According to the U.S. Library of Congress, consumers are spending more on skin care products than in previous decades.
We get advertisements that appeal to the senses that arise when we look less than our best selves.
At the end, we as the consumer want the magic cure right away and will sometimes pay any cost.
However, it's best to explore the common ways to fight small bumps on forehead or other part of the face.
What is the Cause of My Acne?
This condition, which is the result of clogged pores beneath the skin, isn’t limited to pre-teens and young adults. The cause of acne bumps mostly depends on the individual and their lifestyle.
According to the Mayo Clinic, diet plays a larger role than genetic disposition. Particularly those meals that are include more meat than vegetables and whole (not overly processed) grains.
The reason is that many farm animals are injected with hormones that cause the skin to produce more sebum.
Meats that are high in fat content (like ground meat with at least 20 percent fat that are popular for making burgers) and dairy should be eaten in moderation.
Experts also claim that processed sugar and caffeine can have a similar effect on hormones when there isn’t enough insulin to convert into energy.
Which Treatment Works Best for Bumps on Forehead?
For some, making the change in diet by replacing sugary drinks with plain water and using a low-fat meat and dairy substitute, results can be seen in a few weeks.
However, it may help to try one of the methods below.
Additionally, you may find that your current treatment to eliminate acne bumps isn’t working for a reason.
Here are some of the most effective home remedies for having a clear complexion:
1. Stop Using Harsh Astringents and Facial Scrubs
By definition, a harsh astringent or facial cleaner is one made with alcohol.
At one time, you may have been taught that pure alcohol is the ultimate treatment for acne - or to dry a single pus-filled pimple that stands out from the rest of your face.
Dermatologists don’t recommend anyone use alcohol because its drying properties can damage skin.
Toners, on the other hand, are glycerin-based and made to clean beneath the skin while delivering a bit of moisture. Witch hazel is also a good product to use and either of these can be used no more than once a day.
If the skin layer is broken, it’s best to clean face with a gentle soap product so it won’t lose elasticity that helps it heal faster and lessen chances of scarring.
Scrubs made from natural or synthetic materials should not be used on broken or sensitive skin.
2. Change Your Pillowcases Once a Week
If your hair is oily and uncovered when you go to bed, that excess oil will remain in pillowcases.
Additionally, a person with oily hair normally has oily skin and the same would apply. So if a person doesn’t wash their hair or face before going to bed, that buildup of dirt, bacteria, and oil the buildup compounds every day that it’s in use.
You may ask ‘Why the forehead instead of other parts of my face?’ Sometimes, perspiration along the hairline can trigger acne breakouts in this area.
This is why it’s important to wash face after working out or participating in vigorous activity. Wrapping or covering hair with a scarf or cap will prevent oil from rubbing off on surfaces.
3. Look Closely at Over-the-Counter Products
Not long ago, there were acne-fighting systems that flew off the shelves due mostly to their celebrity endorsements, and remarkable before-and-after photos of “regular users”.
Although these kits may have worked for some, users complained about not seeing results and their credit card being charged for the unused product. And because each kit contained a number of products to fight acne and deliver better skin, this subscription service wasn’t cheap.
Most drug stores carry quality products for a few dollars that carry a generous amount of acne-fighting properties.
The leading products contain one or more of the following:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Sulfur
- Salicylic acid
Some products are made to shrink visible bumps overnight but users report that some severe cases of acne may disappear entirely in less than a month.
4. Use Cosmetics that are Water-Based or Noncomedogenic
People with acne may have scars left by severe breakouts and may be tempted to wear heavy coverage foundation, which is often oil-based.
These cosmetics can also irritate skin and present an unnatural look when applied without careful attention to detail. By using an oil-free or noncomedogenic formula, this reduces the chance of inflammation or recurrence, for those with oily or combination skin.
There are few facial creams, foundations, and powders that are made to either fight acne with a small amount of salicylic acid or zinc oxide.
Some of these products may have a slight tingle when first applied and some aren’t compatible with every skin type. For best results, you should research each product before buying.
5. Moisturize Skin Regularly
While it feels good to go sunbathing or live in a warmer climate, the skin can become damaged by prolonged sun exposure.
Just like with harsh astringents, overly-dry skin is not only prone to breakouts but scarring. In order to maintain elasticity, it’s best to use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or SPF 30 sunscreen.
If skin is already dry, it helps to keep moisturizing facial wipes on hand. Some foundation makeup contains SPF protection. These sunscreen products are available as lotions, creams, or mist spray.
