Jawline acne: What causes it and how to get rid of it?
Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist talks about the best ingredients to use for hormonal acne and gives you some tips on how to prevent it.
Covered in this article:
Causes of jawline acne | How to get a prescription? | Best treatment | How to prevent it? | FAQ
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What causes acne on the jawline?
According to Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist, jawline and chin acne, which typically presents as painful cysts or nodules that appear primarily along the lower part of the face, is often linked to hormonal causes. This pattern is typical because hormonal changes impact sebaceous glands located around the chin and jaw, increasing oil production.
This type of acne is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where hormone levels fluctuate significantly. These changes cause the skin’s oil glands to produce excess sebum, which can clog pores and create inflamed, deep cysts that may linger longer and resist healing.
Are there other causes of jawline acne?
According to Dr. Shende, there are other causes that may also contribute to jawline and chin acne.
- Stress: Stress increases certain hormones that can worsen acne breakouts.
- Diet: High dairy intake or a high consumption of sugar may also be linked to acne.
- Insulin resistance: Conditions like insulin resistance can raise levels of growth factors that boost oil production, potentially leading to more breakouts.
- Cosmetic products: Oil-based makeup or facial massages can block pores, leading to breakouts.
- Skin friction: Scrubbing with harsh soaps or frequent washing can irritate and inflame acne-prone skin.
- Folliculitis: secondary to shaving facial hair
- Irritation: from wearing a tight-collared shirt, helmet with chin strap and touching your chin often
- Medications: Drugs like antidepressants, Vitamin B complex, steroids, and anticonvulsants can increase acne risk1.
How to get a prescription for jaw line acne?
You can have a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist through Miiskin. Consultation price starts at $59 and medication renewals are only $39.
Best treatment for jawline acne
Dr. Shende says that treatment for acne in the jawline and chin typically target androgen activity that drive breakouts, particularly around the jawline and chin. Here are the most effective treatments she usually recommends.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A that increases cell turnover and prevents pore clogging. It is typically used alongside other hormonal treatments and is effective at treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Tretinoin also helps reduce acne scarring and reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation2.
Topical spironolactone
Topical spironolactone is a medication that targets androgen activity in the skin, helping reduce oil production and inflammatory acne. By blocking androgen receptors in sebaceous glands, topical spironolactone decreases excess sebum, which often contributes to hormonal acne, especially around the jawline and chin. Unlike oral spironolactone, the topical form minimizes systemic absorption, making it a suitable option for men and women. Topical spironolactone is often compounded with tretinoin as a customized formula and is available through providers like Skin Medicinals.
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that targets acne by reducing inflammation, preventing pore clogging, and, to some extent, inhibiting androgen-related activity in the skin. It’s often used to manage mild to moderate acne, including cases linked to hormonal changes. Azelaic acid works by reducing the production of keratin, a protein that can clog pores, and it also has antimicrobial properties that decrease the acne-causing bacteria C. acnes on the skin. Additionally, azelaic acid has the added benefit of helping to lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation, which can improve the overall appearance of skin after acne heals3.
Spironolactone
Oral spironolactone blocks androgen receptors, limiting the effect of male hormones on sebaceous glands. Spironolactone is particularly helpful for adult women with persistent hormonal acne. It is often used alongside other topical or oral treatments, as it specifically targets the hormonal component4. Oral spironolactone is not suitable for men or women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. Consult a board certified dermatologist to help determine if it’s the right treatment for you.
Oral contraceptives
Certain birth control pills, particularly combination pills containing estrogen and progestin, can help regulate hormones that lead to increased sebum production. These are commonly prescribed for women experiencing hormonal acne because they decrease the androgen impact on sebaceous glands, which reduces oil production and inflammation5.
Acne-Prone Skin Care
How to prevent acne in the jawline and chin?
Dr. Shende says that to help prevent acne on the jawline and chin, you can focus on lifestyle changes, skincare adjustments, and habits that minimize clogging of pores and inflammation. Here are some targeted approaches:
Maintain a consistent skincare routine
- Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, which can help prevent breakouts.
- Incorporate a mild exfoliant (like salicylic acid) once or twice a week to keep pores clear by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum
Shave carefully
- To avoid ingrown hairs and acne when shaving, start by prepping your skin with warm water to soften hair and open pores. Use a sharp, single-blade razor and shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it, to minimize irritation. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can push hair back into the skin. Rinse the razor frequently to keep it clean, and don’t shave over the same area multiple times. After shaving, apply a gentle, alcohol-free moisturizer or soothing product to keep the skin hydrated and calm, reducing the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs. Experiment with different types of razors, like electric and safety razors, to find the one that’s best for your skin.
Avoid frequent touching
- Avoid touching or resting your chin on your hands, as this can transfer oils and bacteria to the jawline area.
- Reduce the frequency of tight or occlusive wear, such as helmets, face masks, and chin straps, which can trap sweat and oils, leading to “mechanical acne”.
Manage diet and stress
- Reduce high-glycemic foods (sugars and refined carbs) and dairy, as they can influence insulin levels and oil production, which may aggravate hormonal acne.
- Regular exercise, mindfulness, and sufficient sleep can help reduce stress-related hormones (like cortisol) that contribute to jawline acne
Use sun protection
- Most acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun, therefore, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can help protect the skin.
Consult a dermatologist for persistent cases
If you have persistent jawline acne, especially painful nodules and cysts, it is best to seek a dermatologist as this type of acne can worsen if left untreated and can lead to acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. reatments such as chemical body peels and laser treatments to improve texture, reduce pigmentation, and promote smoother skin.
Hormonal Acne Treatment
Frequently asked questions about jawline acne
How to remove acne on the jawline?
Dr. Shende says that jawline acne is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance and does not respond to common acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. It requires long-term care and combination of prescription and over the counter medications such as oral and topical spironolactone, retinoids, and azelaic acid6. Consistent use of these products, combined with avoiding oily or occlusive skincare products, can help clear the skin over time. Consult a dermatologist to get adequate treatment and to avoid scarring.
Is jaw acne from stress?
Dr. Shende says that jawline acne is typically related to hormonal causes, but stress can exacerbate the problem as it triggers cortisol release, which can lead to increased oil production and inflammation in the skin, often aggravating acne, especially around the jawline and chin.
Can vitamin D cause acne?
Dr. Shende says that taking vitamin D supplements is not associated with acne as it even has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne. On the other hand, low levels of Vitamin D may be associated with acne7.
Can vitamin B12 cause acne?
Yes, Dr. Shende says that high doses of vitamin B12 may have been associated with acne flare-ups in some people, though this is very uncommon8. Vitamin B12 may alter skin bacteria, which in turn could trigger acne in certain individuals.
Can too much magnesium cause acne?
According to Dr. Shende, magnesium is not known to cause acne, and it’s often beneficial for the skin due to its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Excess magnesium is typically excreted by the body, so it’s not commonly linked to breakouts.
Can zinc help with acne?
Yes, Dr. Shende says that zinc can help with acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can reduce the severity of acne by calming inflammation and may help reduce oil production, making it a useful supplement or topical option for managing acne.
Does the sun help acne?
Dr. Shende says that sun exposure can temporarily improve acne by drying out the skin and reducing oil. However, long-term sun exposure can worsen acne and lead to photoaging and skin damage, so it’s essential to use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1712709/
https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj-2022-074349
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5925193/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3969667/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348293/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348293/
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