Acne breakouts happen for many reasons, says our founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper). Mostly they’re due to a complicated mix of hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and our environment — but sometimes, there’s a more direct cause. 

It can be hard to pinpoint, but when pimples start popping up in certain areas, an acne face map (or acne body map!) might help. If you’re getting acne concentrated in a particular zone (your jawline, back, or forehead, for instance) we’ve got the possible culprit — and a solution.

This is the first of a two-part series, focusing on why you’re breaking out in certain areas of your face. Stay tuned for part two, which will highlight body acne.

Breakouts on your forehead 

This is a common area for people to experience acne because it’s part of the “t-zone”: the area that includes your forehead, down through your nose and chin. 

Common causes of forehead breakouts

• Large number of sebaceous glands
• Hormones (teen years and monthly fluctuations)
• Hairstyle (especially bangs)
• Hair products (often comedogenic)
• Hats, helmets and headbands (can lead to acne mechanica)

How to treat forehead acne

• Follow a consistent acne skincare routine
• Incorporate exfoliants
• Spot treat when pimples pop up
• Take a hair product break (at least two weeks off, then reintroduce one at a time)
• Switch to non-comedogenic haircare products
• Wash hats and helmets regularly
• Spritz hats and helmets with acne treatment spray before and after wearing

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Acne System, AHA/BHA Swipes, Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment, Salicylic Acid Body Spray

Breakouts on your cheeks

Acne on the cheeks is generally more challenging to pin down. Since this area has a relatively lower concentration of sebaceous glands than your t-zone, the possible causes can vary, says Dr. Lee.

Common causes of cheek acne

• Genetics
• Cell phones
• Resting face in hands
• Wearing your hair down
• Old makeup and dirty makeup brushes
• Dirty pillowcases
• Snuggling with pets

How to treat cheek acne

• Follow a consistent acne skincare routine 
• Add an acne treatment lotion containing benzoyl peroxide or sulfur
• Mask regularly (try an acne treatment mask a few times weekly)
• Keep anything touching your face clean
• Wear hair back out of your face
• Wash face or use a treated wipe after nuzzling pets
• Sleep on your back if possible (bonus: it cuts down on wrinkles!)
• Launder sheets often (and spritz with acne treatment spray)

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, AHA/BHA Swipes, Salicylic Acid Body Spray

Breakouts on your nose

Blackheads, whiteheads, and sebaceous filaments are all very common on your nose and in the crevices where the nose meets your cheeks. 

Common causes of nose acne

• High density of sebaceous glands
• Genetics
• Hormones
• Dirty hands
• Masks (aka maskne)

How to treat nose acne

• Follow a consistent acne skincare routine with salicylic acid
• Use an acne treatment mask (patch mask by using only on your nose if the rest of your face tends to be dry)
• Spot treat with concentrated salicylic acid once or twice weekly if you’ve got blackheads or noticeable sebaceous filaments 
• Incorporate retinol to help keep pores clear of the dead skin cells that cause blackheads and whiteheads
• Spritz your mask with an acne treatment spray

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Clear Out, AHA/BHA Swipess, Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment, Retinol Resurfacing Serum, Salicylic Acid Body Spray

Breakouts on your chin and jawline

Acne along your jawline and chin tends to be inflammatory pimples or deeper cysts and nodules, which can be more challenging to treat. 

What causes chin and jawline acne

• Hormones (teen androgen surges, monthly menstrual fluctuations)
• Medical conditions (like polycystic ovarian syndrome, aka PCOS)
• Resting your head in your hands
• Cellphone use
• Masks
• Helmets
• Musical instruments
• Cold-weather scarves and coat collars

How to treat chin and jawline acne

• Follow a consistent acne skincare routine with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
• Spot treat with maximum strength benzoyl peroxide as needed
• Incorporate retinol to help keep pores clear of the dead skin cells that cause acne
• Keep whatever touches your face clean
• Spritz your mask, equipment and gear with an acne treatment spray
• Have your health checked (if you suspect an underlying condition)

Dr. Lee’s SLMD Skincare suggestions: Acne System, Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, AHA/BHA Swipes, BP Acne Spot Treatment, Retinol Resurfacing Serum, Salicylic Acid Body Spray