Acne on Your Temples

Overview

  • sweat
  • hormonal changes
  • hygiene habits

If you have severe acne on your temples, you should see a dermatologist to determine a skin care regimen that works for you.

If your acne is mild, you can often treat it at home by keeping the area clean and free of any substances that may cause future breakouts.

What is acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples. It occurs most often in those experiencing hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy.

The tiny holes in your skin are called pores. The pores lay on top of oil glands. The sebum produced by these glands travels to your pores from the oil glands through follicles.

Sometimes, dead skin, dirt, and sebum clog the follicle, leading to swelling or a clogged pore. When the pore starts to unclog itself, a pimple can form.

What causes acne on your temples?

Known causes of acne can include:

  • changes in hormone levels
  • certain medications such as corticosteroids
  • makeup
  • skin care products
  • sweating
  • genetics

Temple acne could be caused by wearing helmets, hats, or other headwear. Headwear can trap sweat close to your skin which can cause irritation and acne.

Certain hair products — especially those containing oil — can also trigger acne. Hair products that can cause acne include:

    gels
  • spray
  • relaxers
  • mousse
    • dyes

Look for products that are labeled oil-free, noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic.

How to treat temple acne

Recommended treatment for acne usually includes time and self-control. Touching acne can make it worse. There are oils and germs on your fingers which can contribute to infection or create more pimples on your temples.

If you regularly wear headwear or use hair or facial products, try to stop using them during the breakout. Wash your skin gently with warm water and a mild facial cleanser to remove excess oils, impurities, and dead skin cells, but don’t scrub or apply harsh pressure.

Don’t pick or attempt to pop your pimples. This can spread bacteria and, in some cases, cause scarring. You can try over the counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids.

If your acne doesn’t go away or gets worse, make an appointment to consult with your doctor or a dermatologist.

Other skin conditions

If you don’t think that the bumps or red marks on your face are acne, they could be signs of other skin conditions that can appear to be acne. Some of these include:

  • Keratosis pilaris. If the bumps on your skin are also accompanied by dry skin and feel unusually rough, you may have keratosis pilaris. This is a common skin condition and usually doesn’t require treatment.
  • Dermatitis. Dermatitis involves many small pimples that look like a rash. This typically occurs around the mouth, but can also develop around the eyes, spreading to the temple and forehead area. Have a dermatologist suggest treatment since the breakout can last a long time if left untreated.
  • Rosacea. If your acne is accompanied by general skin redness and your skin feels sensitive, you may have rosacea. Rosacea requires ongoing treatment to manage symptoms. If you think you have rosacea, you should see a dermatologist.

Takeaway

Temple acne is commonly caused by sweat, hormones, headwear, or hygiene habits. If the pimples on your temple are minor, a few lifestyle changes may help them clear up on their own in a couple weeks.

If you think that the bumps on your skin might be something other than acne, contact your doctor or dermatologist to examine your skin and make a diagnosis.

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