Jawline Acne: Why It May Not Be a Simple Pimple Problem

A zit on the nose or forehead can make anyone self-conscious because it’s there for the whole world to see. Jawline acne, while not as visible, can be more painful, being in an area where the skin is tight and pimples tend to be deeply seated.

Acne vulgaris, or simply “acne,” is a common skin condition that can impact people of any age. Jawline pimples are particularly concerning because they’re likely to form raised scars. More importantly, zits in this part of the face may be associated with an underlying medical condition in some individuals.

What are the risk factors for developing jawline acne? How do you prevent or treat this condition? Does this skin problem go away? What are its possible complications? Read on to learn the answers and find out how the skin experts at BHSkin Dermatology can help with this issue.

What Is Jawline Acne?

Like pimples in any part of the body, jawline acne starts with a trigger factor. Known breakout triggers include hormonal fluctuations, poor diet, stress, medications, and bad hygiene, among others. These factors can increase the skin’s sensitivity to androgens—hormones like testosterone that promote male traits in both men and women. The adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and fat tissues are the major sites of androgen production and metabolism in the body.

Androgens stimulate cellular growth in the hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands. Normal sebum has antimicrobial properties, protecting the skin from infection.

However, increased androgen concentration or activity or heightened sensitivity to these hormones causes hair follicle and oil gland overgrowth. Sebum is secreted in excess but is less effective as a skin protectant as it attains an abnormal composition. Dead skin cells, sebum, and debris clog the pores.

A skin lipid-loving bacterial species, Propionibacterium acnes, multiplies fast due to excessive sebum production. The increased presence of this microbe and its waste products irritates the skin, leading to inflammation and acne formation.

What Causes Acne on the Jawline?

Jawline acne is more likely to affect women older than 25 than any other patient group. That is why the condition is sometimes referred to as “adult acne” or “adult female acne.” Frequent causes of jawline zits in this group are discussed below.

Increased male hormone levels or sensitivity

Androgen influence is the most significant risk factor for jawline acne formation. Various conditions can increase androgen activity in female adults.

Women typically have slightly elevated androgen levels before their menstrual periods. However, individuals susceptible to jaw and chin acne formation have greater sebaceous gland sensitivity to androgens, especially in the lower part of the face. Blood androgens in these patients still fall within the normal limits, except the skin more readily responds to the hormones.

Meanwhile, medical conditions that can increase body androgens and, hence, jawline pimples include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and benign and cancerous tumors of the adrenal glands and ovaries. Menstrual irregularities and male traits, including male-pattern hair growth, increased muscle mass, and vocal changes, often accompany jawline acne in patients with such disorders.

Some performance-enhancing drugs contain high androgen amounts. These exogenous androgen sources can promote jawline acne formation.

Heredity

Proneness to adult acne can occur in families. Individuals with first-degree family members with acne have 3 times the risk of developing pimples compared to people without such a family history. Specific DNA mutations can increase a person’s vulnerability to acne.

Diet

The link between acne vulgaris and diet is unclear because there isn’t enough strong evidence. However, milk, chocolates, and salt have been implicated. Foods that easily increase blood sugar levels induce skin inflammation that can contribute to jawline breakouts.

Smoking

Nicotine and other substances in cigarettes reduce blood circulation in the skin, damage collagen and elastin, and induce abnormal growth of hair follicle and skin cells. These chemicals also reduce sebum antioxidants, worsening skin inflammation.

Cosmetics

Adult acne is also linked to the use of certain cosmetics. Products that contain lanolin, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and some vegetable oils have been found to be “comedogenic” or acne-promoting.

Stress

Emotional and physical stress increase adrenal gland activity, raising the levels of androgens and cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol weakens the immune system and induces inflammation. Sleep deprivation contributes to body stress.

Obesity

Abdominal obesity, when body fat is mostly in the belly, develops when caloric intake chronically exceeds the body’s energy requirements. Physical inactivity, poor diet, and genetics are major factors in this condition. Abdominal obesity can lead to insulin and blood sugar issues that ultimately enhance androgenic effects on skin cells.

