What Is Forehead Acne?
Forehead acne – the dreaded pimples (zits) that can appear aggressively on your forehead.
Forehead acne is really no different than any other acne, except for the fact that acne on your forehead tends to be much more visible than acne on any other part of your body.
For this reason, forehead acne is often the main target for acne medicine and cover-up.
What Are The Causes Of Acne on Forehead?
Acne on the forehead has similar causes, regardless of whereabouts on the body it might appear. Forehead acne is caused in much the same way as other types of acne, which can include some of the following catalysts:
- Clogged pores can result in acne. Pores clog when a person's skin produces an excess of oil. This can happen through malnutrition, through excessive hand contact in certain areas, or when the person is simply dirty.
- Hormonal issues, particularly those which are seen during puberty, can cause an explosion of acne. Other hormonal issues arise during menstrual cycles, when taking certain drugs like antidepressants, or at significant stages in life.
- Stress can cause outbreaks of acne on the forehead.
- Digestive problems can cause acne. An excess of greasy foods can lead to malnutrition, which in turn can cause acne. Malnutrition can also cause hormonal imbalances which will further aid to the problem of acne.
- Dandruff can stick to your skin and lead to acne problems by blocking pores or allowing bacteria to grow.
- Cosmetics like makeup and hairspray can cause acne. Certain products can cause allergic reactions in some, whereas other products – like blush and cover up – simply clog pores by filling the follicles with cosmetic goop.
- Popping other pimples can lead to the development of more acne. It's common practice to pop a pimple when it's ready to burst, but doing so is not always the best option. Popping pimples can lead to a spread of bacteria, causing, even more, flareups!
There are many causes for pimples to appear on your forehead. Understanding what causes your acne is crucial in figuring out how to get rid of it.
Do Home Remedies Work To Get Rid Of Acne On Forehead?
Home remedies are often validated only by anecdotal evidence, not thoroughly backed by scientific studies. Home remedies exist, however, because the anecdotal evidence is often positive – which means that, yes, home remedies do work to cure acne.
Home remedies are a subjective experience, so the same treatment that works for one person may not work for another.
Do-it-yourself home remedies are often harmless, though, so it doesn't hurt to experiment. There are a lot of home remedies to treat forehead acne:
1. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil has been studied for its beneficial effects on removing acne. There are several types of cedarwood oils. The most commonly studied variety for acne treatment is Cedrus Atlantica.(1)
All types of cedarwood contain cedrol and cedrene, which are compounds that have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
How To Use Cedarwood Essential Oil for Acne
A simple concoction of cedarwood oil mixed 50/50 with water can be applied to the face with a cotton ball. This prevents the skin from excreting as much oil and can stop acne breakouts.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works much the same way as cedar oil does – by stopping the production of oil on your skin.
Using apple cider vinegar excessively can cause dry skin or rashes, so limit your usage and make sure you dilute the product first.
How To Use
Mixing apple cider vinegar 50/50 with water and applying to the forehead on a cotton ball should be very effective at reducing acne.
3. Egg Whites
Egg whites can be used on their own, or as part of a concoction.
Egg whites absorb oil from the surface of the skin and prevent the skin from producing as much, effectively stopping oil-based acne from being created.
How To Use
Mix an egg white with a teaspoon of milk and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this to your forehead using a cosmetic brush, then wipe off with a cloth or a towel.
Using a whisked egg white by itself can also be effective if you don't have the other ingredients.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known antioxidant, delicious spice, and colorful additive for food. It can also be used to treat acne! Since turmeric is antibacterial, it can stop bacterial outbreaks of acne.(2)
How To Use
Mix a tablespoon of turmeric with enough milk to create a paste (about one and a half tablespoons.) Apply gently to your forehead.
The turmeric will kill any bacteria present on your forehead and the milk will moisturize the skin to prevent flaking or dryness.
5. Aloe Vera (lotion, oil, extract)
Aloe vera has been extensively studied as an agent for reducing skin conditions. It has a number of benefits as a natural topical agent.(3)
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial herb, and can be used to reduce symptoms of rashes, dermal fungi, and other skin irritations. Fortunately, it can also be used to heal acne!
How To Use
Make a solution that contains no more than ten percent aloe vera extract. A stronger extract could inhibit the plant's effects as a moisturizer.
Apply this solution to your forehead or any other area prone to acne and let sit – the aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties will reduce any symptoms of acne.
6. Cinnamon and honey
Cinnamon combined with honey has been a well-known home remedy for acne for years.
Certain types of honey must be combined with certain types of cinnamon for the maximum benefit. You will need raw honey and raw cinnamon – not commercial, food-grade varieties.
How To Use
Acquire some manuka honey – manuka honey is the most effective at reducing acne.
Manuka honey – also known as medicinal honey – has more antimicrobial effects than regular, food-grade honey.
Mix three tablespoons of this honey with one tablespoon of medicinal cinnamon. The most effective medicinal variety of cinnamon is known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. This strain has much more potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effects than the food-grade spice.
Microwave the mixture for thirty seconds. Ensuring that it's not too hot, apply a mask of the mixture to your face. Let sit for ten minutes, then rinse off.
7. Red Clover
Red clover has been included in several studies about the effects of botanical agents on acne.(4)
Red clover is a potent detoxification herb. It's an antioxidant, and its metabolites aid in the production of many essential nutrients – vitamins B, C, E, iron, choline, manganese, and calcium – to name a few.
How To Use
Red clover's ability to clear acne is mostly a result of its ability to detoxify the liver.
Several common types of acne are caused by an excess of toxins in the body. Red clover is a strong cleanser of the liver, allowing it to flush out toxins that can detrimentally affect the skin.
Red clover's ability to clear the liver can help with a lot of other skin problems, as well.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is often the first natural remedy suggested for curing forehead acne.
Tea tree oil has been studied as a natural remedy for acne with great results. Tea tree oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial. It's efficacy in eliminating forehead acne cannot be disputed.(5)
How To Use
Apply a few drops of 100% pure tea tree oil to a cotton ball.
Gently swab the oil over your face. Be sure not to use too much, as an excess of tea tree oil can actually dry your skin out. The oil will eliminate any bacteria and microbes that might be causing acne breakouts, as well as cleansing your pores.
9. Camphor
Camphor is a popular ingredient in many anti-acne creams and lotions available at the pharmacy. Camphor acts as an astringent, tightening your pores and keeping out unclean impurities and bacteria. It's also a powerful antioxidant, which can revitalize damaged or dry skin and remove acne in the process.
How To Use
You can opt to use natural camphor instead of the processed camphor used in acne products. There are a couple reputed methods for doing so.
1. Make a steam bath by boiling some water and letting the vapor soak into your skin. After moisturizing your skin this way, gently massage camphor oil onto the areas affected by acne.
2. Mix a teaspoon of pure camphor oil with a cup of almond oil. Apply this mixture gently to affected areas.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile has uses beyond simply being a relaxing tea to drink before bedtime! It can be used to prevent acne breakouts. It's an anti-inflammatory and can stop inflammation-based forehead acne in its tracks.
How To Use
The simplest way to use chamomile as a remedy for acne is to brew a cup of chamomile tea, soak a cotton ball in the tea, and then swab the affected areas.
Can Forehead Acne Be Cured With Home Remedies?
There are a lot of home remedies for forehead acne.
It's quite clear that they've been successful for a number of people – and there's no reason they can't be successful for you.
Before trying out expensive creams and lotions, you might want to consider trying these home remedies first!
