Tried Everything? Here’s How To Get Rid Of Forehead Acne For Real

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Forehead acne—ugh, why are they the worst? They’re those pesky little bumps that aren’t quite red enough to scream “acne,” but definitely aren’t letting you flaunt that flawless skin either.

You know the ones—hidden, yet undeniably there, making you question your skincare decisions and the universe itself. 😩

But fret not! In this post, we’re going to unpack why these sneaky bumps overstay their welcome and, more importantly, how to evict them from your forehead for good.

But first, Fungal Acne vs. Closed Comedones, what do you really have?

Tried Everything? Here’s How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne for Real

Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step to figuring out what treatment will work best for you!

Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, resulting in small, red, itchy bumps. Meanwhile, closed comedones are your typical “whiteheads” caused by clogged pores. They are your skin color, not painful and not itchy.

What Causes Forehead Acne? Let’s Break it Down!

Excess Oil Production: Your forehead can be a little oil factory, thanks to the sebaceous glands working overtime. This extra oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to those pesky bumps!
Hair Products: Hair products like hair gels or sprays can leave residues that seep onto your forehead, causing irritation and acne.
Touching and Picking: We all do it—sometimes without even realizing. Constantly touching your forehead transfers bacteria from your hands, which can trigger breakouts.
Stress: Stress doesn’t just mess with your mind; it also affects your skin! Increased stress can lead to hormone changes, triggering more oil production and, you guessed it, acne.
Diet: You are what you eat, as the saying goes. Consuming lots of sugar and dairy can exacerbate acne, so keep an eye on your diet if forehead acne is troubling you.
Dirty Pillowcases: How often do you change yours? Pillowcases can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria that rub off on your skin every night, potentially causing acne flare-ups.

Now, what will actually work to get rid of forehead acne?

1. Exfoliating Toner

Basically, toners with AHAs and BHAs are acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic. Not only does it clear away a day’s worth of grime, but also those pesky cells and excess oils that clog pores and make acne.

Of course, make sure you’re not over-exfoliating because it will make your skin even worse, so stick to doing it 2-3 times a week with a gentle exfoliator.

Some of the very best toners are

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels might sound intimidating, but they’re like pixie dust in a bottle! They work by removing the top layer of skin, thus promoting the growth of newer, clearer skin.

The trick? Start slow, especially if you’re a newbie. I have a whole guide on using chemical peels if you wanna check it out, but it basically just says to start once a week for 10 minutes only (and not a second more) and use the right products after.

If you use it for about 2-3 weeks regularly, I’m sure you’ll start seeing your forehead acne bidding adieu.

My favorite peels would be

When you start using chemical peels or any AHA/BHA product for that matter, a sunscreen in the morning becomes all the more important.

3. Use Retinol

This powerhouse ingredient accelerates cell turnover, which means it helps to shed the old skin cells faster, making way for fresh, new ones.

Start slow—maybe twice a week—lower concentration. If you think your skin might is sensitive enough to start purging (breaking out even more initially and then clearing skin for good), you can try “sandwiching” your retinol in 2 layers of moisturizers. It makes retinol less prone to purging and is still very effective.

I have many more tips about using retinol correctly (because this is one ingredient you don’t wanna mess with), so please check that out.

I absolutely love these retinols, cheap and best

Never use retinol or AHAs/BHAs in one skincare routine at one time. They are a disaster and will most definitely make irritation worse.

4. Clay Masks

If you’re more of DIYer kinda person or don’t wanna use harsh skincare products for your cute little forehead acne, clay mask is what god made in heaven.

I love a good Aztec Indian healing clay mask mixed with apple cider vinegar (find the recepie and do’s and don’ts here). This combo is perfect for drawing out impurities and excess oil that contribute to forehead acne.

I’ll give it 3-5 days to work its charm. Also, I won’t overdo it since it can be very drying and you know what happens with excessively dry skin? Yep, more breakouts!

Pro tip: don’t leave it on for too long—10 to 15 minutes is perfect, and always moisturize afterward!

Only clay mask I would ever suggest

5. Hydrate Without Oily Products

Ever avoided moisturizers thinking they’d make your acne worse? Surprise! Dehydrated skin may produce more oil to compensate, leading to breakouts.

The answer? Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without turning your forehead into an oil slick that may attract bacteria, fungus, and lots of closed comedones.

Hands down the best moisturizers

What more can you do to prevent forehead acne in the future?

1. Remove Makeup Before Bed

I cannot count the number of times I have crashed into bed without taking off my makeup and woken up with acne all over.

Cause leaving makeup on can and will most definitely clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

2. Avoid Wearing Tight Hats or Helmets

Love your caps and helmets? Well, your forehead might not! Tight hats and helmets can trap sweat and oil against your skin, creating a perfect playground for acne.

Try opting for looser headwear or give your forehead some breathing space whenever you can. If you must wear a helmet, consider wrapping a soft cloth around the band to absorb sweat.

3. Keep Your Skin Clean

Try to cleanse your forehead at least twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (probably with some AHA/BHA). Remember, scrubbing too hard isn’t going to solve anything; in fact, it might irritate your skin more. Go gentle, and be consistent!

4. Silk Pillowcases

Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t absorb moisture as much, meaning less of your skin’s natural oils are sucked away during sleep. Plus, it’s super smooth, reducing friction and irritation. Give it a try and see if it makes a difference!

5. Avoid Touching Your Forehead

Hands up if you touch your face without realizing it! 🙌 Our hands carry a lot of bacteria, and touching your forehead can transfer all that unwanted grime.

Try to be mindful of your habits—maybe even make it a game to see how long you can go without touching your face.

6. Watch Your Hair Products

Have you ever considered how your hair products might be affecting your skin? Some gels, sprays, and shampoos can trickle down and irritate your forehead, causing breakouts. Look for products that are non-comedogenic (which won’t clog pores) and try applying them while leaning forward to avoid contact with your skin.

7. Reduce High Glycemic Index Food

Okay, I know—pizza nights and sugary treats are life! However, foods high in the glycemic index can spike your insulin levels and contribute to acne. Balance is key here. Try swapping refined sugars and carbs with whole grains, fruits, and veggies.

Tried Everything? Here’s How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne for Real

But first, Fungal Acne vs. Closed Comedones, what do you really have?

What Causes Forehead Acne? Let’s Break it Down!