forehead acne

Introduction

Forehead acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, from teenagers to adults. It happens when the pores on your forehead become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can cause different types of blemishes, from small bumps to larger, inflamed pimples. Forehead acne can be frustrating and may affect self-esteem, but understanding its causes and treatments can help you manage it effectively. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind forehead acne, discuss various treatment options, provide prevention strategies, address dealing with acne scars, and examine how forehead acne relates to overall skin health.

Causes of Forehead Acne

Several factors contribute to forehead acne. Understanding these causes can help you better manage and prevent breakouts.

Excess Oil Production

The forehead is part of the T-zone, an area of the face (forehead and down the nose, making a “T” shape) that tends to produce more oil than other areas. This excess oil, also known as sebum, is made by sebaceous glands in the skin. When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, causing acne. 30,31

Hormonal Factors

Fluctuating hormones can cause acne, especially during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone, can raise sebum production and contribute to acne. 32,33 This is why acne often flares up during times of hormonal changes, such as the teenage years or during a menstrual cycle.

Genetic Predisposition

If your parents had acne, you might be more likely to develop it too. Recent studies have identified several genetic markers associated with an increased risk of severe acne. 16,17 While having these genes doesn't guarantee you'll get acne, it can make you more susceptible to it.

Environmental Factors

Your environment can also impact your skin health. Pollution, humidity, and exposure to certain chemicals can irritate your skin and contribute to acne. Additionally, touching your face frequently or wearing items that rub against your forehead (like hats or headbands) can transfer bacteria and oils to your skin, potentially leading to breakouts. 13,29

Skin Microbiome Imbalance

Your skin is home to millions of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome. When this delicate ecosystem is disrupted, it can lead to skin problems, including acne. Recent research has shown that an imbalance in the different strains of bacteria on the skin, particularly Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes), can contribute to acne. 24,25

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

High stress levels can trigger hormonal changes and increase inflammation in the body, potentially making acne worse. 32,33 Additionally, lack of sleep, poor diet, and poor skincare routines can all contribute to forehead acne. Some studies suggest that foods high in sugar or dairy may exacerbate acne in some people. 57,59

Hair Products and Styling

If you have bangs or frequently touch your hair, the oils and products in your hair can transfer to your forehead, clogging pores and causing hairline acne. 34,36 This is especially true for hair products with oils, waxes, or silicones, which can be particularly pore-clogging.

Forehead Acne Treatments

Treating forehead acne uses a combination of skincare practices and, in some cases, medication. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your acne and your personal skin type. Here are some common treatment options:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be very effective:

• Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. It's available in various strengths and formulations, such as cleansers, gels, and spot treatments. 20,21 Start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts, as benzoyl peroxide can sometimes cause dryness or irritation.
• Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. It's particularly effective for blackheads and whiteheads. 21,27 Salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments. It works by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to clear out clogged pores.
• Retinoids: Over-the-counter retinoids like adapalene can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. They also promote cell turnover, which can improve overall skin texture. 21,27 Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and work by speeding up the rate at which your skin produces new cells and sheds old ones.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Ingredients like glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin and reduce acne. 27 AHAs work on the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.

When using OTC treatments, it's important to be patient and consistent. It can take several weeks, even months, to see significant improvements in your skin.

Prescription Treatments

For more severe or persistent forehead acne, a dermatologist may prescribe stronger treatments:

• Topical retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin or tazarotene can be more effective than OTC options. 22 These work similarly to OTC retinoids but are more potent and may cause more initial irritation. You can help reduce irritation by starting low and using every other day, layering the cream over a heavy moisturizer.
• Topical or oral antibiotics: These can help reduce inflammation and fight acne-causing bacteria. 22 Common topical antibiotics include clindamycin and erythromycin, while oral antibiotics might include tetracyclines like doxycycline.
• Hormonal treatments: For women with hormonal acne, birth control pills or anti-androgen medications may be prescribed. 22 These work by regulating hormone levels that can contribute to acne.

