How to Treat Acne on the Forehead

The forehead is part of the T-zone on the face, stretching from the forehead down to the nose and chin. Positioned close to the hairline, an area that produces an excess of oil, the skin on the forehead can cause issues for some individuals. If you're dealing with forehead acne, here are some ways to help clear it up.

Apply Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide works by eliminating the bacteria that cause acne, making it an effective treatment for acne-prone skin when applied to affected areas. It also helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, unclogging pores.

• Look for over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, with concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%.
• Benzoyl peroxide can dry out the skin, causing a tingling, burning, or redness in the treated area. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for proper use.

Try using salicylic acid. In addition to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is found in other over-the-counter facial care products that can help treat acne on the forehead. These products typically contain salicylic acid concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5%.

• Possible side effects include skin irritation and a tingling sensation. Apply a small amount to your skin and wait for 3 days to see if any irritation occurs.
• Do not use for longer or in higher doses than recommended – follow your doctor's instructions or the label directions on the bottle.
• Salicylic acid is for external use only – avoid applying too close to the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Apply essential oils to the acne spots. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply essential oils directly to the acne spots on your forehead. Essential oils may irritate your skin, so be sure to dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 1 drop of a carrier oil like jojoba, olive, or coconut oil. Apply gently if you have sensitive skin. You may choose to rinse your face with warm water afterward or leave it as is. Some essential oils you can try include:

• Tea tree oil
• Oregano oil
• Peppermint oil or spearmint oil
• Thyme oil
• Calendula oil
• Rosemary oil
• Lavender oil
• Bergamot oil

Steam your face. The steam opens pores and helps expel impurities. This method is simple and cost-effective. Here’s how to steam your face:

• Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil until steam begins to rise.
• Pour the steaming water into a bowl and place it on the table. Lean over the bowl, keeping your face at least 30 cm away from the water. Be cautious to avoid burns from the steam.
• Cover your head with a towel and steam for 15 minutes. Pat your face dry when you're done.
• After steaming, you can exfoliate or apply a mask to help reduce excess oil.
• You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the steaming water.

Make an egg white mask. Egg whites help lighten scars, tighten, and balance the skin. When preparing egg whites, whisk them thoroughly to achieve a frothy consistency, similar to making meringue. You can add ingredients like lemon juice to brighten or honey for its antibacterial properties.

• Mix 3 egg whites and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until frothy and it forms peaks.
• Apply the mixture to your clean face using your clean hands. Avoid letting the mixture get into your mouth, nose, or eyes. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat your face dry.
• Remember to wash your hands after handling the egg whites.
• Apply moisturizer afterward.

Try using apple cider vinegar as a toner. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to your face. Apple cider vinegar is believed to help even out skin tone and reduce acne.

• Note that apple cider vinegar can irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the solution with more water at first.

Cut back on sugar. Start by avoiding sugary foods. Bacteria thrive on sugar, which is one of the main causes of acne. Additionally, some studies suggest that foods with a low glycemic index (GI) can reduce acne. Low-GI foods release sugar into the bloodstream more gradually. The lowest GI foods include:

• Whole grain cereals, natural muesli, rolled oats
• Whole wheat, whole rye bread, and whole wheat breads
• Most vegetables, except for beets, pumpkin, and yellow turnips
• Various nuts
• Most fruits, except watermelon and dates. Mangoes, papayas, pineapples, raisins, and figs are medium-GI fruits.
• Legumes
• Yogurt
• Cereals typically have a GI from low to medium. The lowest GI grains are brown rice, barley, and whole grain pasta.

Reduce dairy consumption. Studies have shown a small correlation between dairy consumption and acne. If you consume a lot of dairy and suffer from acne on your forehead, consider cutting down on dairy products in your diet.

Increase intake of vitamin A and D. Vitamin A boosts the immune system and serves as a natural antioxidant, while vitamin D enhances immunity, reduces inflammation, fights microorganisms, and lowers oil production. The best way to get these vitamins is through food.

• Vitamin A-rich foods include vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and other dark leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, red peppers, summer squash, fruits like cantaloupe, mangoes, and peaches, legumes, meats, liver, and fish.
• Vitamin D-rich foods include fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and cod liver oil, eggs, mushrooms, and oysters. Many foods are also fortified with vitamin D.
• You can also get vitamin D from sunlight, as it stimulates the body to produce vitamin D. Spend 10-20 minutes outdoors daily without sunscreen. If you have darker skin, you may need more time in the sun. For the rest of the day, be sure to follow sun safety practices such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and seeking shade as much as possible.
• Consider taking vitamin D3 supplements as well.

Eat foods high in omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help control molecules that produce oil. You can find omega-3s in various foods. Nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, and walnuts are excellent sources. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are also very effective, as well as fish oils. Avocados are also rich in omega-3s.

• You can also take omega-3 supplements.

Wash your face twice a day. To help prevent acne on your forehead and face, wash your face at least twice daily, especially after any activity that causes sweating. Excessive sweat can make acne worse.

• Avoid using abrasive materials to scrub your skin.
• Remember to wash your face gently. Use your fingertips to gently massage your face in circular motions.
• Don’t over-wash your face. You should limit face washing to no more than twice a day.

Exfoliate your skin. Once or twice a week, use an exfoliating product for your face. This will remove the outer layer of skin and open up pores. It also helps to eliminate dead skin and impurities that may clog pores.

• Be gentle when exfoliating to avoid irritation.

Avoid irritating products. Some products can irritate the skin and cause breakouts. If you have acne on your forehead, try to minimize makeup use as much as possible. Hair gel, styling mousse, and sunscreen can trigger acne on your forehead.

• The oils and chemicals in cosmetics, even those labeled “hypoallergenic,” can irritate and harm your skin.
• Make sure to remove makeup before going to bed.

Use a gentle facial cleanser. Opt for mild cleansers like Cetaphil, Olay, Neutrogena, or Aveeno.

• Look for cleansers labeled “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog pores), meaning they won’t cause blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Products like Neutrogena, Cetaphil, and Olay are good examples. You can also use products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. Many brands are formulated to be non-comedogenic. Be sure to check the labels.
• Avoid scrubbing your skin. Scrubbing can damage the skin, leaving scars or aggravating existing pimples. Acne can also worsen due to the spread of infection caused by excessive rubbing.

Moisturize with non-comedogenic oils. Some moisturizers can clog pores and lead to oil buildup. Try using non-comedogenic oils to hydrate your skin, such as:

• Almond Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Camphor
• Castor Oil
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Grape Seed Oil
• Hazelnut Oil
• Hemp Seed Oil
• Mineral Oil
• Olive Oil
• Peanut Oil
• Safflower Oil
• Sandalwood Seed Oil
• Sesame Oil

Shampoo your hair regularly. If you have acne on your forehead, it’s essential to wash your hair frequently. This is especially important if you have bangs or let your hair fall on your forehead, as it can transfer oil and impurities to your skin.

Try not to touch your forehead. Your hands may carry oil and dirt, which can clog pores. Avoid touching your forehead with your hands or fingers.

• Wash your hands regularly if you tend to touch your face. This will help reduce the amount of oil and dirt on your hands.

Avoid wearing hats. Hats that cover your forehead can lead to acne. Try to avoid wearing hats that rest on your forehead. If you must wear one, remember to wash it regularly to prevent oil and dirt from building up and transferring to your forehead.

Keep your pillowcases and bed sheets clean. Dirty pillowcases and bed sheets filled with oil can cause acne on your forehead. Since your face comes into contact with the pillow, your forehead also picks up dirt, oil, and other impurities while you sleep. Wash your pillowcases twice a week to prevent this from happening.