No one likes having acne. Forehead acne can be particularly troublesome for some people, as it can be hard to hide. Pimples on your forehead are caused by the same thing that causes acne on any other part of your face: clogged pores.

If you are struggling with breakouts on your forehead, you’ll want to treat the pimples. An acne scar treatment is highly effective in minimizing the appearance of forehead acne. However, you’ll also want to look at ways to prevent more acne in the future.

Here are some things you will want to consider.

Skincare Routine

Since pimples are caused by oil, dirt and dead skin cells clogging your pores, the first step in preventing breakouts is to assess your skincare routine. You should wash your face twice a day or more if you do something that makes you sweat. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil from your skin.

Always wash any makeup off before going to bed and check that your makeup products are non-comedogenic. Regular exfoliation with a chemical exfoliant can help to keep your pores clog-free. And never skip the moisturizer. It may seem counterproductive, especially if you have oily skin. If you don’t moisturize, you’re telling your skin to produce more oil.

Hair Routine

Hair products like hairspray, gels, and mousses can contribute to forehead acne. They contain high amounts of oil, making them perfect for your hair but less than ideal for your skin. When styling your hair, try using the least amount of product possible.

Wipe off any excess product that gets onto your forehead when you are finished to ensure that it doesn’t sit on your skin all day. Wash your hair if it starts to get a little greasy.

If you have a naturally oily scalp or hair, washing your hair often will be vital in preventing oil from building up. Rinse the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly; any residue left behind can contribute to a build-up.

Hairstyle

Keeping your hair away from your face and forehead as much as possible will help reduce the chance of breakouts. Headbands, ponytails, and buns are stylish solutions.

Bangs can be particularly tricky, as they tend to contribute to the build-up of dirt, oil, and bacteria. If you’re set on keeping your bangs, you’ll need to be extra rigorous with your skincare routine.

Products to Avoid

Choosing the right kind of cleanser for your skin type is essential. If your skin is dry, avoid foaming cleansers or exfoliating cleansers. If your skin tends to be oily, stick to light, water-based products. Always avoid any products that contain alcohol.

If you are exfoliating, you must choose your product with care. Abrasive exfoliants like a gritty face scrub or a rough cleansing cloth can worsen things. The friction caused by over-exfoliation can cause skin irritation that can exacerbate breakouts rather than control them. You should avoid hair products made with cocoa butter, coconut oil, or anything oily or sticky.

Sleeping

The average person spends around one-third of their life in bed. So, it stands to reason that our bedding can play an important role in our skin’s health. It would be best if you regularly change your bedding, particularly your pillowcases.

Wear a headband while you sleep to keep your hair off your face. If you tend to sleep on your stomach or side, try changing your sleep position. Sleeping on your back will help minimize the contact between your skin and the sleeping surface.

Hats

Wearing tight hats, caps, or bandanas can cause breakouts as the headwear can harbour oils, dirt, and bacteria. Either choose a hat that can be washed between each use or skip the cap altogether.

If you participate in a sport that requires a helmet, like cycling, football, or hockey, try to take breaks to air out your skin. Letting your skin breathe periodically, and wiping away sweat, can help to reduce the likelihood of clogged pores leading to pimples.

Hands Off Your Face

Touching your face or forehead introduces dirt and other contaminants from your fingers onto your facial skin. This increases the chance that pimple-causing bacteria and inflammation will occur. When you do notice pimples, don’t pick at them or pop them. A popped pimple will likely take longer to heal, and you risk permanent scarring. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands first.

Acne is one of the most common skin complaints among teenagers and adults. Stress, hormones, and hygiene are typical triggers. Though pimples pose no severe risks, most people feel uncomfortable when they experience breakouts. Keeping forehead acne at bay may require you to change some habits, but as they say, prevention is always better than cure.