1. Isotretinoin: This powerful oral medication is reserved for severe, cystic acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. 22 It's a form of vitamin A that reduces oil production in the skin but can have significant side effects and needs close monitoring by a dermatologist.

Professional Treatments

In some cases, professional treatments performed by a dermatologist or skincare professional can be beneficial:

• Chemical peels: These treatments use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth and reducing acne. 2,7
• Microdermabrasion: This procedure uses tiny crystals to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. 47,48
• Light therapy: Certain types of light, particularly blue and red light, can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. 47,48

Preventing Forehead Acne

Prevention is often easier than treatment when it comes to forehead acne. By keeping good skincare habits and making certain lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing acne. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

Proper Skincare Routine

Establishing a consistent skincare routine is important for preventing forehead acne:

• Cleanse regularly: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. This helps remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria that can clog pores. 40,46 Be careful not to over-cleanse, as this can strip the skin of natural oils and cause higher oil production.
• Moisturize: Even if you have oily skin, it's important to use a light, oil-free moisturizer. When skin becomes too dry, it can actually increase oil production. 55,56 Look for moisturizers labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to avoid clogging pores.
• Exfoliate gently: Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. However, be gentle to avoid irritating your skin. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid are often gentler than physical scrubs. 69,70

Non-Comedogenic Products

Choose skincare and makeup products labeled as "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free". These products are less likely to clog your pores. 35,39 This includes everything from moisturizers and sunscreens to makeup products.

Hair Care Considerations

Your hair care routine can affect your forehead skin:

• Keep hair clean: Regularly wash your hair, especially if it's oily, to prevent oils from getting on your forehead. 40,45
• Be mindful of hair products: If you use styling products, apply them away from your hairline and forehead. Consider switching to lighter, water-based formulas if you're prone to breakouts. 37,38 In the shower, wash your face and body after you rinse out your conditioner as these oils can clog your pores.
• Style wisely: If you have bangs, consider pinning them back or growing them out to prevent constant contact with your skin. Frequently touching your hair and then your forehead can transfer oils and bacteria. 40,45

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle factors can influence forehead acne:

• Diet: While the link between diet and acne isn't fully understood, some studies suggest that a low-glycemic diet may help reduce acne. 23 This means focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting sugary and processed foods.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your body and keeps your skin hydrated. 66,67
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Stress can trigger hormonal changes and increase inflammation, making acne worse. 49,58

1. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones in the body, which may contribute to acne. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. 15

Environmental Factors

Be mindful of your environment:

• Avoid touching your face: Resist the urge to touch or pick at your forehead, as this can introduce bacteria and irritate the skin. 40,45
• Clean your phone: If you often hold your phone against your face, regularly clean it to prevent transferring bacteria to your skin.
• Change pillowcases: Swap out your pillowcase at least once a week to prevent the buildup of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that can transfer to your skin. 43,45

Sun Protection

Protect your skin from the sun by using a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Sun exposure can darken acne marks and increase inflammation in the skin. 42,44

Dealing With Forehead Acne Scars

Even after acne clears up, it can sometimes leave behind scars. These scars can be frustrating, but there are several ways to minimize their appearance and improve skin texture.

Types of Acne Scars

Before discussing treatments, it's important to understand the different types of acne scars:

• Ice pick scars: These are small, deep indentations in the skin that look like they were made with a sharp tool like an ice pick.
• Rolling scars: These have sloping edges that make the skin look uneven and wavy.
• Boxcar scars: These are round or oval depressions with steep, defined edges.
• Hyperpigmentation: While not technically a scar, dark spots left behind after acne heals are common, especially in people with darker skin tones. 1,2

At-Home Treatments

For mild scarring, several at-home treatments can be effective:

• Topical retinoids: Over-the-counter retinoids like adapalene can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of mild acne scars. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. 2,6
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Products containing AHAs, such as glycolic acid, can help exfoliate the skin and improve its texture.
• Vitamin C serums: These can help brighten the skin and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Silicone Sheets or Gels: These can help flatten raised scars and improve their appearance over time.