Skin barrier defects

Weaknesses in the skin’s protective surface may be inborn or acquired. Skin barrier defects can make the skin prone to dryness and irritation.

Adult acne vulgaris often forms shallow, inflammatory skin lumps called “papules” and “pustules.” Papules are reddish and lack pus, while pustules are white to yellow due to pus. Comedones, or whiteheads and blackheads, occasionally appear.

Perimenopausal women are more likely to develop deeply seated acne than younger women. Nodular acne appears red and round with unclear margins, as this kind of lesion forms from severe inflammation in the deep skin layers. Cystic acne is marked by fluid-filled lumps that also grow deep in the skin.

At What Point Should You See a Doctor for Jawline Acne?

The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist even if you only have mild acne. If you’re unsure about seeking medical attention for your skin condition, consider the following statements and note which ones reflect your experience:

• You’ve tried various acne treatments without success.
• Your acne clears up but keeps coming back.
• You have pimple-like bumps in unusual areas, such as your armpits, thighs, upper arms, or groin.
• You’ve had acne since you were 8 to 11 years old or younger.
• You have painful, deep pimples.
• You’ve had acne for years without understanding why it persists.
• The condition has made you feel anxious, depressed, or less social.
• You’ve felt like hiding your face due to acne.
• You experienced an acne breakout within 6 months of taking medication.
• You notice scars or dark spots after the lesions clear.
• Acne remains on your back and chest even after it has cleared on your face.

If at least 6 of these statements apply to you, the American Academy of Dermatologists advises seeing a dermatologist for acne.

As mentioned, jawline acne in some individuals may be accompanied by menstrual irregularity and the development of masculine traits. These symptoms require prompt investigation by your healthcare provider.

Should You Pop Pimples Yourself?

Popping pimples without medical training is risky. The complications of improper acne treatment include infection, spread of inflammation, and scar formation. In severe cases, facial infection can affect the brain, producing stroke-like symptoms. To remove pimples problem-free, you may consult a board-certified dermatologist regarding acne surgery.

How Does a Dermatologist Examine Jawline Acne?

Your skin specialist will begin their acne evaluation by asking about how your lesions evolved and if you noticed other symptoms. They may also inquire about your diet, skincare routine, medications, allergies, and potential flare triggers.

Other details that dermatologists may find useful include past medical, social (e.g., smoking), and family history. Female patients may be asked about their menstrual history and, if they have kids, acne formation during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The skin doctor will then proceed with their physical examination. Pimples and masculinizing features may appear in any part of the body, so your dermatologist may perform a whole-body examination during your visit. Rest assured that your physician will accomplish this part respectfully and professionally.

Acne vulgaris normally does not require special tests for confirmation. Treatment is usually determined based on history and physical examination. However, your dermatologist may order diagnostic tests to rule out masculinizing disorders, especially androgen-secreting tumors. Confirmation of such conditions may require referrals to other specialists, such as gynecologists, endocrinologists, and oncologists.

Jawline acne may resemble a host of other skin lesions, including drug-induced eruptions, rosacea, lupus, flat warts, and infections like folliculitis. Lumps suspicious for skin cancer necessitate a skin biopsy.

How Do You Get Rid of Jawline Acne?

Jawline acne treatment options include topical preparations, systemic medications, in-office procedures, and adjuvant or additional therapies. Here’s how they work.

Topical Acne Therapy

Topically applied medications for adult acne include retinoids and other products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Retinoids are substances that mimic vitamin A’s effects. These medications prevent all stages of acne formation previously described. Retinoids combat P. acnes and harmful bacteria by enhancing the skin’s immune resistance. Adapalene and tretinoin are widely used topical retinoids for acne treatment.

Other topical acne medications with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions include benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and dapsone. Clindamycin and erythromycin are rarely used these days because acne-causing bacteria have become resistant to these agents.

