How to get rid of acne between eyebrows

What causes pimples between eyebrows?

Acne develops when hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow, become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can grow inside and cause inflammation and pus. Small skin coloured bumps can be whiteheads; deeper, painful lumps need more attention than a few surface spots. Oily hair products can reach forehead skin and clog pores, so a hair routine can quietly acquire a skincare department. Shampoos, conditioners and styling products are possible contributors, especially if you also have closely packed bumps across your forehead or hairline.15

How to treat a pimple between eyebrows

1. 1Gently cleanse with your fingertips, then dry your skin. Avoid scrubbing and picking: squeezing delays clearing and increases the risk of scars and dark marks.
2. 2Ask a pharmacist about benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For benzoyl peroxide, start with the lowest available strength and follow the packet.
3. 3For benzoyl peroxide gel, wash your hands, apply a thin layer to the affected area away from your eyes, then wash your hands again. A gel wash is different: wash the wet area for 1 to 2 minutes, rinse and pat dry.
4. 4Use a water based or noncomedogenic moisturizer if treatment dries your skin. Noncomedogenic means formulated not to clog pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice daily; follow your product's directions. Keep it off eyebrow hair because it can bleach hair, and never apply it to cuts or infected skin. If it enters your eyes, rinse with plenty of water. Dryness, peeling or irritation can improve with less frequent use. Seek advice for persistent side effects. Stop using it and seek emergency help for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing. Check with a clinician during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and only combine it with other acne treatments with a doctor or pharmacist's approval.3

How to prevent breakouts between eyebrows

• Wash up to twice daily and after sweating. Remove makeup before bed, and avoid drying alcohol based toners and abrasive exfoliants.
• Keep hair away from your forehead and shampoo more often if your hair is oily.
• Choose skincare, makeup and hair products labelled noncomedogenic or oil free. Replace products that worsen breakouts, even if the packaging has already declared itself innocent.
• Wash pillowcases, sheets, hats and headbands to remove hair product residue.
• Outdoors, use a noncomedogenic, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Some acne medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Why do I break out between my eyebrows?

Repeated breakouts can involve ongoing product contact, hormonal changes, sweat or certain medicines. Review what touches the area rather than assuming every new bump needs a different treatment. Frequently switching acne treatments can irritate skin and cause more breakouts.24

How long does clearing take?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks. Get advice if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks. If hair products are responsible, stopping them and removing their residue can allow clearing within 4 to 6 weeks; seek dermatology help if that change has not helped by 6 weeks.35

When should you see a doctor?

Get medical help for deep or painful spots, scarring, worsening acne or breakouts that affect your mental health. Hot, swollen and red skin can signal infection and also needs assessment; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Persistent acne can need prescription treatment rather than more washing.12