Professional Treatments

In-office procedures, such as chemical peels and microneedling, can also help heal acne scars. Some of these procedures include:

• Chemical peels: Applying a solution to the skin that causes the top layer to exfoliate and peel off, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath.
• Microneedling: Using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin repair.
• Laser treatments: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, work by removing the top layer of skin and promoting collagen production, which can help improve the texture and appearance of scars.
• Dermal fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to fill in indented scars and create a smoother, more even skin surface.

When To Seek Professional Help

While mild acne can often be managed with over-the-counter treatments and good skincare habits, there are times when it's important to seek professional help:

• Persistent acne: If your acne doesn't improve after several weeks of consistent treatment, it may be time to see a dermatologist.
• Severe acne: Deep, painful cysts or nodules should be checked by a healthcare professional to prevent scarring. 71,72
• Acne scars: If you're concerned about acne scars, a dermatologist can recommend appropriate treatments. 71,73
• Psychological distress: If acne is causing significant distress or affecting your quality of life, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. 54

Remember, everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some time and patience to find the right combination of treatments and skincare practices that work best for your skin.

Conclusion

Forehead acne is a common skin condition that can be frustrating to deal with, but with the right approach, it can be effectively managed. Understanding the causes of forehead acne, from excess oil production to hormonal changes and environmental factors, is the first step in developing an effective treatment plan.

There are many treatment options available, ranging from over-the-counter products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to prescription medications and professional treatments. The key is to find the right combination that works for your skin, which may involve some trial and error.

Prevention is equally important in managing forehead acne. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, using non-comedogenic products, and being mindful of lifestyle factors like diet and stress can all affect acne.

Citations:

<1>Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Acne Scars: Causes, Diagnosis, Types & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21222-acne-scars</1>

<2>Healthline. (2022, November 21). Acne Scars: Treatment, Removal, Best, and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/acne-scars</2>

<3>American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne scars: Consultation and treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment</3>

<4>Chen, B., Haq, M., Ma, M. S., Ahmed, A., Shi, V. J., Koza, E., Brieva, J. C., Yoo, S. S., Lucas, J., & Alam, M. (2023). Split face randomized, evaluator blinded study on the effect of multiple subcisions on rolling acne scars. Archives of Dermatological Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38850371/</4>

<5>Li, X., Fan, H., Wang, Y., Sun, C., Yang, X., Ma, X., & Jiao, J. (2022). Fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with subcision for the treatment of three subtypes of atrophic acne scars: a retrospective analysis. Lasers in Medical Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37639055/</5>

<6>NBC News. (2023, January 11). Best acne scar treatment, according to dermatologists. https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-acne-scar-treatments-ncna1273575</6>

<7>National Institutes of Health. (2015). Effective Treatments of Atrophic Acne Scars. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445894/</7>

<8>The Laser Treatment Clinic. (n.d.). How long would it take to see visible results from acne scar treatment? https://www.thelasertreatmentclinic.com/skincare-blog/how-long-would-it-take-to-see-visible-results-from-acne-scar-treatment/</8>

<9>Metro Dermatology. (n.d.). How Quickly Can You Get Results From Acne Scars Treatment? https://metrodermatology.net/how-quickly-can-you-get-results-from-acne-scars-treatment/</9>

<10>Healthline. (2022, November 21). Laser Treatment for Acne Scars: What to Expect, Cost, and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/laser-treatment-for-acne-scars</10>

<11>Perfect Skin Center. (n.d.). How Long Does Acne Laser Treatment Take? https://perfectskincenter.com/how-long-does-acne-laser-treatment-take/</11>

<12>Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 11). The Best Ways To Get Rid of Acne Scars. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars</12>

<13>Healthline. (n.d.). Forehead Acne: Causes and Treatments. https://www.healthline.com/health/forehead-acne</13>

<14>Women's Health. (2022). This Is How To Get Rid Of Forehead Acne, Say Dermatologists. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a42475214/what-causes-forehead-acne/</14>

