What Acne Between Eyebrows Really Means

There's nothing quite as frustrating as dealing with a pesky case of acne. And while pimples can pop up anywhere on your face, they seem to have a particularly strong preference for showing up between your eyebrows. But what does it mean when you get acne in this area?

Well, according to dermatologists, the answer isn't so simple. There are a few different factors that can contribute to breakouts between your eyebrows. For example, excess sebum can clog pores and lead to breakouts if you have oily skin. Similarly, if you sweat a lot or don't clean your face properly, that can also cause pimples.

But it's not just physical factors that cause acne between your eyebrows. In some cases, it could also indicate an underlying health condition. For instance, if you have a thyroid disorder or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), that could be why you see breakouts in this area.

Of course, the best way to figure out what's causing your acne is to consult with a dermatologist. You could also use HOCl products such as PurClarity's Revitalizing Mist to help keep your skin clean and clear. Read on for more tips on how to get more information on what acne between eyebrows means.

What Causes Acne Between Eyebrows?

Many people suffer from this common skin condition, which can be both painful and embarrassing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne can be caused by hair follicles or pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. 

Bacteria can sometimes get inside the clogged pore when these follicles become blocked, allowing blemishes to multiply.

In addition, Mayo Clinic reveals that some specific medications, hormonal changes, stress, and your diet could also play a role in the development of acne. 

If you're working with certain hairstyles that sit at your eyebrows — such as bangs — you might risk clogging your brows with dirt and oil from your hair care products. So what can you do to prevent or reduce eyebrow acne?

The AAD suggests using a mild cleanser and gentle exfoliating agent to remove dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. You should also avoid using oily hair care products and shampoo regularly if you have bangs. 

If your brow acne is severe, you may need to see a dermatologist get a prescription for a stronger medication.

Types of Acne Between Eyebrows

Pustules

Pustules are acne characterized by small, pus-containing bumps that commonly form on the face. These bumps are often red and tender and usually form from bacteria and oil. 

The oil glands in the T-zone area (the forehead, nose, and chin) may be more active than elsewhere on the skin, leading to increased incidence and severity of breakouts in acne-prone individuals. 

Treatment for pustules often includes topical or oral antibiotics or HOCl products to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Papules

Papules are a type of acne that can form between the eyebrows. They are small, solid elevations of the skin that contain no visible fluid. Papules typically form due to a reaction to eyebrow wax and can be quite uncomfortable. 

If prone to developing papules, it is important to take extra care when removing hair from the area around your eyebrows.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is characterized by large, red pimples that are painful to the touch. While this type of acne can occur anywhere on the body, it is most common between the eyebrows. Cystic acne is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones, bacteria, and dead-skin-cell buildup.

How To Manage Acne Between Your Eyebrows

Use the Correct Ingredients

While many products are available to help manage acne, using the right ingredients is the first step in getting rid of it for good. Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid unclogs pores. 

Retinoids can also be effective in minimizing oiliness and unclogging pores. In addition, products with hypochlorous acid can help banish acne, soothe irritation and even heal scars. By using products with these key ingredients, you can take control of your acne and achieve clear, healthy skin.

Use of Non-Comedogenic Products

If you're prone to developing acne between your eyebrows, one of the best things you can do is to switch to using non-comedogenic makeup products. This type of makeup is designed not to clog pores, which means it's less likely to contribute to forming pimples and blackheads. 

In addition to using non-comedogenic makeup, cleanse your face thoroughly every night to remove all traces of makeup and dirt.

Don't Pop Your Pimples

While it can be tempting to pop a pimple, doing so can worsen your acne. Popping a pimple can cause the bacteria to spread, leading to more breakouts. When you pop a pimple, you can also damage the skin around the area, which can lead to scarring. 

If you have a pimple between your eyebrows, resist the urge to pop it. Instead, treat it with a topical acne medication or see a dermatologist for more serious cases.

See a Dermatologist

If you've tried over-the-counter treatments and home remedies without success, it may be time to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications, such as oral antibiotics or retinoids, to help manage your acne. 

A dermatologist can also provide you with information and tips on how to prevent breakouts in the future.

How to Treat Acne Between Eyebrows

There are several ways to treat acne between eyebrows, depending on the severity of the breakout. For mild acne, over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be effective. For more severe acne, prescription medications or treatments may be necessary.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are often the first line of defense against acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two common ingredients in over-the-counter topical treatments. 

Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Hypochlorous acid can also be found in some topical treatments and is thought to be effective in treating acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Oral Medications

A dermatologist may prescribe oral medications, such as antibiotics or retinoids, for more severe acne. Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that can cause acne and are often used in combination with topical treatments. 

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of new pimples.

Know When to See a Dermatologist

Acne between eyebrows can signify many things, ranging from relatively benign issues like dry skin to more serious problems. By understanding the various causes of acne between eyebrows, you can better treat and prevent it. 

If you experience acne, we recommend seeing a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You could also try other treatments like our PurClarity's HOCl Mist to help soothe and heal the skin.