Pimples Are on My Chin: Now What Can I Do?
Pimples are always popping up at the worst possible times (not that anytime is ideal for a breakout). It can feel overwhelming when you get a cluster of spots in one area, like your chin.
However, there are various ways you can cover up a breakout. You can also rely on at-home and professional treatments to clear up your skin. You don't have to sit idly by and wait for your skin to clear on its own. Sometimes you need to help your face along in the healing process.
We are going to go over what you can do about pimples on your chin. We will also go over some of the things that may be causing your breakouts.
What Causes Pimples on Your Chin
Chin breakouts are very common for many people. There are countless reasons why you may be getting a few unwelcome guests on your chin. However, there are a few leading causes that you can look into first.
Hormones
Hormones are one of the main culprits for pimples on the chin and jawline.
There is research to suggest this hormonal problem affects more women than men.
Certain hormones can increase your production of sebum, which is the oil meant to hydrate your skin naturally. However, if too much sebum is produced, it can clog your pores.
Hormonal acne is common in teenagers since hormone production increases during those years. However, your hormone levels can fluctuate into adulthood and cause pimples on your chin. These hormones can often change during monthly periods.
There are some women that can produce too much of the hormone androgen. It is most often found in men, but women usually produce a small amount. If your body is making too much of this hormone, it can result in a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause acne and increase hair growth, as well as other things.
Dead Skin Cells and Oil
In general, pimples occur when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Your dead skin cells are meant to rise to the surface and shed. However, if you have excess oil on your skin, the dead skin cells don't flake off as easily, and some stick around. These little clumps of cells and oil block your pores and then pimples form.
Bacteria
Everyone has at least some bacteria naturally living on their skin. However, sometimes this bacteria can become stuck in your pores and grow. Yikes!
When you have bacteria flourishing in your pores, you will typically experience red and inflamed acne. Your pimples can either look like a whitehead or cystic acne, depending on how much inflammation occurs.
How To Cover Your Pimples With Makeup
If you have pimples on your chin that you want to disappear, a quick solution is to cover them with makeup. While this isn't a permanent solution, makeup can give you the confidence to face whatever your day holds if your acne is getting you down.
Step 1: Prep your skin by washing your face, which will remove excess oil and dead skin cells. After you cleanse, apply a moisturizer to avoid dry skin.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of medium to full coverage liquid foundation. This type of foundation is easy to apply and offers excellent coverage. Consider using HIDE Premium Foundation, which is oil-free and won't clog your pores.
Step 3: After you've evened out your complexion with foundation, reach for a concealer. Apply the concealer using a damp makeup sponge by dabbing the product over your blemishes until you're happy with the coverage. HIDE Premium Concealer can cover anything thanks to the high level of pigmentation in the formula.
Step 4: Apply a translucent powder or setting spray to lock your makeup in place. The makeup on your chin can be prone to rubbing off as you eat and touch your face throughout the day. HIDE products are made to last all day, even without setting them.
At-Home Pimple Remedies
There are many options for at-home remedies to help clear your skin. You can try over-the-counter topical treatments or try to treat your skin from the inside with certain supplements.
Here are a few things you can try to get rid of your chin pimples.
Exfoliate
If you have clogged pores, you should try exfoliating your skin. There are mild scrubs you can use, or you can use over-the-counter chemical exfoliates, like salicylic acid. This chemical is a mild peeling agent that can clean out your pores by removing the surface of your skin that is shedding.
Benzoyl Peroxide
If your skin pimples are the result of bacteria, you may benefit from regularly using benzoyl peroxide. It's widely available and comes in gels, creams, and cleansers. Benzoyl peroxide can get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells living on your skin that are clogging your pores.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is a B-complex vitamin that can help people maintain healthy hair, skin, and eyes. The vitamin can lead to sebum breakdown in your oil glands, which can be helpful if your pimples are a result of too much oil production.
One study on pantothenic acid found that a daily oral dose of the supplement for 12 weeks showed a 67% reduction in blemishes. Vitamin B-5 supplements are water-soluble, and your body will flush out any excess making them safe to use even in higher doses.
While this supplement may not solve your skin issue completely, it can be helpful to use in addition to other treatments.
Professional Treatment Options for Pimples
There are also a number of professional treatment options available to treat your acne. If the at-home remedies aren't doing the trick, you may need stronger medication. You have to see a dermatologist or a skin specialist for a prescription for these skin treatments.
Retinol
Retinol is a topical treatment that prevents pimples from forming. It works by increasing cell turnover and unclogging your pores. You have to use it for eight to 12 weeks before you see results, and your skin may appear to be getting worse before it gets better.
Prescription-strength retinol works the best for people with moderate to severe acne. However, some over-the-counter retinoids may work if you only have mild breakouts.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics applied to the top of your skin or taken orally can fight acne-causing bacteria. They can also reduce the inflammation happening as a result of bacteria.
Topical antibiotics can penetrate your acne and kill the bacteria. If you take antibiotics orally, they will circulate through your body and into your sebaceous glands. As with any medication, there are some adverse side effects related to oral antibiotics. A dermatologist can advise you of the risks and what antibiotic would be best for you.
Birth Control
Contraceptives can offer dramatic results for women struggling with hormonal acne. They can counteract certain hormones, like testosterone, that may be causing your chin pimples. Keep in mind some women react negatively to birth control, and it may not be the best option for everyone.
In Summary
Breaking out on your chin can be discouraging, but thankfully there are steps you can take to hide, treat, and prevent it from occurring. You may have to try a few different options before you find the right combination that works for your skin.
In the meantime, HIDE premium products can cover your acne completely. Our foundations and concealers are lightweight and won't clog your pores!
Sources:
Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update | NCBI
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Healthline
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) for acne treatment | MD Acne
Pantothenic Acid - Consumer | NIH
Acne Treatment & Medication for Pimples, Blackheads, & Whiteheads | Web MD