<15>Bissonnette, R., Risch, J. E., McElwee, K. J., Marchessault, P., Bolduc, C., Nigen, S., & Maari, C. (2015). Changes in serum free testosterone, sleep patterns, and 5-alpha-reductase type I activity influence changes in sebum excretion in female subjects. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 21(1), 111-118. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25163854/</15>

<16>BMC Medical Genomics. (2021). Gene variants associated with acne vulgaris presentation and severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://bmcmedgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12920-021-00953-8</16>

<17>News Medical. (n.d.). Genetics of Acne. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Genetics-of-Acne.aspx</17>

<18>Dermatology Times. (2022). Re-Discovering the Genetics of Acne. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/re-discovering-the-genetics-of-acne</18>

<19>ScienceDaily. (2022). Discovery of 29 new acne risk genes provides hope for new treatments. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220207083426.htm</19>

<20>Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-treatments/art-20045814</20>

<21>The 17 Best Acne Treatments, According to Dermatologists. (n.d.). SELF. https://www.self.com/story/common-acne-treatments</21>

<22>Acne - Diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048</22>

<23>Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review. (2019). PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678709/</23>

<24>The Skin Microbiome: A New Actor in Inflammatory Acne. (2020). American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-020-00531-1</24>

<25>Acne, the Skin Microbiome, and Antibiotic Treatment. (2019). PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6534434/</25>

<26>The Microbiome in Acne: Where are We Now?. (2022). Practical Dermatology. https://practicaldermatology.com/articles/2022-june/the-microbiome-in-acne-where-are-we-now</26>

<27>Acne-Prone Skin: 8 Ingredients to Look For. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/best-ingredients-for-acne-prone-skin</27>

<28>Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. (2012). PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/</28>

<29>Medical News Today. (2018). Forehead acne and pimples: Causes, treatment, and prevention. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322130</29>

<30>Health. (2022). Acne Face Mapping Can Reveal the True Cause of Your Breakouts. https://www.health.com/condition/acne/acne-face-mapping</30>

<31>Verwell Health. (2023). What Causes Acne on the Forehead? https://www.verywellhealth.com/forehead-acne-7505280</31>

<32>Cosmopolitan. (2023). Forehead Acne: The Causes and Best Treatments According to Derms. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a44764362/what-causes-forehead-acne/</32>

<33>Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Acne Face Map: The Cause of These Breakouts. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acne-face-map</33>

<34>American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Are your hair care products causing breakouts? https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/hair-products</34>

<35>Art of Skin Care. (n.d.). Pore-Clogging Ingredients - Art of Skin Care: Acne Learn Center. https://learn.artofskincare.com/acne-lesson-6-acne-causing-ingredients-you-need-to-know-for-clear-skin/</35>

<36>Beauty Care Choices. (n.d.). Are your hair products causing your acne? https://www.beautycarechoices.com/blog/are-your-hair-products-causing-your-acne</36>

<37>Curology. (n.d.). Pomade acne: Treating hairline breakouts. https://curology.com/blog/pomade-acne-heres-what-to-do/</37>

<38>Tiege Hanley. (n.d.). Pomade Acne: Can Hair Gel Cause Bumps on the Forehead? https://www.tiege.com/blogs/news/pomade-acne-can-hair-gel-cause-bumps-on-your-forehead</38>

<39>Jil Goorman Beauty. (n.d.). Hair Product Ingredients That Cause Acne: What To Avoid. https://jilgoormanbeauty.com/blog/hair-product-ingredients-that-cause-acne-what-to-avoid/</39>

<40>American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop</40>

<41>Exposed Skincare. (n.d.). How to Clear Away Forehead Acne Once and For All. https://www.exposedskincare.com/blogs/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-forehead-acne</41>

<42>Byrdie. (2022). How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne (And Keep It Away for Good). https://www.byrdie.com/what-causes-forehead-acne-4844912</42>

<43>The Independent Pharmacy. (n.d.). Get Rid Of Forehead Acne Quickly. https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/acne/guides/how-to-get-rid-of-forehead-acne-quickly-and-effectively</43>

<44>Skincare Hero. (n.d.). How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne (Easily). https://skincarehero.com/how-to-get-rid-of-forehead-acne/</44>

