Pesky Forehead Bumps...UGH

A lot of people come to me and say, 'I have these pesky forehead acne like bumps. They don't come to a head, but what are they? What can I do to get rid of them?' While everyone is different those pimple like bumps can be caused by something simple or a little bit more complex...so let's see if we can't help you.

Those tiny bumps along hairline, the upper part of your forehead, or both and sometimes even along the back of your neck may resemble the look of whiteheads, or other bumps you may feel but not see. These could actually be a cause of residue from hair care products, make up, pillow cases, caps, hats, headbands, visors, chemicals, bangs, chemical dry shampoo, etc. The 'acne' caused from make-up, chemical products, etc even has a medical term... acne cosmetica. This literally means acne caused by products we apply to our skin or hair. Ya, but Anna, I use the shampoo bar and nothing else. Fair enough...and even if you don't use the shampoo bar, this will still apply! Our shampoo however is pH balanced for your scalp, but not necessarily for your face. So when you're washing your hair, you want to make sure you tilt your head back and allow for the soap to run down the back of your head, vs letting it run down your face. It's ok, no one is perfect....so, if it does run down your face, just make sure to rinse your face & make sure all residue is off your forehead/hairline. When hair care products are the culprit, you’ll likely get whiteheads and tiny flesh-colored bumps called “papules.” These can appear along your hairline, forehead, or the back of your neck. Make sure also, when you get out of the shower, follow with a toner all over your face & then focus on your hairline to help remove those extra oils/residue/etc. Ya, but Anna, I only use your skincare line. Ok, no worries, this is why I have the comedogenic rating on our facial moisturizers as you want something that is going to be 0-2 at most for non pore clogging! If it's any higher, it doesn't mean that you will automatically have issues....This is why we also state what oil or product is good for what skin type. Skin type makes a difference as well as the comedogenic rating! So when you're moisturizing, avoid the area all together or add a very small amount of moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, time of year, environmental surroundings, etc you may want to only moisturize at night! Now, while forehead pimples can be caused by many things, if you're NOT currently using the shampoo bar, you may have a higher risk for forehead pimples. Check your hair products for pore-clogging ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Another possible cause of forehead bumps is pityrosporum, a type of fungus. Pityrosporum (aka malassezia) is a regular guest on our skin, but too much can be related to seborrheic dermatitis (i.e., dandruff). Dandruff, FYI, can happen on your face as well as your scalp. BREAKOUTS IN GENERAL HAPPENING IN THE SAME SPOT! There are a few possible reasons you’d get pimples in the same place over and over again. Acne can come back in the same spot from certain behaviors, such as sitting chin-in-hand while reading or working on your computer, touching your phone to your face when you’re talking on the phone, or putting certain makeup or products on the same area on a regular basis. If you have a habit of picking or squeezing your zits, that will also cause recurring breakouts in that area, because the pimple won’t heal properly and may spread into the surrounding area. Often, a pimple recurs in the exact same spot because there is still inflammation deeper in the skin, which makes the spot vulnerable to the usual acne influences (i.e., hormones, stress, diet, local irritants, etc.). Never forget that stress, hormones, diet, environmental factors can play a HUGE role!

HOW CAN I TREAT FOREHEAD ACNE/BUMPS? - Rinse thoroughly in the shower to make sure you've gotten all residue off of your face/forehead from whatever shampoo you are using. - Follow with toner after your shower. - Not using the shampoo bar? Check for sulfates & silicones that can block pores. - Avoid touching your forehead. - Avoid using hair care products around the hairline like pomade, waxes, sprays & conditioners, chemical dry shampoo, etc. - Change pillow cases & sheets more frequently. - For facial moisturizers, use less or none at all near the hairline. - Clean thoroughly or more often throughout the day, around your hairline. WHAT PRODUCTS CAN HELP? - If using a chemical shampoo, try using something without sulfates or silicones. Or the shampoo bar is always an option. We suggest this one for winter months or for dry/itchy/flaky scalps - click here. - A true toner comes without alcohol and cleanses the face, but protects the good oils and removes the bad from skin. We have 3 to choose from, make sure to read which is better for what skin type before choosing - click here. - We have a healing moisturizer called Derma. It helps to repair, heal and fight bacteria. You can find that here. If you're using this, remember to use a dab or less, and during warmer months, you may want to use before bed only as it's a creamy moisturizer. - Want a lighter option for moisturizer? Our Blue Lotus is amazing for helping with acne & helps to lighten & brighten. This too goes a long way, but it's very light. Add B5 & Bakuchi oil to aid even more! Click here. - Cell turnover, getting rid of dead skin & unclogging pores may help as well. You can do that with a polish if it's clogged pores (if it's true acne, do not use a polish as it may spread the bacteria). Find the polishes here. - Believe there may be bacteria and true acne so you can't use a polish? Try out spot treatment to help kill the bacteria. Please make sure to read all ingredients under the directions tab as our Anti-Acne spot treatment is very potent and contains a lot of eos which may not be safe for pregnant/nursing mamas or those with medical conditions or on medications. Click here. Remember, click the directions tab for more on the anti-acne toner. - Rather pull out the nasty? We have a few options. Blackhead buster (contains eggshells), click here. Powdered Facial Masks, click here. Charcoal Facial Mask, click here (not good for all skin types)

HOW LONG DOES IT TEND TO LAST? Every person is different, however forehead bumps/acne is a little stubborn. So, you should start seeing clearing within 6 weeks. If you feel it's been longer, feel there's another issue, or want more answers, it's recommended that you see/consult your doctor.