Pimples on the chin: why they appear and how to treat them

Most often acne pimples appear on the face, for example on the forehead, cheeks, nose, around the lips and on the chin. Acne is a common and natural factor in the lives of many young people and causes changes in the evenness of the skin, especially in the areas most affected by acne, such as the chin.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it has even been mentioned that acne is one of the clearest expressions of the body to highlight other problems that are more significant in some of its internal systems. Therefore, it is common to assign facial areas or different meanings of acne depending on their place of appearance.

However, acne on the chin can be a sign of concern that goes beyond the aesthetic and harmonious aspect of the complexion, and we must learn to distinguish them in order to find the most appropriate solution or identify other problems in the organism.

What is acne?

First of all, you should have a brief idea of the functioning of our skin and how acne develops: The skin is the largest organ of the body and accounts for 6% of the total body weight. Not only is it large, but it is also complex and made up of different layers and processes that allow it to maintain its own homeostasis (maintenance of balance)

Acne, on the other hand, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes clogged hair follicles, pimples and pustules, mostly on the face, neck, back and shoulders. When the sebaceous glands, which help eliminate old skin cells, keep the skin moist and prevent it from drying out, produce excess sebum, they clog the pores and promote the spread of bacteria on the skin, which then leads to the formation of a pimple. These bacteria cause inflammation of the skin and form what is known as acne.

It's also important to clarify that although some people are more prone to acne, anyone can have the characteristic skin inflammation, especially if you're going through puberty or periods of hormonal change.

Acne on the chin

Acne on the chin is not a problem that affects only teenagers, but also adults (adult acne), babies (infant acne) and even cats (feline acne). Acne on the chin can occur in both women and men, but is more common in teenagers and women than in any other group.

Causes of acne on the chin

According to scientifically proven facial mappingpimples on different parts of the face can be an expression of other problems. Research on acne in the jawline is primarily associated with hormonal problems, especially in women.

External factors include poor hygiene, bad habits (touching the chin with dirty hands) and even diet, as this type of acne is thought to be related to intestinal health.

Adults are more likely to develop acne due to a number of factors. These include an unhealthy lifestyle, physical and mental stress, and improper skin care (e.g., skin care that is too irritating and not tailored to the skin type).

In addition, the "skin renewal" cycle that regenerates the skin is disrupted and the "skin barrier function" that protects the skin from external stimuli by keeping the stratum corneum moist is reduced. This makes the skin unstable and prone to adult acne.

Why is the chin so prone to pimples?

There are few sweat glands around the chin, so it can dry out easily there. But because there are so many sebaceous glands, excessive sebum secretion occurs in an attempt to compensate for the lack of water in the skin. When this happens, the pores easily become clogged with sebum, so acne is more likely to occur here as well. Also, in areas where inflammation occurs and symptoms worsen, it is easy for acne to recur once it has developed.

The chin is also a part that is often touched with the fingers, for example to cover the mouth, to wear a scarf or a face mask, or out of an unconscious reflex when bored. For men, it is common to shave every day or every few days.

This is why germs can enter the skin through fingers, clothing, razors, etc., making it prone to inflammation and acne.

It is also characteristic that the area around the chin is difficult to protect from UV rays with a hat, cap or parasol. When exposed to UV rays, the skin becomes inflamed, dry, and the stratum corneum (the skin's photoprotective layer) thickens to protect the skin, making the pores more likely to clog.

How to tell if you have acne on your chin

Before you start or seek appropriate treatment for acne on the chin, you should make sure that the skin infections you observe are real acne, because in some cases it is not acne but a symptom of other skin diseases, such as:

• Ingrown hairs: These are more common in men than in women and are mainly due to shaving the beard. If the shaving method is incorrect or rough and the same razor blade is used several times, this can cause microscopic damage to the skin. This can lead to ingrown hairs, which appear as red blisters around the follicles along the chin and jawline, and in some cases cause pain and purulent inflammation.
• Rosacea: is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the skin is characterized by redness due to inflammation of the blood vessels.

It is important to mention when it is recommended to see a doctor or otherwise a trusted medical facility:

• Severe acne:If you notice severe inflammation and it worsens as purulent, yellow acne or begins to spread to the rest of your face.
• If you have itching or pain: Rosacea can flare up or be a sign of another skin condition.
• Your acne makes you feel insecure and embarrassed.
• Your acne causes scarring and pigmentation.
• If there is no relief even after prolonged use of routine or over-the-counter medications: Chronic and difficult-to-treat acne may be a symptom of another skin condition that has similar symptoms to the acne mentioned above. If you notice that your acne is not showing any favorable signs, it is advisable to see a dermatologist immediately.

