Jawline acne? Take it on the ‘chin’ and try these treatments
Acne is one of the most common conditions that we see in our daily lives. However, lower face or jawline acne could be the most difficult to treat and is often prone to recurrence. Underlying hormonal imbalances are the most likely cause of jawline acne.
Dermatologist and venereologist Dr Agni Kumar Bose and Dr Kashish Kalra, MBBS, MD (Dermatology), help us understand the various causes behind jawline acne and various ways to cure it.
WHAT COULD CAUSE JAWLINE ACNE
Hormonal imbalance: As per Dr Bose, “This type of acne is more commonly seen in women than men. It’s usually a tell-tale sign of hormonal acne. This could be a premenstrual flare, Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), increased male hormones, or the use of oral contraceptive pills.” In the words of Dr Kalra, “Lower face acne is mainly attributed to hormonal disturbances and is a common sign of high levels of androgen hormone which can be due to PCOD, or certain drugs, some benign tumours of adrenal glands or genetic reasons.” Stress: When the flight or fight response of your body is activated, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and androgens. With high levels of such hormones, your skin’s natural oil production increases which can aggravate acne. Stress is the major cause of many skinrelated issues.
Dietary changes: Certain foods can trigger acne. Such foods include milk, whey protein, high GI foods, alcohol, inflammatory fats, and refined carbohydrates. These foods aggravate breakouts by producing hormones that can worsen acne.
LESS COMMON CAUSES OF SUCH ACNE
Folliculitis: It’s a bacterial infection of hair follicles due to the tendency of ingrown hair. Rosacea: It’s an inflammatory condition of the skin which stimulates acne.
HOW TO TREAT JAWLINE ACNE
Jawline acne should be dealt with by a qualified dermatologist only. Oral contraceptive pills or antiandrogen drugs: Dr Kalra asserts that a dermatologist will most likely use birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs to control the surge of lesions. Under no circumstances should these medicines be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Topical treatments: Additionally, your dermat might recommend topicals like salicylic acid, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, tretinoin, adapalene (Not to be used during pregnancy) or plain antibiotic creams.
Dr Bose suggests using just a peasized amount of actives over the pimples to avoid stinging and burning. She advises it to be applied only at night and be washed after 20 to 30 minutes for the first couple of days. Once the skin gets used to it, the contact time can be gradually increased to one or two hours and then overnight.
One should also use moisturisers and suncreens along with these.
LOWER FACE OR JAWLINE ACNE IS OFTEN PRONE TO RECURRENCE. UNDERLYING HORMONAL IMBALANCES ARE THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF IT