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Acne between eyebrows: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

J Laasritha Naidu

5 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Understanding Acne Between Eyebrows

Acne between your eyebrows is a common but frustrating skin concern. It occurs when pores – the tiny openings in your skin that hair follicles grow from – become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, excess oil (sebum), and bacteria. This buildup triggers inflammation, leading to various types of acne between eyebrows, as described below:

What is Eyebrow Acne?

Acne between eyebrows isn’t just an aesthetic issue – it’s a common skin condition characterized by

Whiteheads and blackheads:

Whiteheads are small, closed bumps that appear white or skin-colored. They form when a pore gets clogged with dead skin cells and sebum (oil).

Blackheads on the other hand are also clogged pores, but they’re open at the surface. The trapped material oxidizes and turns dark, giving it a black appearance.

Pustules and papules:

Pustules are your classic “pimples.” They have a red base and a white or yellow tip filled with pus. They form when the clogged pore becomes inflamed and infected by bacteria.

Papules, on the other hand, are small, red bumps that feel tender or sore to the touch. These indicate inflammation within the clogged pore, but there isn’t a visible pus head yet.

Nodules and cysts

Nodules are larger, firm bumps that are embedded deeper in the skin. They are often painful and can form when inflammation in a pore extends far below the surface.

Cysts on the other hand are the most severe form of acne lesion. These are deep, pus-filled bumps that are very painful. Cysts can cause lasting scarring due to the level of inflammation and damage they cause to the skin.

Read: Forehead acne causes: treatment options by Dermatologists.

Causes of Acne Between Eyebrows

Understanding the root cause of your acne is key to effective treatment.

Here are the main culprits:

Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuating hormones, particularly androgens, can trigger excess oil (sebum) production, clogging pores.
Poor facial hygiene: Not washing your face regularly allows dirt, sweat, and bacteria to build up, leading to breakouts.
Use of certain hair products: Hair products (gels, pomades, sprays) can transfer to your skin, blocking pores around the eyebrows.
High glycemic index diet: Foods that spike blood sugar may worsen acne. High glycemic index foods are those that quickly break down into simple sugars, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
Stress: High-stress levels too can exacerbate existing acne
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to acne

How to Identify the Underlying Cause of Your Acne

While pinpointing the exact cause of acne can be tricky, here are some areas to examine to get a better understanding of what might be triggering those breakouts:

Understanding acne face maps:

Face mapping is rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. While there’s limited scientific evidence, the general idea is that specific areas on your face can reflect problems in different bodily systems. The space between your eyebrows is often linked to issues with the digestive system or hormonal fluctuations. It’s not a foolproof system, but it might point you in a helpful direction.

Identifying hormonal triggers:

Hormonal acne is very real! Pay attention to whether your breakouts get worse:

Around your period: Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can trigger excess oil production, leading to breakouts.
During times of stress: Stress hormones like cortisol can do the same thing.

Assessing skincare routine and hygiene practices:

Carefully consider:

Hygiene: Are you regularly washing your face, especially after workouts? Does sweat or hair get trapped against the skin between your eyebrows?
Products: Are any of your skincare, hair, or makeup items potentially clogging your pores? Look for words like “comedogenic” on labels, as these mean they tend to promote acne. Also, harsh or overly drying products can make the skin produce more oil, worsening the situation.

Treating Acne Between Eyebrows

Here are some effective skincare routine recommendations.

Wash twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser: Use a cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. This will remove dirt, excess oil, and bacteria without irritating your skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for an added acne-fighting boost.
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week (chemical exfoliants are often gentler): Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. For sensitive skin, start with a gentle chemical exfoliant like AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid).
Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer: Even oily, acne-prone skin needs hydration. A lightweight moisturizer will help prevent your skin from becoming overly dry, which can trigger excess oil production.

Scientifically Backed Ingredients

Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 can help control oil production and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient to soothe redness and irritation.
Azelaic acid: This ingredient unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and helps lighten marks left behind from old acne (hyperpigmentation).

Here are some anti-acne kits that you can try.

MFine anti-acne kit – oily skin

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MFine anti-acne kit – dry skin

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MFine anti-acne kit – sensitive skin

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MFine anti-acne kit – normal skin

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Learn more about MFine Derma Essentials.

Additional Considerations

Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes to prevent scarring.
Keep hair off your forehead, especially after workouts or if it tends to be oily.
Wash makeup brushes regularly.
If over-the-counter options don’t help, consider seeing a dermatologist for personalized prescription treatments (topical or oral medication).

Treating Stubborn or Cystic Acne

Consulting a dermatologist is crucial for treating stubborn or cystic acne. They can create a customized plan based on your specific needs. Here are some common treatment options:

Topical medications:

Retinoids: Unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria
Antibiotics: Fight inflammation and infection.

Oral medications:

Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation for more severe cases.
Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful prescription medication with strict regulations, but highly effective for severe acne.
Hormonal therapy (for women): Can help regulate hormones that trigger acne.

Procedures:

Chemical peels: Exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation.
Steroid injections: Shrink large, painful cysts quickly.
Light and laser therapy: Can help reduce inflammation and scarring.

Here are some important things to keep in mind.

Patience is key: Acne treatment takes time. It might take several weeks or months to see significant improvement.

Don’t self-medicate: Trying harsh, over-the-counter treatments without professional guidance can damage your skin.

Seek professional help: Over-the-counter treatments are usually not sufficient for stubborn or cystic acne. A dermatologist is your best resource.

Preventing Acne between Eyebrows

Some preventive measures include:

Maintaining proper facial hygiene: Wash your face twice daily, especially after sweating or wearing hats
Choosing suitable hair products: Use oil-free, non-comedogenic options. If breakouts occur, switch products.
Dietary considerations to prevent acne: Limit processed foods and high-glycemic options; focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
Stress management techniques: Relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga can be beneficial.

Genetics too might have a role to play in your acne breakouts

Sometimes acne seems to be a family trait. This isn’t because there’s a single “acne gene,” but your genes do influence how your skin and body work. For instance, your genetics can affect how well your immune system fights off the bacteria linked to acne breakouts. Additionally, some hormonal conditions that cause acne, like PCOS, tend to run in families

Conclusion

Managing eyebrow acne is often a multi-faceted journey. From good skincare habits to stress management, and even exploring potential dietary triggers, taking a holistic approach can lead to lasting improvements in your skin’s health. If stubborn breakouts persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from a dermatologist.

Consult a dermatologist now!