How to get rid of chin acne with your big day approaching

With the date of your wedding getting closer, the last thing that you need is a skin problem. Acne is no fun, especially if it pops up on greasy areas like the chin. If you see a couple of spots and chin pimples, you’ve probably got chin acne. 

While there are many reasons why breakouts mostly happen on the lower half of the face—stress, lifestyle, genetics, increased sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation, bacteria, and poor skin practices, there are ways to deal with the problem as well with your big day approaching.

Causes: Hormonal chin acne predominantly affects women over 25, often surfacing in the week before menstruation. Fungal acne, caused by yeast overgrowth, presents as small, red bumps. The emergence of acne from mask-wearing, known as "maskne," is attributed to altered skin biome due to trapped breath moisture. Additionally, "acne mechanica" may result from repeated friction and mechanical blockage.

Other reasons include the excessive production of oil or sebum can clog pores, leading to the formation of acne, having a poor skincare routine and the presence of certain bacteria on the skin which can contribute to the development of acne.

Here’s what you got to do

Do not pop it, scrub it, or touch it

It can be extremely tempting to pick and pop it, but do not do so as that can lead to more inflammation and scars. Furthermore, avoid scrubbing it or using exfoliating items like a facial scrub or loofahs. Do not touch your face as the bacteria on your fingers could worsen things. Too much of a good thing is always bad, which is why avoid over-exfoliating and using too many formulas. 

One might think that applying make-up on the face is a good way to hide the pimples. It is, certainly, but only if you remember to remove it properly using a remover and a cleanser. 

It really helps if you have a night skincare routine and consistently use sunscreen during the day. This not only treats the acne but also prevents new breakouts from forming. 

A simple way to treat chin acne is using antibiotics. One can use retinoids, or azelaic acid creams to deal with the problem. The bacteria-fighting properties in them help clear and unclog the pores as well as control the production of excess oil thereby reducing inflammation. If you’re thinking about using chemical exfoliants, salicylic acid is a safe bet as its ability to get deep into pores helps dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. The best part is that you can find it in any skincare product out there. For those with oily skin, opt for benzoyl peroxide, due to it being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Just don’t forget to moisturise if you’re using it. 

An easy formula to deal with chin acne requires you to exfoliate with a salicylic product one to two nights a week, using retinol at night and treating acne-prone areas with benzoyl peroxide in the morning after cleansing.

Use non-comedogenic products: Opt for non-comedogenic or oil-free skincare and makeup products to prevent clogged pores.

Treat with topical products: If over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, seek advice from a dermatologist who can recommend prescription-strength topical medications such as retinoids or alpha and beta hydroxy acids

It is also imperative to change your pillowcases frequently to avoid making it a breeding ground for bacteria and to get rid of chin acne sooner. Furthermore, stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.  

Manage stress: Stress can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to acne breakouts. Engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or seeking support from loved ones.

Another easy home remedy is wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and applying it over the skin. 

As far as food is concerned, it's important to stay well-hydrated, follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, and reduce processed food intake, including dairy products and sugar.

It’s best to deal with it right at the beginning. If you don’t, the untreated area is likely to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. If most of your breakouts are hormonal, they won’t go away with you not doing anything. So it’s best to visit a dermat with time running out. 

Treatment Recommendations: Depending on the severity and cause of the acne, your dermatologist can suggest treatment that can be a combination of oral medication, Topical retinol, Chemical peels, Medi-facials, LASERs and LED Light-based Procedures. Some of these treatments may take time as they require multiple sittings. So, to get an acne free face before your big day, consult your doctor well in advance.

Remember, your big day should be about joy, not worrying about blemishes. Address the root causes and adopt healthy habits to bid farewell to chin acne, welcoming a radiant glow on your special day.

Inputs by Karina Jalan, Skincare expert, Founder – Celesti Skin, Dr BL Jangid, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon at SkinQure Clinic in New Delhi's Saket, Ms. Kiran Bhatt, Cosmetologist and Vice President of Junoesque Clinic and Dr Niti Gaur, MD, Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology (Singapore, USA), Board Certified Dermatologist Founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon