such as steroids, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and lithium can cause acne as a side effect.
Best Home Remedies for Forehead Acne
As frustrating as acne can be, the good news is that it's easier to prevent and treat on the forehead than in other areas. We've got some great advice and remedies to deal with forehead acne.
Lemon
The most straightforward remedy for forehead acne is to apply some lime juice directly to the pimples and let it stay for 5 or so minutes. It might cause a slight burning sensation, but it effectively clears acne by reducing oiliness and acting as an astringent.
Tea Tree Oil
An age-old tradition, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of acne.
Homemade Face Masks
Combining aloe vera gel and tea tree oil in a mask can work wonders to reduce pimples on the forehead. Use 2-3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel mixed with 3-4 drops of tea tree oil.
Apply it to the affected area with a cotton pad and leave it on overnight. Rinse your face clean in the morning. Repeat every night till you see improvement.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV features antibacterial properties that can bring your acne under control. It can also maintain optimum skin pH levels.

Almond Powder, Gram Flour, and Turmeric
Blend equal quantities of almond powder and gram flour together with a little bit of turmeric. Create a paste by pouring water into this mix and applying it over the affected area. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
Black Pepper
Another ancient remedy for acne involves mixing some black pepper with water and applying it to the acne. This might sting a little, so you can add some yogurt or a few drops of rose water to help soothe your skin. Be careful to keep the mix away from your eyes.
Steam Treatment
Steam treatment should ideally be done by a professional. Facial steaming softens non-inflamed acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads, causing them to be easily removed.
Natural Face Washes
Chemical-free face washes can help maintain the natural balance of your skin, thereby reducing acne. The Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash from WOW provides a deep cleanse for brighter, balanced skin and comes with a built-in hypoallergenic silicone brush that gently exfoliates while removing impurities and blackheads.
Another face wash you can check out is the WOW Aloe Vera Face Wash. It provides a soft, gentle cleanse without agitating the skin or drying it out. Infused with essential nutrients like green tea, aloe vera, cucumber, and calendula extract, it washes away dirt and dead skin cells without disturbing its natural oils.
It is not unusual for people to have acne on the forehead, especially during puberty. Poor hygiene, stress, incompatible hair products and makeup, and skin irritation can all make your acne worse.
People with milder acne can often treat their symptoms at home with a variety of gels, soaps, and creams. It is also important to have a balanced diet and exercise regularly if you want clear, supple skin.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/forehead-acne
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322130#outlook
https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/your-guide-to-the-causes-and-remedies-for-forehead-acne-1641132
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