Hormones associated with acne on the chin

Research has found a linkbetween complex hormonal processes and the appearance of acne. So avoiding pimples during a period as hormonally unstable as puberty is a somewhat complicated task.

The sexual hormones involved in the development of acne in brief:

In addition, we have pituitary hormones, which are produced in the brain pituitary gland:

• ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
• GH (growth hormone)
• LH (luteinizing hormone)
• Prolactin

This justifies the appearance of acne in adult women (during pregnancy, menopause or menstruation) and adolescents, mostly showing up on the face. Pimples on the chin are most likely caused by hormonal fluctuations and this is more noticeable in women. Therefore, it should not be surprising if pimples appear on days just before menstruation and disappear again at the end of the cycle.

A curious fact regarding insulin is that it may explain the controversial link between diet and acne, because foods with a high glycemic index provoke its release and this subsequently leads to an increase in androgen and sebum production.

Further causes for impurities in the chin area

Sometimes the appearance of comedones does not indicate a common hormonal disorder such as menstruation, sometimes they indicate disorders of sex hormones that lead to the development of other diseases. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia or major disorders of androgen secretion are only a small sample of the diseases related to acne and hormones.

There are several signs by which you can recognize a possible case of hormonal acne itself. Here are some of them:

• You're not a teenager, but you still have pimples on your chin: Hormonal acne tends to be more prevalent in women around the age of 20, as they are at their reproductive peak age when hormones are actively multiplying.
• Pimples occur exclusively around your chin and jawline.
• You get pimples only once a month:Hormonal acne can manifest as a cyclical pattern. This case affects women after menopause, as their estrogen and progesterone levels still fluctuate temporarily.
• You are exposed to stressful situations beyond your control: Cortisol is known as the primary stress hormone and can affect other hormones.

Other important signs you can recognize in severe and persistent acne that may be related to a hormonal system imbalance are:

• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women)
• Androgenic alopecia (permanent hair loss on the scalp leading to baldness)
• Seborrhea (excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands)
• Resistant acne
• Disordered menstruation
• Increased libido
• Cushingoid features (related to Cushing's syndrome)
• Clitoromegaly (hypertrophy of the clitoris)
• Voice changes
• Acanthosis nigricans (thickening of the skin with pigmentation)

Polycystic ovaries and hormonal changes in women are a very common cause of acne and require detailed gynecological and endocrinological treatment to find the specific cause of the problem and treat it in the most appropriate way.

How can I treat pimples on my chin?

Once you get past the process of self-inquiry, it's time to look into how to control those frequent little breakouts on your chin. Here are skincare methods that primarily aim to help reduce pimples and maintain the evenness of your complexion:

• Let your skin heal naturally:If you squeeze and further harm your pimples, your skin will take longer to heal, and you increase the risk of scarring from your nails or tweezers.
• Cosmetics can also promote the development of acne: Avoid heavy powders and greasy creams, and stick to non-comedogenic products or cosmetics. Also avoid products that are too irritating and especially cosmetics with fragrances of any kind, whether synthetic or natural. Natural fragrances often include essential oils. They work well in aromatherapy or as sprays for textiles, but not as skin care, as they are potentially irritating and can cause allergies in the long term. In addition, all fragrances react with UV light to form free radicals, which contribute to cell damage..
• UV protection: Use sunscreen to protect the skin barrier from ultraviolet rays. Fluid or gel-type sunscreens are best for oily skin types, as they are not as heavy on the skin..
• Sleep properly:If you tend to stay up late or are constantly sleep-deprived, chances are your hormones are out of whack.
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet three times a day is important to make your skin less prone to acne from the inside out.

