We’ve all had breakouts but admittedly pimples on the chin and jawline can be especially annoying to deal with as you’re more inclined to touch those areas compared to other parts of your face like your nose or forehead.
But why exactly do they appear in such annoying places and how are you supposed to treat them? Are there products specially formulated to help you deal with pimples on your chin?
Today we’re here to tell you the meanings and causes behind pimples on the chin and give you our top pimple fighting products so you can try to get rid of those pesky zits.
The four types of pimples on the chin
1. Blackheads
Blackheads get their namesake due to them being small bumps with dark or black surfaces. They are considered a mild type of acne and form when a clog develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin.
2. Cystic pimples
Considered the most serious type of acne, it happens when cysts form deep beneath your skin. These pimples tend to not have pus on the surface and instead look like deep red bumps. While anyone can develop cystic pimples, it tends to occur in people with oily skin.
3. Nodules
Nodules are characterised by hard, painful acne lesions deep under the skin and may last weeks or months. They are more solid and do not have as much fluid or pus on the inside and therefore do not drain.
4. Pustules
When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule. They are small bumps on the skin that contain fluid or pus, often appearing as white bumps surrounded by red skin. They may be found in clusters on the same area of the body.
Pimples on the chin causes
Dead skin cells rise to the surface of your pores and can become clogged when you produce too much sebum, thereby blocking your pores. Natural bacteria on your skin tend to get trapped alongside and as the bacteria grows, they cause redness and inflammation.
However, pimples on certain areas of your face may have different causes. The most frequent cause of pimples on the chin and jawline is due to hormones, especially for women and teenagers.
Sebum production is affected by hormones called androgen, which may fluctuate with monthly periods. Some women may even produce more androgen than others.
Some researchers believe that gut health may affect pimples as it changes your hormone levels especially if you’re eating foods high in carbs or dairy.
Another cause of pimples on the chin is also ingrown hairs, which is more common among men who tend to shave. When a strand of hair grows back into your skin, it causes redness and inflammation and may develop a pustule and become itchy.
Face masks can also contribute to acne as sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells can build up more and trap humidity. Additionally, some mask materials may irritate the skin depending on your sensitivity.
How to prevent pimples on the chin
Maintain proper facial hygiene
The first step to treating your pimples is to clean your face. It is recommended to wash your face at most two times per day as cleansing too often can irritate acne.
Avoid using harsh products and scrubs as they can irritate your skin and therefore make the pimples worse. Instead, use gentle and simple cleansers.
Contrary to belief, popping your pimples is not recommended as it can not only cause more inflammation, but it can also lead to scarring. Squeezing or picking your pimples also frequently makes them worse.
Try changing your diet
A low-glycemic diet may lead to fewer pimples. High-glycemic foods include white bread, white rice, potatoes, doughnuts or other pastries, and sugary drinks such as sodas or milkshakes.
This is because high-glycemic foods cause blood sugar spikes which in turn causes inflammation throughout your body and cause more sebum production.
While dairy is low-glycemic, the theory is that dairy cows are treated with artificial hormones that affect their milk supply and could also affect your own hormones when you consume dairy products.
Consider the mask that you wear
Bacteria can build up over time in the face masks that you wear, so it is important to either change them out or wash them if you’re using a reusable mask.
It is also recommended to let your skin breathe and remove your mask for 15 minutes every four hours. Find a safe space for you to give your skin a break from the humidity under mask.
You should also use masks that are made of natural, soft fabric like cotton and avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon or rayon.
Use the right products
Ultimately it is recommended for you to start a basic skincare routine. But not every product may be suitable as some may contain too many oils that may end up clogging your pores even more.
Water-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic products are better for acne-prone skin. Try reading up on ingredients and pay attention to which ingredient may irritate your skin.
Ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acids have been proven to reduce acne.
While there are many products out there that specifically target acne, we’ll recommend you a few pimple products to help you defend against the ones on your chin.
Products for pimples on the chin
1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This pink clay-like lotion dries down like a clay mask upon application makes it perfect for an overnight treatment as it won’t stain your pillowcase.
Just apply a few dots of lotion to your blemishes for a spot treatment to help your pimples become smaller and less irritated overnight so you’ll have an easier time the next day.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion retails for RM95.
2. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
This water-free serum is a moderate strength formulation that is good for sensitive skin. There might be an increase in acne as the skin adjusts to the formula for the first few weeks but should prevent dead cells from clogging pores.
It will make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays so you will need to use this every other night and apply sunscreen in the daytime.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane retails for RM92.
3. Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
Acne patches are a godsend for pimples on the chin as we’re more likely to touch those areas compared to our forehead. Withstand the urge to pop those pimples with pimple patches.
These pimple patches by Cosrx are designed to absorb the pus from the pimple and make them smaller through the night, thereby reducing acne scarring and infection.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch retails for RM15.64.
4. Origins Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Formulated with salicylic acid, caffeine, and red algae, this spot treatment reduces redness while going deep into the skin to remove stubborn pimples.
The product leaves some residue so apply it to the pimples on the chin at night before bedtime to wake up to reduced swelling in the morning.
Origins Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel retails for RM90.
5. Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Breakout Clearing Gel
This spot treatment is non-greasy, helps to unclog the pores, and dry out acne. It is especially effective against breakouts that are just beginning to form but hasn’t reared its ugly head yet.
Apply this product to the affected area one to two times a day. For more sensitive skin, start with only a single application before increasing to two times a day.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Breakout Clearing Gel retails for RM175.
6. Ruruberry 2% BHA Solution
This Malaysian serum helps to exfoliate and remove build ups from deep within the skin to effectively reduce the development of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
To fight against the drying effects, there are also hydrolyzed soy protein, beta-glucan and Fucogel to help the skin to retain its moisture and shield against irritation. The product could help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups or breakouts.
Ruruberry 2% BHA Solution retails for RM43.
7. OXY Anti-Bacterial Acne Patch
These acne patches are on the thin side but still effective at absorbing oil and pus from the skin. It also comes with UV protection if you want to wear it during the day time.
Plus, they come with a pair of mini tweezers, so you don’t have to use your fingers to peel the patches, making it more hygienic overall.
OXY Anti-Bacterial Acne Patch retails for RM16.10.
Featured image credit: Cocomo and Medical News Today