Systemic Acne Treatment

Systemic anti-acne agents include oral antibiotic preparations, anti-androgen hormonal therapy, and oral isotretinoin. Systemic medications can affect other organs besides the skin.

First-line oral antibiotics include minocycline and doxycycline. These medications are often combined with topical treatment to minimize the development of bacterial resistance.

Anti-androgens are effective in controlling what is colloquially called “hormonal breakouts.” All pimples arise from androgenic action on the skin, but anti-androgens are used on stubborn acne caused by increased androgen sensitivity or blood levels.

Agents that decrease the skin’s androgen sensitivity include cyproterone, spironolactone, drospirenone, and flutamide. Oral contraceptive pills reduce androgen secretion by the ovaries, making them useful for PCOS. Steroids like prednisone may be prescribed for adrenal gland hyperactivity.

Isotretinoin is another retinoid. Its oral form was previously marketed under the brand name “Accutane.” This medication is highly effective against severe, persistent acne. However, its potential side effects limit its use in milder disease.

In-Office Procedures for Acne

Anti-acne procedures that your dermatologist may perform include the following:

• Steroid acne shots: Steroids like triamcinolone are injected into stubborn nodular pimples.
• Acne surgery: This procedure involves manually removing whiteheads, blackheads, and superficial pustules. Comedones may also be cauterized.
• Acne drainage: This treatment removes pus or clear fluid from the lesions.
• Microdermabrasion: This therapy entails the use of sand-like crystals and a mechanical device to peel off superficial skin layers. Some skincare professionals may offer microdermabrasion to remove comedones in patients with contraindications to other therapies, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Chemical peeling: Exfoliating agents like trichloroacetic acid and salicylic acid also remove superficial skin layers, effectively taking out comedones. Chemical peels may also be performed on pregnant patients.
• Photodynamic therapy: A light-sensitizing agent is applied to the skin. The treatment area is then exposed to a powerful blue or red light source to damage abnormal sebaceous glands.
• Laser treatment: Yellow-green lasers like the Vbeam may be used to kill off acne-causing bacteria. Infrared lasers can remove dysfunctional oil glands. Laser therapy may also help manage excessive hair growth, if present.

• Radiofrequency microneedling: The provider uses a device that produces tiny skin cuts and passes radiofrequency energy in the treatment area. Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates the skin to heal acne lesions and scars.
• UV phototherapy: Ultraviolet light is used to get rid of P. acnes and control skin inflammation.

For safety and effectiveness, trust only a board-certified dermatologist to perform these treatments.

Adjuvant Treatments

Additional acne treatments include skincare products that complement topical, systemic, or procedural interventions. These products include the following:

• Cleansers: Cleansing twice daily is recommended. Products include non-soap face washes and cleansers with acne-combating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
• Anti-inflammatory preparations: Skin nutrients like niacinamide, ceramides, and vitamin C, as well as botanical products like aloe vera extract and tea tree oil, can help reduce acne-promoting inflammatory substances on the skin.
• Sunscreen: Excessive UV exposure can inflame the skin and worsen flare-ups. Patients should use non-comedogenic sun protection products regularly.
• Moisturizers: Many individuals with jawline acne have oily skin. However, pimple treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids may cause skin dryness. Moisturizers recommended for acne-prone skin include hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Corrective makeup: Patients may use makeup to camouflage the lesions and protect the skin from the sun. Non-comedogenic formulas are preferred.

Your dermatologist can create a skincare routine that promotes healing and helps your sensitive skin avoid irritation.

Patients with underlying medical conditions may need further specialized treatment to get rid of jaw and chin lesions. For example, androgen-secreting cancers require surgical removal. Meanwhile, individuals taking androgen-containing supplements may be advised to discontinue these substances for better acne control.

How Do You Prevent Acne in the Jawline?

