Breakouts—they come and go, and unfortunately, sometimes the peskiest of pimples will last longer than others. Since there’s only so much a great concealer can do to mask blemishes, we’re getting to the root of acne causes with the help of Annie Tevelin, the founder of results-driven skincare brand, SkinOwl.
“Figuring out why we break out is one of the most frustrating things to navigate,” she says. “Many times, people question the skincare and makeup products they’re using, but overlook the messages our organs and hormones send us.”
It makes sense. With so many factors, like stress, weather, dehydration, and processed foods potentially contributing to our breakouts, it’s overwhelming to think that our whole life needs an overhaul in order to get to the bottom of our breakouts.
“But it’s important to have all the information so that we can go after our breakouts with knowledge and consistency,” Tevelin says. Below, she maps out the main causes of acne for different areas of the face.
External: “Excess makeup—such as brow pencil and concealer—that isn’t properly washed off at night can result in breakouts above the eyebrows,” Tevelin explains. “Additionally, acne can occur from waxing the brows, as this can inflame the skin.”
Internal: She adds that this area is a hotbed for hormonal flare-ups.
Hair products—like conditioner, hairspray, and hair dye—tend to be the most common external cause of forehead breakouts, according to Tevelin.
“Bladder and digestive system issues, such as dehydration and over-consumption of processed food, also trigger forehead acne,” she adds. “So do anxiety and nervous system irregularities, which can prompt a spike in cortisol. Insufficient sleep and poor diet are also culprits with forehead spots.”
“This area is heavy in oil glands and is the foundation of the T-zone,” Tevelin says. “An overproduction of sebum can set off eyebrow breakouts, as can hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menses, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).”
She adds: “Make sure to drink a lot of water if you find yourself breaking out in this area. The gallbladder is also linked to the eyebrows, so I’d recommend a deeper look if the acne persists.”
“Your ears and temples contain oil glands that are usually compromised by hair products and dirt, thus clogging pores and sebaceous glands. They are also prone to eczema breakouts,” Tevelin explains. “Clogged pores in the ear are usually blackheads, whiteheads, or milia.”
“Blame dirty pillowcases and cellphones, especially if you only see breakouts on one side of the face,” Tevelin says. “This is also where dirty makeup sponges and brushes leave their trail of terror.”
Internally, she says that the upper cheek area is linked to the lungs, and the lower cheek is linked to the mouth. “Gingivitis, smoking, halitosis, and bronchitis all show up on the cheeks,” she says.
Grab your emotional support water bottle and your sleepy girl mocktail, STAT. “Breakouts in this area are caused by a lack of sleep and water intake,” Tevelin says. “Keep an eye on an over-productive tear gland, rubbing your eyes, leftover makeup, and allergies. This is also where a lot of eye cream allergies show up, as well as food allergies.”
“Poor circulation, indigestion, and high blood pressure all show on the nose, either atop or close to the nostrils. Matters of the heart usually show themselves in these areas too, so keep an eye on blood pressure, blood flow, secondhand smoke, and stress,” Tevelin explains. “Also, spicy foods can show up on your nostrils!”
She adds that this area is already prone to blackheads and congestion, so it’s extra important to wash any makeup sponges and brushes that come in contact with your nose.
“Malabsorption of nutrients, overeating, and liver issues appear on the jawline,” Tevelin says. She says you may want to consider eliminating inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, caffeine, and sugar to combat jawline breakouts.
“Also, if you notice keloids—pimples you can’t pop—around the jawline, you could be experiencing an unusually high increase in estrogen,” she says.
“Chin breakouts correspond to the small and large intestine. If you’re not digesting a certain food properly, it can show up on the chin,” Tevelin says. “Keep an eye on alcohol and caffeine as well, as these can both lead to dehydration, another culprit of chin acne.”
“Breakouts here are often lined to the liver, (high) progesterone levels, and ovaries,” she says. “The neck can also be a hotbed for hyperpigmentation during pregnancy and sunlight exposure.”
Another potential culprit: “An inflammatory response to detergent, pillowcases, or animal allergies.”
Shop our acne collection:
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.