Tips and habits that can help reduce the appearance of blackheads on the chin

Among the most important elements to consider when fighting acne on the chin are, for example, balancing hormones or diet. Healthy habits that help improve and prevent acne are immensely important. We have some tips:

Choose the right cosmetics that are mild and non-irritating, and make sure you have a clean skincare routine morning and night

1. Use gentle cleansers that cleanse your skin well, moisturize and do not dry it out. Don't wash your face too oftenbecause this can be counterproductive and damage your skin by damaging the skin's protective barrier, making it more easily inflamed. Do not use cleaning tools such as brushes or sponges, your hands are enough to clean your skin sufficiently with a cleanser..
2. Use mainly products that are classified as "non-comedogenic" or have a low comedogenic value. There are many oils that are non-comedogenic and keep your skin supple with essential fatty acids, protect it with antioxidants and regulate your sebum production. It is now known that high-quality oilsare a popular skincare component for acne-prone skin.
3. Always apply your skin care with clean and washed hands. Also, make sure you maintain good bed hygiene and change your pillowcase frequently. Also, a pillow spraycan help increase bed hygiene and efficiently contain bacteria and germs.

Proper and healthy sleep at night

1. Try to set a sleep schedule and stick to it every day. If you have trouble falling asleep, don't worry, it's a process that should develop slowly.
2. People tend to fall asleep when their body temperature drops. That's why it's a good idea to take a bath an hour or two before bedtime to keep you feeling fresh.
3. Do not eat or drink anything just before bedtime.
4. Do not use illuminated electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, as they emit light with short wavelengths, called blue light. This inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy and ready to sleep.
5. It is recommended that you change the lighting in your bedroom from the evening, relax with music and pleasant fragrances.

Avoid foods and drinks high in animal fats and sugars.

1. Remember that foods high in blood sugar (such as white bread) increase sebum production. You could supplement your diet with high-quality proteins that support healthy skin, as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber to prevent constipation. However, measured diets are a complex processand require professional help.
2. Be modest about alcohol. Not only does it contain a lot of sugar, but it can also cause insomnia.
3. Listen to your intuition and eat to the best of your knowledge. Make sure you eat a balanced dietand try to maintain balance. Indulge in small treats and make up for them with healthy meals.

Skin care

• Cleanse your face, neck, and possibly décolletage with a mild cleansing product. Rough or constant scrubbing can be counterproductive for your skin.
• Gently blot your skin with a towel to remove moisture, then apply a light skin care product.
• As mentioned earlier, the chin is an area that tends to dry out, so it should be moisturized and supplemented with emollient products. When it is well hydrated and moisturized, the stratum corneum becomes softer and pores are less likely to clog.

Extras

• It is important that you take steps to reduce your stress. Try to exercise, take time for yourself and relax to find a solution to your worries with a lightened mind and body. Remember that you and your well-being are the most important things in your life.
• Always choose clean clothes, blankets and towels. This helps both to keep your skin away from dirt and to promote your relaxation through the clean feeling.

Pimples on the chin: special products

If you've known us for a while, you know that our main goal at CRAFT & CARE is to help you achieve healthy skin that you feel good about. To do that, we'll provide you with the products you need and explain why they're one of your best allies in preventing the appearance of pimples:

• Pillow Spray:You can spray it regularly on your pillow before and after bedtime to reduce bacterial contamination and contribute to bed hygiene. It has an antimicrobial effect and thanks to the organic tea tree essential oil, it has a relaxing effect and can also be used as aromatherapy against anxiety and stress.
• Room & Linen Spray:The organic essential oils sweet orange and lavender, in the formula of the Room & Linen Spray, create a relaxing scent and help keep textile surfaces free of dust mites, bacteria and fungi.
• LIPID GLORY Hydrating Serum: has antimicrobial, refreshing and soothing properties. It has a great affinity for acne-prone skin or pimples. It absorbs quickly and leaves a pleasant, moisturizing and light sanitizing effect.
• LIPID GLORY Balancing Toner: Contains ingredients that are able to bind and retain water, which in turn provides intense hydration.
• LIPID GLORY Intensive Balm: Makes the skin soft, nourishes and protects it from environmental influences and provides extra moisture. If you use it together with other products in your daily routine, the finish of your complexion will be even better.

We also have a collection of oils that are classified as non-comedogenic, which can not only provide a smooth and nourished finish to your skin, but also prevent the appearance of blackheads:

Pimples may seem like a small problem, but for many they are more than that. At CRAFT & CARE we advocate a holistic approach, self-love, relaxation, a healthy diet and enough exercise.

Also a part of it is, a mild and effective skin care, as another important step on the way to a healthy skin to feel good. However, it is important to be grateful and patient with your skin, because it does great and shows us when something is not in balance.