The increasing incidence of this so-called “hormonal acne” is believed to be linked to modern-day living. Modifiable risk factors contributing to adult acne include diet, smoking, cosmetic use, stress, and body weight. That’s why some recommended measures for preventing this skin condition include the following:

• Eating a balanced diet, avoiding foods that cause blood sugar and insulin issues
• Abstaining from smoking
• Using non-comedogenic cosmetics and skincare products
• Getting adequate sleep
• Managing stress
• Avoiding known triggers, such as milk for some people
• Exercising more

Meanwhile, disease management is advised for people with jawline acne due to a medical condition. For example, women with PCOS may benefit from taking birth control pills. Treating the disorder causing one’s hormonal acne breakouts can significantly improve skin lesions and other symptoms, such as irregular menses and unusual hair growth.

What Is the Prognosis for Jawline Acne?

Acne vulgaris is rarely fatal. Cycles of acne flares and remissions can go on for years in vulnerable individuals. Most patients enter long-term remission spontaneously, while the rest may experience bad breakouts until the 3rd or 4th decade of life. The presence of risk factors, such as family history, high body mass index, poor diet, and an underlying androgenic condition, increases the likelihood of developing severe acne.

As mentioned, women tend to have skin eruptions before their menses, coinciding with hormonal changes. This occurrence pattern is more pronounced in women older than 30.

What Are the Possible Complications of Jawline Acne?

By itself, acne can cause skin infection, scarring, dark spot formation, and self-esteem issues. However, patients with an untreated androgenic disorder may also develop complications from hormonal imbalance, including infertility, diabetes, bone weakness, and heart disease. Aggressive tumors can lead to significant disability and death.

Acne treatments may also cause side effects. The table below includes the most common ones.

Table. Summary of Acne Treatments’ Potential Side Effects

Acne complications can be minimized by prompt management of the lesions and their causes. As for acne therapy’s potential side effects, the best way to avoid them is to trust only a bona fide skin disease specialist for your acne treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jawline Acne Affect Only Women?

Both men and women can develop jawline pimples. However, the male-to-female ratio for adult acne is 1 man for every 4 to 5 women. Men generally develop more severe lesions than women.

How Do You Treat Jawline Acne at Home?

Regular cleansing, modifying your lifestyle, and applying natural moisturizers and anti-inflammatory agents can help control acne breakouts without using medications. However, jawline pimples accompanied by masculinizing body changes and concerning symptoms like drastic weight loss and abdominal pain require prompt medical attention. Pimple removal should never be attempted by unskilled individuals, especially if using unclean instruments.

Is Jawline Acne Stress-Related?

As mentioned, most cases of adult acne are associated with the modern lifestyle, which causes stress, sleep deprivation, and poor eating habits. Other people cope with busy schedules by smoking and avoiding physical activity. These factors are all contributors to acne formation.

Jawline Acne: What It Means for Patients

Pimples of the jaws and chin may look like any other. However, the occurrence of these lesions in adults may signify intense stress or the presence of a serious medical condition.

Various treatment options are available for jawline acne, and patients may choose to solve this skin issue at home. However, the possibility of an underlying disorder in people with this skin problem should not be ignored. Working with a board-certified dermatologist ensures that jawline lesions and their underlying causes are identified accurately and addressed appropriately.

LA’s Top Experts for Jawline Acne Treatment

Jawline pimples can ruin your otherwise flawless complexion. But treating this skin problem may demand more than the usual over-the-counter solutions.

At BHSkin Dermatology, our team of skin disease experts can help you get rid of jawline zits for good. Our award-winning, board-certified dermatologists are some of California’s best acne specialists. Visit us at our Glendale or Encino office or use our virtual portal for your initial consultation.

Radiate confidence with clear skin. Book your appointment today!

References:

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Author: Don Mehrabi

Don Mehrabi, MD, FAAD, is LA’s leading board-certified dermatologist who treats patients, builds the BHSkin clinics, and raises three kids. This blog builds on medical studies combined with Dr. Mehrabi's first-hand experiences from practicing in Encino-Tarzana, Glendale, and online