Jawline acne is a telltale sign for many women that their time of the month is near (*raises hand*). And anyone who’s dealt with the painful spots knows they’re pretty resistant to treatment. Pimple patches, tea tree oil and drying lotion? Yeah, don’t bother. So we decided it was time to call in the professionals: actual dermatologists. Here’s what they had to say about jawline acne and exactly how to cure it.
“Jawline acne, like other acne, is caused by oil trapped within the pores, along with skin inflammation that results in the red, angry bumps that typically occur here,” explains dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “But unlike other acne, jawline acne tends to be extremely responsive to fluctuations in hormones.” That’s why you’re more likely to see it pop up around your period and clear up after it ends.
In terms of treating it and preventing future flare-ups, Dr. Zeichner and his colleague dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine, have a few tips.
