The forehead is part of what dermatologists refer to as the T-zone, which also includes the nose and chin.While acne can develop anywhere, it’s especially common on the face and shoulders. There are ways to get rid of forehead acne and prevent it in the future.

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Teenage girl with forehead acne

Causes

Forehead acne occurs because of the same underlying causes as elsewhere on the body. Common types of acne (also calledacne vulgaris) include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Painful cysts can develop if acne occurs deep in the skin.

Factors that increase the likelihood of acne and pimples developing include:

Is Forehead Acne a Stress Acne?The relationship between acne and stress hasn’t been well-studied, but one small study of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic found that stress (among other factors) was associated with an increase in acne, including forehead acne.

Is Forehead Acne a Stress Acne?

The relationship between acne and stress hasn’t been well-studied, but one small study of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic found that stress (among other factors) was associated with an increase in acne, including forehead acne.

Hormonal Acne

An increase in androgen levels is a frequent cause of acne.You may be experiencing hormonal acne breakouts if you notice more forehead acne during:

Hormonal acnemay also be related to specific conditions, such aspolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).It can also crop up when you start to take hormonal birth control.

Treatment

Forehead acne treatment options include home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as well as prescription medications.

Home remedies that can remove forehead pimples include:

There are many OTC acne relief products on the market, from topical creams and ointments to face wash and masks. Look for products that contain one or more of the following ingredients:

If your acne is persistent, severe, deep, or painful, you might need to see a healthcare provider. Your dermatologist may recommend one of the following prescription treatments:

Prevention

There are many self-care tips you can follow to prevent forehead acne from developing or getting worse. Take the following steps to protect and care for your skin:

Summary

Forehead acne has many potential causes, including pore-clogging hair products and skin irritation from hats or makeup. Stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications also can contribute to forehead acne.

Home remedies and OTC treatments can resolve many cases of mild to moderate acne. If your acne is affecting your overall well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to adermatologist. There are effective treatment options available even for severe cases of chronic (long-term) acne.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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