This is why you get spots on your jawline - and how to deal with breakouts
Do you typically have a clear forehead and T-zone but deal with an army of acne on your jawline? Know that you are not alone. According to a study by the NHS, 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent – and much of those blemishes often occur around your neck, chin and jawline.
Experiencing spots and blemishes on your neck, jawline and chin is a super common occurrence, thanks to things like changes to your hormone levels due to your menstrual cycle, as well as heightened stress levels.
What do spots on your jawline mean?
According to skincare expert Renee Rouleau, the chin and jawline area is the most common place to get acne—especially in women over the age of 20. As your hormones fluctuate and skincare habits slip, bacteria grows and breakouts happen. The worst part is that blemishes in this place can be extremely hard to get rid of.
What about cystic acne on your jawline?
'Since chin and jawline breakouts tend to be cystic (bigger blemishes deep under the skin), spot treatments can often dry out the surface but still leave you with a bump underneath. Also, since they are large and severe, they can last for 1-2 weeks and leave behind red, dark scars, which linger even longer,' says Rouleau.
Face framed by chin acne? Read on to find out what causes jawline acne and how to clear up your complexion for good.
What causes acne on your jawline?
1. Changing hormones
Jawline breakouts and spots on your neck usually happen around the time of your period. 'Just before the start of a woman’s cycle, there is more progesterone in the skin causing water retention, which results in the skin appearing more puffy. When this occurs, it puts pressure on the pores and creates a narrower pore lining. Additionally, oil can get thicker because of the imbalance of hormones and increase of testosterone during the pre-period hormonal shift,' explains Rouleau.
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2. Your habits
Certain habits can also aggravate jawline acne too, like resting on your hand which transfers dirt and germs from your hand to your face.
The warmth of your hands doesn’t help either and instead provides the ideal environment for bacterial growth. The same goes for mechanical stress on the skin. If you wear a helmet with straps that are too tight, or poorly fitted dental appliances, you can aggravate your skin, leading to cystic acne.
3. Your make-up
'Those with acne-prone skin, myself included, need to be careful about the types of base makeup and foundation they use as we don’t want to cause further issues with our skin,' explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of Self London Clinic.
'Look for products labelled as non-comedogenic as these are less likely to clog your pores. Light, mattifying formulas are also likely to be better for acne-prone skin, as opposed to foundations or base make-up that is very thick and creamy. Opting for a mineral-based foundation containing zinc, silica or titanium can also be very useful as they help absorb excess oil, as well as helping to camouflage redness,' she adds.
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4. The menopause
'Acne breakouts can occur as one approaches the menopause due to hormonal fluctuations during this period. Overall, falling levels of oestrogen lead to a relatively high ratio of androgen hormones to oestrogen which can drive acne. Managing acne during the menopause requires the same general measures as acne during other times of life, e.g. puberty. The main difference is being aware that the skin may also be dry and sensitive so using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers can help alongside active treatments,' explains Dr Mahto.
Can stress cause spots on jawline?
Yes, stress can cause spots on your jawline. How? 'The stress hormones [including cortisol] cause the release of chemicals which increase blood flow to the skin. This can trigger both rashes and redness, while the same hormones can lead to breakouts,' Dr Stephanie Munn, Clinical Lead for Dermatology, Bupa Health Clinics, previously explained to WH.
But that's not all, kids. 'Stress alters our immune responses, which can trigger some skin conditions,' (think rosacea and eczema).
How to prevent spots on your jaw
1. Use the right skin routine
Keep in mind that it’s easy to overlook your jawline when washing your face, so make sure you pay it special attention. Wear something that leaves your shoulders bare when you wash your face, so you’re not concerned about getting your top wet. You’d be surprised at how often you neglect your jawline and neck for this very reason.
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Use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, which will help to break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, and instead of washing your face first, start with your neck. You’re less likely to forget washing your face, so start with the area that’s often neglected. With circular motions, move up your neck, along your jawline and finish with your face.
2. Don't pop your spots
We know you’ve heard it before, and it's likely that you've gone against it and succumbed to the temptation of busting a few zits. However, whiteheads are completely different to the cystic spots you get on your jawline.
