Acne Between Eyebrows: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Acne can appear in unexpected places, including the skin between your eyebrows. This area is prone to breakouts because pores are present all over the skin, and when they become clogged with excess skin cells, bacteria, and oil, pimples can form. Understanding the potential causes of acne between your eyebrows is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Why Acne Develops Between the Eyebrows

Acne between the eyebrows, like breakouts elsewhere, occurs when pores become clogged with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Because the face and forehead have a high concentration of oil glands, pimples are common in this area. Several factors can contribute to these breakouts, including:

• Clogged pores: Pores can become clogged with oil from the face, hair, or hands, as well as sweat and dead skin cells. While sweat glands are also pores, hair follicles are primarily involved in acne.
• Oily skin: Excess oil can clog hair follicles, leading to pimples when the blocked follicle becomes inflamed or infected. The face and forehead have many oil glands, making acne common in these areas for people with oily skin.
• Ingrown hairs: Tweezing or waxing eyebrows can cause ingrown hairs, where partially removed hairs grow back into the skin. This can lead to pimples if the hair follicle is blocked. Tweezing may be more likely to cause ingrown hairs because it can cause hair to break off and remain under the skin.
• Cosmetics: Certain cosmetics, especially brow gels, can clog pores and cause pimples. Dirty makeup brushes can also introduce bacteria to the skin.
• Eyebrow waxing: Like other hair removal methods, eyebrow waxing can cause ingrown hairs, leading to pimples. Pulling out hairs with waxing can also leave openings in hair follicles that bacteria can enter.
• Diet: Some evidence suggests that foods high in carbohydrates and dairy can worsen acne, although more research is needed.
• Touching your face: Touching your face transfers natural oils and bacteria from your hands, which can clog pores and cause pimples.
• Hormones: Hormonal changes, especially in women, can lead to acne around the time of menstruation, during menopause, during pregnancy, or after changes to birth control.
• Hair: The way you wear your hair can affect your skin. If you have layers, oil from your hair can transfer onto your skin and lead to zits between your eyebrows.

Types of Acne Between the Eyebrows

Several types of acne can occur between the eyebrows:

• Whiteheads: Small white bumps that occur when a clogged pore is closed on the surface.
• Blackheads: Clogged pores that are open to the air. The oil and bacteria in the pore turn brown when exposed to air.
• Papules: Small, solid, round, and tender bumps on the skin. They often develop into pustules.
• Pustules: Pus-filled, blister-like lesions that are often white or yellow on top and red at the base.
• Cystic acne: Pus-filled bumps that can be painful and difficult to get rid of. They may appear as red or white bumps on the skin or remain under the skin.
• Nodules: The most severe types of acne. They occur deep within the skin and tend to be larger in size than pustules and papules.

Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available for acne between the eyebrows, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications and lifestyle changes.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Remedies

• Retinoids: Skin treatments made from vitamin A that promote healthy-looking skin.
• Salicylic acid: Breaks down blackheads and whiteheads.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil.

Lifestyle Changes

• Don’t pick at acne: Give it time to heal.
• Lower your stress: Stress can worsen breakouts.
• Eat fewer carbs: They can make skin oilier.

Medical Treatment

• Antibiotics: To get rid of acne-causing bacteria (usually for severe acne).
• Prescription retinoids: Taken orally or topically.
• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
• Birth control pills: If the acne is hormonal.
• Light therapy: Although this is still being studied.

Skincare Routine

Tweaking your daily skincare habits can be helpful in getting rid of acne between the brows. Washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser can be a good place to start, as it helps keep the skin clean and pores free of potentially clogging situations. Above all, resist the temptation of popping your zits, no matter how large and noticeable they may be.

Read also: Vertical Brow Wrinkle Guide

• Cleanse Regularly: To keep your skin free of pore-clogging debris and buildup, be sure to cleanse regularly.
• Use Makeup Wipes: Makeup wipes can remove all traces of makeup and impurities without drying out the skin.
• Glycolic Acid Cleanser: Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser, can result in smoother, brighter skin over time.
• Serum: Serum, which can reduce redness and diminish excess oiliness.
• Exfoliate: Exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner.
• Pillowcases: Changing your pillowcases two to three times a week.

Prevention Tips

Preventing acne between your eyebrows involves maintaining good hygiene and avoiding factors that can clog pores:

• Wash your face regularly, especially if you wear hats or sweat during the day.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Shampoo oily hair regularly and consider switching shampoos if you’re breaking out between your eyebrows.
• Use only non-comedogenic products for makeup and skin care.
• If you have bangs, consider changing your hairstyle.
• Avoid products that irritate your skin, including strong scrubs or exfoliants.
• Wash your face with warm water before tweezing or waxing your eyebrows to help prevent ingrown hairs.
• Keep hats, headbands, or sports equipment that you wear near your browline clean.
• Remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day.

Other Possible Causes of Bumps Between Eyebrows

While acne is the most common cause of bumps between the eyebrows, other possibilities include:

• Cysts: Epidermoid cysts are small, round bumps under the skin that often look like blackheads. Sebaceous cysts are less common and may occur after a hair follicle ruptures.
• Dermatofibromas: Firm, noncancerous skin lesions that are usually white in the middle with an outer ring that can range from pink to reddish brown.
• Basal cell skin cancer: The most common type of skin cancer, usually related to sun exposure. It may look like an open sore, a red patch, or a shiny pink bump.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In traditional Chinese medicine, the area around the eyes is connected to the liver. Acne between the eyebrows may indicate a liver issue, suggesting dietary changes are needed to support detoxification. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this association.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if your breakouts are severe, don’t respond to OTC treatments, or if you suspect your acne may be related to an underlying medical condition.

Conclusion

Acne between the eyebrows is a common concern due to the high concentration of oil glands in this area. While it can be frustrating, understanding the causes and available treatments can help you manage and prevent breakouts. By maintaining good hygiene, using appropriate skincare products, and making necessary lifestyle changes, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Read also: Get Rid of That Eyebrow Wrinkle

FAQs

Is there a special reason for acne between my eyebrows?

There can be a few reasons why you may experience acne between your eyebrows. One common cause is due to oil and sweat buildup in that area, especially if you have oily skin or are prone to sweating. Another cause could be friction, such as from wearing glasses or frequently touching your face. In some cases, acne between your eyebrows can be a result of using hair products that contain oils (such as coconut oil) or other pore-clogging ingredients. It's always a good idea to consult with a dermatology provider to determine the specific cause and best treatment plan for your acne.

How do I stop acne breakouts between my eyebrows?

Acne breakouts between your eyebrows can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to prevent them. First, keep the area clean by washing your face gently up to twice daily and after sweating. Be sure to choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and avoid using any tools that may irritate your skin. You should also avoid touching your face. If you wear glasses, try cleaning them regularly and switching to contacts to reduce friction on the skin. If your acne is severe, consider speaking with a healthcare provider for additional treatment options.

Read also: Compare Microblading and Powder Brows

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