<45>Strut. (n.d.). 10 Tips To Clear Up and Prevent Forehead Acne. https://www.struthealth.com/blog/10-tips-to-clear-up-and-prevent-forehead-acne</45>

<46>American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Acne: Tips for managing. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips</46>

<47>Healthline. (2023). The 25 Best Acne Treatments, According to Dermatologists. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/best-acne-treatment</47>

<48>SELF. (2022). The 17 Best Acne Treatments, According to Dermatologists. https://www.self.com/story/common-acne-treatments</48>

<49>Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne</49>

<50>How Acne Affects Your Self Esteem and Image. (n.d.). VeryWell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/acne-and-your-self-esteem-15790</50>

<51>The impact of acne treatment on quality of life and self-esteem: A prospective cohort study from Lebanon - PMC. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8484949/</51>

<52>How Acne Bumps Cause the Blues: The Influence of Acne Vulgaris on Self-Esteem - PMC. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6047192/</52>

<53>Quality of life, self-esteem and psychosocial factors in adolescents with acne vulgaris - PMC. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631226/</53>

<54>Paller, A. S., Rangel, S. M., Chamlin, S. L., Hajek, A., Phan, S., Hogeling, M., Castelo-Soccio, L., Lara-Corrales, I., Arkin, L., Lawley, L. P., Funk, T., Lopes, F. C. P. S., Antaya, R. J., Ramien, M. L., Vivar, K. L., Teng, J., Coughlin, C. C., Rehmus, W., Gupta, D., Bercovitch, L., Stein, S. L., Boull, C., Tom, W. L., Liang, M. G., Hunt, R., Luu, M., Holland, K. E., Schoch, J. J., Cella, D., & Lai, J. (2023). Stigmatization and Mental Health Impact of Chronic Pediatric Skin Disorders. JAMA dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38656377/</54>

<55>Skin Barrier Function and How to Repair and Care for It. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier</55>

<56>Acne Vulgaris and the Epidermal Barrier: Is Acne Vulgaris Associated with Inherent Epidermal Abnormalities that Cause Impairment of Barrier Functions? Do Any Topical Acne Therapies Alter the Structural and/or Functional Integrity of the Epidermal Barrier? (2013). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579484/</56>

<57>Hormonal Acne: Why It Happens and How to Treat It. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hormonal-acne</57>

<58>What Does Acne on Your Forehead Mean? | Metro Dermatology. (n.d.). Metro Dermatology. https://metrodermatology.net/what-does-acne-on-your-forehead-mean/amp/</58>

<59>Adult Acne: Why It Happens and How to Treat It. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adult-acne</59>

<60>Clogged Pores: What They Are, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22773-clogged-pores</60>

<61>Clogged Pores: Causes, Prevention and Treatments - Westlake Dermatology. (n.d.). Westlake Dermatology. https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/clogged-pores/</61>

<62>Pictures: Different Types of Acne & How to Treat Them. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/ss/slideshow-acne-dictionary</62>

<63>What is Acne? Definition & Types | NIAMS. (n.d.). NIAMS. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne</63>

<64>Types of Acne: Pictures, Treatments, and More. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/types-of-acne</64>

<65>Personal hygiene | healthdirect. (n.d.). Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene</65>

<66>Personal Hygiene: Benefits, Creating a Routine, In Kids, and More. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/personal-hygiene</66>

<67>Keep Your Skin Healthy | NIH News in Health. (n.d.). NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/11/keep-your-skin-healthy</67>

<68>Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best? - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-treatments/art-20045814</68>

<69>Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/</69>

<70>Over-the-Counter Treatments for Acne. (n.d.). VeryWell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/over-the-counter-acne-treatments-15638</70>

<71>From WebMD: Teen Acne and Prescription Treatments. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/teen-acne-prescription-treatments</71>

<72>Acne - Treatment - NHS. (n.d.). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/</72>

<73>Acne Treatment & Medication for Pimples, Blackheads, & Whiteheads. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/understanding-acne-treatment</73>