A whitehead will have pus in the centre that can normally be drawn out with a warm compress, however a cyst won’t have a ‘head’ and manifests into a painful red bump. These should never be popped — well, attempted to be popped, because you actually can’t pop them. And if you try it can become infected, which can spread the infection. Even if you do manage to get the pus out from inside, if the sac is left underneath the skin, it can grow back.
Unfortunately, because it’s under the skin, regular spot fighting creams might not work. If you find that's the case, gently exfoliate the area with a salicylic wash to get rid of the dead skin cells, then eliminate bacteria trapped within the follicle with benzoyl peroxide. It won’t get rid of them immediately, but it will get rid of them safely.
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3. Be wary of sweaty helmets
If you’re a cyclist and wear a helmet with straps that fit over your jaw, take off your head gear from time to time and make sure you shower as soon as possible after using headgear to help minimise acne.
4. Think about what you eat
Straight up, there is no single diet that is conducive to clear skin. Your propensity to spots is largely a mix of your hormones, genetics and stress levels. However, Dr Mahto adds that there is 'emerging data suggests that high glycaemic index diets may have a role to play in how acne develops. There is also limited evidence that some dairy (in particular skimmed milk) may also have some influence.' Other than that, loading up on the below health-boosting foods could pay dividends for your skin.
Leafy greens
These foods are rich in chlorophyll, as well as vitamins and minerals which promote healthy skin.
spinach
broccoli
kale
Foods rich in zinc
Zinc is known to reduce acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammatory response to bacteria, reduces keratinocyte activation (cells that produce keratin, a tough protein that binds skin cells together) and is a powerful antioxidant, protecting your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution.
shellfish
chicken
sunflower and pumpkin seeds
nuts
pulses
Foods rich in Beta carotene
Beta carotene is one of two forms of vitamin A found in your diet and when needed, your body converts it to retinol, which helps keep collagen levels in skin cells balanced, promoting healthy cell growth.
yellow-orange fruits and vegetables such as
carrots
apricots
mango
Probiotics
According to a 2011 study, intestinal microflora may affect inflammation throughout the body, which in turn, can affect acne breakouts. Since pre and probiotics can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, scientists believe they may help reduce acne breakouts.
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Symprove is a unique, water-based food supplement that contains four strains of live and active bacteria which are delivered to the gut to support the microbiome. Once these bacteria reach your gut, they can thrive and multiply, helping to feed the good bacteria in the microbiome. In as little as four weeks, changes in your skin can be seen – with improvements to bloating, energy levels and immunity seen after 12 weeks.
How to treat jawline acne
1. Book in for a treatment
If you're at your wits end with acne on your jawline, then seeing a dermatologist is a good way forward. They can assess your skin and offer in-clinic treatments that work quickly. Options vary from laser treatments, prescription retinoids to chemical peels.
Don't have the time to book in for a face to face? Try an online consultation service via Get Harley, Skin+Me or or Dermatica. They'll tailor a routine for your skin after an indepth digital consultation.
6. Try an at-home device
Various LED light devices are thought to help fight the bacteria that causes acne in the first place. Blue light works best on that are composed of whiteheads and blackheads, while breakouts that consist of papules and pustules may fare better from red light therapy, as they can offer anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing effects. Most offer both settings in one tool.
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Technology
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Especially formulated by dermatologists for skin on the face and body, this gel cleanser is enriched with salicylic acid- to gently exfoliate the skin as it cleanses. It's brilliant for resurfacing rough areas, without being too harsh or stripping on the skin.
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These handy little (100% cotton and biodegradable) pads are infused with fruit enzymes and azelaic acid to help unclog blocked pores and minimise shine. Use every morning to gently cleanse away any oil build-up that's accumulated overnight.
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These unique patches are designed to stop cystic spots in their tracks, by penetrating the skin using ultra-fine microdarts. Containing a blend of hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, antimicrobial oligopeptide-76 and sodium hydroxide; the ingredients are able to penetrate the skin deeper than 'spot-on' treatments, shrinking spots before they get chance to develop.
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If you are a fan of sulphur-based blemish treatments then this is one of the best. Use as soon as you feel the spot develop to shrink and dehydrate the blemish from above. You might still feel the bump of deeper, under-the-skin spots - but this will help you cover the blemish and stop it looking angry on the surface.
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