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What a derm says about breakouts on the jawline.

There are inflamed areas and lumps under the skin, and the texture is very bumpy.

woman

@tylauren/ Design by Dion Mills

I’d love to know which products, services, or treatments you’d recommend."

Meet the Experts

Alexis Granite, MD, is a U.K.-based consultant dermatologist specializing in general and cosmetic dermatology.

Read on for her explanation of why hormonal chin breakouts appear and what to do about them.

Oral contraceptives, aka. “birth control pills”

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These skin lesions are typically also seen in the areas you have mentionedthe lower face andneck."

For some, prescription medications are required to help pave the way for smoother skin.

The following treatment plan will help take care of breakouts on the jawline once and for all.

two women exercising

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Don’t pick.

As with any breakout, the best treatment for hormonal chin acne is to leave breakouts alone.

But if nothing drains easily, best just to leave the area alone."

woman picking at face in the mirror

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Try retinol.

While high-strength retinol products require a prescription, there are a handful of over-the-counter products that contain the ingredient.

Because they are so powerful, it’s best to ease into retinol use.

Differin Gel Acne Treatment

Also, note that retinol isn’t an overnight miracle-worker.

It clears skin and leads to cell turnover gradually, so results might take a while.

Reach for breakout-busting ingredients.

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser - how to take care of eyelash extensions

As for the best over-the-counter products, try looking for those with breakout-targeting ingredients.

See below for the ready-to-buy products Granite recommends.

This potion has a cult-like following, thanks to its ability to dry spots overnight.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Salicylic acid and vitamin B3 promise to diminish the appearance of blemishes and brighten skin tone.

In other words, it dries up breakouts without drying out your skin.

This acne care system includes a cleanser, toner, and spot treatment cream.

Kiehl’s Breakout Control Blemish Treatment Facial Lotion

Take an oral antibiotic or medication.

Antibiotics are ingested, circulating through the body and targeting the root cause of breakouts: the sebaceous glands.

Get a chemical peel.

Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Toner

If the above treatments don’t help, a trip to the medical spa may be in order.

Be warned, however, that they’re called peels for a reason.

Be sure to talk to your provider about how much down time you have before your first chemical peel.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

Wash your pillowcases (and other household items) more often.

If you haveacne-prone skin, anything that touches it can make the problem worse.

Wipe makeup brushes down once per day, if possible, with a more thorough soak once a week.

Wash your face twice per daybut don’t overdo it.

If you exercise or sweat regularly, it’s even more important.

That being said, over-washing can be problematic, as too much exfoliation may lead to inflammation.

Harsh scrubs might irritate and tear the skin, much like picking and should, therefore, be avoided.

Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.

2019;20(3):335-344. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-00417-3