Ask the NYC Acne Expert: Why Do We Tend to Break Out in the Same Spot?
According to NYC acne expert Dr. Eric Schweiger, there are a few reasons why we tend to break out in the same spot over and over. He notes that, “Different areas of your face and body develop acne for different reasons. For example, some people find that they only break out on their forehead, which may be a result of having bangs that hang over their forehead or wearing a helmet during sports.”
Here are a few reasons for why we tend to break out in the same spot repeatedly:
- As Dr. Schweiger mentioned previously, having bangs that cover your forehead can deposit excess oil onto the skin, which clogs up your pores. It is important for people with bangs to wash with a salicylic acid cleanser, to clean out their pores, and to pin their bangs back off of their face while exercising.
- Acne mechanica is a condition that results in the development of acne from rubbing. This can result from rubbing of exercise clothes on the back or a football helmet on the forehead and chin.
- Hormonal acne, often seen in 20-40 year old women, typically presents along the chin and jawline. Oral contraceptive pills and an oral anti-androgen medication may be helpful in treating this type of acne.
- Popping pimples can result in the formation of future acne at the exact same site. When you pick at your skin, it causes inflammation of the skin, which can attract the acne-causing bacteria to congregate in this area and cause future breakouts.