6. Go Natural with Tea Tree Oil
Along with witch hazel, this is one of the best natural acne treatments that offers many benefits.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used to treat fungus. This alternative to benzoyl peroxide can be found at most drug and health food retailers and a small amount goes a long way.
Tea tree oil is to be used topically and once it gets into skin, it unblocks clogged pores and will normally dry pimples in a day or two.
According to the Research College of Nursing, tea tree oil may be used for mild to moderate acne. To date, it has no side effects except for a distinct aroma that gradually fades after application.
However, some users report that it can take a while to see results.
7. Try Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
This ingredient is found in many over-the-counter acne products but this one has multiple functions.
In addition to removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, this ingredient also restores to skin’s natural pH. Balanced skin is not only soft to the touch but heals faster than dehydrated skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are available as a cream, gel, or serum and may be used as part of a chemical peel.
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), caution should be used when spending extended time in the sun.
AHAs can also produce side effects for some users. Those who are prone to rashes or breakout may want to use with caution.
8. Stop Picking at Acne
Any pimple that protrudes from the face may tempt you to squeeze, even when we know that all there is inside the bump is pus and blood.
Sometimes they become itchy but handling it with unclean hand can make things worse. Open skin is not only prone to an infection but scarring, which leads to more treatments for possible hyperpigmentation.
To dry a single pimple or two quickly, try using a topical aspirin mask.
This entails crushing 8-10 uncoated aspirin tablets and mixing with a little water and lemon juice to form a paste. Those with sensitive skin may add a little honey for a smoother texture. Let sit for about 15 minutes and follow up with a moisturizer since these ingredients are known to dry the skin.
9. Wash Face after Workouts
We all know that exercise and prolonged sun exposure result in sweat that contains bacteria and toxins that have been released from the body.
When sweat stays on the skin, it can penetrate and mix in with oils and sebum, eventually resulting in a breakout. In the case of problem skin, using a fragrance-free or natural (like goat’s milk) soap will neutralize the surface.
If you’ve ever wondered why gyms give their patrons white towels, it’s because bleach (or a bleach alternative) is used to clean these thoroughly.
The best way to rid towels of germs is to wash in hot water and use an antibacterial cleaning solution before the drying cycle.
If a towel is not available, unscented body wipes may work in order to clean and neutralize.
10. Drink Plenty of Water
There are many benefits to staying hydrated and some even relate to controlling acne.
For one, when you drink more water than soda or alcohol, it helps to move digested food through the intestines. Often when a person is constipated, they tend have skin breakouts, hormonal imbalances, or retain fluid.
Water pushes toxins and waste from the system when consumed regularly. Drinking more than six glasses a day can help a person get full faster, which is helpful when trying to eat lighter for weight loss.
Sometimes adding a few drops of lemon juice can be essential in cleansing the body for clearer skin.
How Long Should I Use Treatment?
Once you have assessed whether a change in diet or hygiene habits is needed, it’s your job to research the ingredients that work the best.
If your forehead has more oil or acne than the rest of your face, you may want to look for products made for oily or combination skin. Those with dry skin should focus on moisturizing without the use of heavy oils.
It helps to try one or two products for about 4-6 weeks. Taking a picture in a well-lit room before trying a new product and repeating this after a few weeks of use.
Compare the two pictures side-by-side and note what was taken and how often. This helps the dermatologist from possibly duplicating your efforts.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Even with health insurance, going to see any specialist can be costly. This is especially true if the doctor decides to test your blood for any underlying illness.
Depending on the individual, birth control pills may be given to balance hormones or, for severe cases, something powerful like Accutane may be prescribed.
One advantage to visiting a doctor is that they can prescribe topical antibiotics, if needed. While some of the ingredients listed contain antibacterial properties, only a physician can write a prescription to treat an infection.
Otherwise, some of the prescribed medications, like retinoids, may cause temporary side effects.
What anyone will realize is that fighting bumps on forehead or any other part of the body doesn't have to be expensive.
In many cases, home treatment can lead to a better diet and improved well-being. Even better is that home treatments have fewer, if any noticeable side effects.
[su_spoiler title="Sources" icon="plus-circle" class="sources-links"]
- http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/skin-wrinkles-and-blemishes
- http://researchcollege.edu/hl/?/21867/tea-tree-oil&com.dotmarketing.htmlpage.language=1
- http://faculty.etsu.edu/odonnell/2011fall/engl3130/student_writing/natural_skincare.htm
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ingredients/ucm107940.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020580
- https://www.uhs.umich.edu/acne
- http://bcove.me/ijtd1irv
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