Forehead acne is primarily caused by the blockage of pores due to excess oil (sebum) production, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The forehead, being part of the T-zone, tends to be oilier, which makes it more prone to clogged pores and breakouts
. Key causes of forehead acne include:
- Excess oil and clogged pores: Overproduction of sebum mixes with dead skin cells, blocking pores and leading to acne
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increase oil production, triggering acne
- Hair and skin products: Hair gels, oils, sprays, and some cosmetics can clog pores on the forehead, causing "pomade acne"
- Friction and sweat: Wearing helmets, hats, or headbands traps sweat and bacteria on the forehead, promoting breakouts
- Stress: Stress increases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates oil production and inflammation, worsening acne
- Diet: High-glycemic foods and diets rich in sugar and fat may contribute to acne, though the link is still being studied
- Genetics: A family history of acne can increase susceptibility due to inherited skin characteristics
Other factors like dandruff or fungal infections can also contribute to forehead bumps that resemble acne
. In summary, forehead acne results from a combination of excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal influences, lifestyle factors, and sometimes genetic predisposition
