Our foreheads are prone to a form of acne called comedonal acne, dermatologist Brian Hibler tells Elite Daily. “This results from pores clogged with oil, dirt, or dead skin cells, and manifests as small bumps and blackheads,” he says. According to Dr. Hibler, the best products for forehead acne contain a topical retinoid such as adapalene or ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (an antibacterial) or salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that clears pores. Be sure to choose products that are non-comedogenic (meaning products made without ingredients that can clog your pores) and don’t neglect moisturizing morning and night, which Dr. Hibler says can help. to regulate oil production.
Dr. Hibler says that in general, the root causes of acne, such as clogged pores and excess oil production, are the same on your forehead as on other parts of your face, but if you are only break out on your forehead and nowhere else, it is possible that other factors are causing your breakouts. Styling products like gels or oils can clog your pores, and wearing a sweaty hat or headband can also lead to breakouts. After applying your hair care products, Dr. Hibler suggests gently wiping your forehead to remove any residual product and, if possible, tying your hair back to prevent the bangs from falling onto your forehead.
With these tips in mind, keep scrolling to shop for the products you’ll need to keep forehead acne at bay.
1. Best Overall Forehead Acne Product
Dr. Hibler tells Elite Daily that the most essential step in treating forehead acne is applying a topical retinoid to your skin, such as adapalene, which is found in Differin Gel, an over-the-counter drug treatment. appreciated by dermatologists. . For best results, Differin Gel should be applied in a thin layer all over your face, not just the breakout areas, to reduce blemishes, blackheads and clogged pores. This comes in a handy pump bottle, and the gel itself is very lightweight and easy to layer with other products.
Especially if you have sensitive skin, you should start by using your retinoid two to three times a week before moving on to more frequent use. Remember to hydrate and wear sunscreen when using any type of retinol/retinoid as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
2. Best salicylic acid cleanser for forehead acne
Cetaphil’s Gentle Clear Fragrance-Free Face Wash contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is especially useful for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and congested pores caused by too much oil. The creamy, gentle foaming cleanser keeps skin pampered and comfortable, thanks to the aloe and white tea extract in the formula. According to Dr. Hibler, “A cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation, clear clogged pores, and reduce overall C. acnes bacteria on the skin.” If, however, you find benzoyl peroxide to be a more effective ingredient when it comes to treating acne on your skin, keep scrolling.
3. Best Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser for Forehead Acne
Made with 4% benzoyl peroxide, CeraVe’s Anti-Acne Face Wash also contains the kinds of skin-soothing ingredients the drugstore brand is known and loved for, including barrier-repairing ceramides, serum moisturizing hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide – so even though this cleanser contains the powerful antibacterial ingredient benzoyl peroxide, it shouldn’t dry out or irritate your skin. Still, you’ll want to choose one of the best moisturizers to use with benzoyl peroxide to make sure your skin stays healthy and balanced.
4. Best micellar water for forehead acne
Washing your face twice a day is helpful in reducing breakouts, but Dr. Hibler says that at night, removing residual makeup and sunscreen first using micellar water (or a cleanser oil-based) makes the cleaning process more efficient. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with cult-favorite Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, which removes surface pollution, product buildup and even waterproof makeup in one swipe.
This reputedly soothing micellar water is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, but if you find you want more oil control, you can switch to Bioderma Sébium H2O micellar water, specially designed for people with having combination/ oily skin.
5. Best moisturizer for forehead acne
Moisturizer is as important as any other step in your beauty routine to keep your skin healthy and strong, especially since many of the ingredients used to reduce breakouts can, as a side effect, cause dryness and redness. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Farmacy’s Daily Greens Light-as-Air Gel-Cream. Think of it as a smoothie for your face, with garden-fresh ingredients like cucumber, papaya, moringa, and kale, plus oil-controlling willow grass, and the hydrating trio of acid hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and polyglutamic acid. The citrus scent is also pleasant and refreshing.
6. Best Sunscreen for Forehead Acne
EltaMD’s popular Clear UV Sunscreen contains both mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients, and it’s a top choice of dermatologists for those with breakout-prone skin, thanks to the fragrance-free formulation and oil-free, the matte finish it provides and the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide it contains, which works to soothe and hydrate skin without clogging pores. Featuring SPF 46, it wears well under makeup and is suitable for most skin types.
Expert:
Dr. Brian Hibler, MD, board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
