Breakouts typically have a pattern (other than showing up at the worst possible time). Whether you’re always fending off a sprinkling of forehead bumps or your jawline is frequently studded with deep, angry cysts, the location of your pimples can point you toward their cause. Find out the source of your acne issues—and how to get rid of them for good. The Symptom: A sprinkling of tiny bumps on your foreheadThe Cause: Anything that blocks sebum from exiting your pores like it normally would—such as wearing a hat or wiping sweat while you’re working out—can lodge makeup in your pores. Sweating while wearing certain hair products, like shine serums, can also lead to blemishes: “Body heat can cause oil-based hair products to slide down the hair shaft and into your pores,” explains Ariel Ostad, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center.The Fix: Keep it clean: Wash hats with your regular laundry detergent, and use a clean, cotton towel to dry off during workouts—and pat your sweat dry, rather than rubbing so as not to send sebum, makeup, and sweat deeper into your pores, says Neal Schultz, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If you’re prone to sweating, opt for water-based styling products instead of oil-based. MORE: 2 Natural Acne Treatments To Never Try—And 7 You Totally Should The Symptom: Deep cysts or slightly swollen whiteheads on your cheeksThe Cause: If you’re dealing with full-fledged acne in this spot, it’s likely triggered by stress (high stress levels ramp up the production of testosterone, which, in turn, shift oil production into high gear). If it’s just an occasional zit, bacteria-laden spots like your hand and your germy cell phone screen are prime suspects.The Fix: If it’s persistent, see your dermatologist to start treatment with antibiotics or a topical treatment, such as an exfoliating retinoid or salicylic acid. If it’s occasional, be sure to clean anything that comes into contact with your face, whether it’s soaping up your hands or taking a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to your phone screen. The Symptom: Inflamed bumps, or blackheads and whiteheads on your noseThe Cause: Consistent breakouts here are often rosacea—pus-filled bumps that look deceptively similar to acne—though your dermatologist will be able to spot the difference immediately, says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery. If you’re just getting an occasional zit on your nose, on the other hand, it’s likely a clogged pore in the oil-prone area.The Fix: See a dermatologist to determine if you’re suffering from acne or rosacea—it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference unless you’re a trained professional. Rosacea sufferers are typically instructed to use non-foaming cleansers and fragrance-free products to keep irritation to a minimum, along with prescription antibiotics or topical creams. If it’s just a matter of excess oil, use an astringent toner with oil-controlling witch hazel. The Symptom: Red bumps on your chestThe Cause: Your Spandex or cotton gym clothes trap sweat and moisture at the surface of your skin, irritating and clogging the pores.The Fix: Choose moisture-wicking materials, which tend not to cause acne because they absorb moisture rather than letting it sit on the surface of the skin, says Schultz. Remove your workout clothes immediately after exercising, and wash them between wears with your regular detergent. The Symptom: Inflamed, angry bumps on your backMedia Platforms Design Team Photo by Purestock/Getty Images The Cause: Breakouts here are typically caused by occlusion, dermatologist-speak for anything that blocks a pore. “If tight clothes, a backpack, or even your desk chair are in constant contact with your skin, they’ll irritate and block the pores and follicles,” Tanzi explains.The Fix: The skin here is thicker than on your face, and the oil glands run deeper, so opt for intense treatments like glycolic acid pads and salicylic acid scrubs, and ask your dermatologist about a prescription topical antibiotic. The Symptom: Swollen cysts on your chin or jawThe Cause: Isolated breakouts here are typically hormonal, signalling an excess of testosterone, which can flare up when you’re stressed or when your estrogen levels drop before the start of your period. The Fix: If you’re having chronic breakouts in this spot, the usual treatments (salicylic acid, for one) probably won’t cut it, as they don’t impact the fluctuating hormone levels that are likely causing the problem. See your doctor about hormonal fixes like birth control or estrogen to treat the root of the issue, advises Ostad. MORE: 4 Ways To Ban Butt Breakouts
