The UK's leading skin clinic/

we are open now

Use our acne face map to find out what type of breakout you’ve got

Medically Reviewed June 2023, by , for Women (Suggested Internet page) sk:n. Next review due June 2024.

New research that the of your facial acne can be related to external and internal influences. By using our acne face map, it can help identify the cause of your acne and prevent the future recurrence of it.

What is acne?

is a skin condition characterised by abnormal sebum (oil) production. It is often triggered by hormone fluctuations where a group of called androgens, such as testosterone and androstenedione, cause the glands to become overactive and sensitive.

The of oil enables the usually bacteria, p.acnes, to become more aggressive and cause inflammation. The build-up of excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pores and cause the during an acne flare. 

Use the information below to pinpoint where your acne spots appear and read advice on how to manage it.

Hairline and temples

If you’re any hairline and temple acne that won’t go away, it may be due to the application of cosmetics, such as skin care, hair products, and of hats, helmets and restrictive headbands.

When acne on and hairline is caused by hair products, it is called pomade acne or . Pomade is a greasy, waxy, or oil-based substance, such as silicone and petrolatum, used in hair products that gives the hair it’s hold, shine and shape-ability. 

If you’re already prone to acne, the additional oily ingredients found in hair products and gels causes of the pores. To minimise the presence of acne in this specific area, sensitive hair care formulas, ones that are and (which do not clog pores). 

Ingredients to avoid are oil, petrolatum, acrylates, panthenol, silicone and quaternium-70. Instead, seek organic, more natural ingredients with similar capabilities such as honey, beeswax, sea salt, argan and shea to help style your hair.

If you notice a correlation between and your acne, this type of acne is called . It is common in and is triggered by excess heat and sweat build-up, where the friction of the skin is due to the frequent of hats, helmets and . 

A few ways to acne is to clean any headwear and avoid touching the area. The good news about acne is that it is not considered a chronic form of acne and should when the skin no longer experiences friction. 

With most cases of acne, using with a higher concentration of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which have high and properties. These can be by a doctor or found in a . 

T-zone (forehead acne, nose and chin acne)

The T-zone, named after the shape of the afflicted areas, covers the forehead, nose and chin . are common in these areas due to the amount of glands found across it. 

Whilst there is research that suggests the acne found on the forehead, chin and nose can be exacerbated by , it mostly occurs of the build-up of bacteria, oil and dead skill cells. These parts of the face are touched, which facilitates the of debris directly to the pores.

To aggravating oily skin, your regime to include is a first, and using an oil-regulating toner/cleanser containing or niacinamide, a second. 

is a of vitamin A and works to and cell turnover to reveal a . Unlike other ingredients, topical retinoids are prescribed to effectively treat acne and act by penetrating the epidermis layer of the skin, where and acne outbreaks. 

Niacinamide is a form of B3 which helps to balance oil production, shrink pores and manage acne and . is kind of acne with the primary experienced being excessive redness and swelling. This type of acne is common across the nose, the blood to become enlarged and in turn, more visible. 

The chin is another common place for acne flares. One cause of chin acne may be due to hormones. Spots are common among females who are menstruating, pregnant or the menopause. 

Oral contraceptives have shown encouraging evidence in in and can be by your doctor if you have persistent acne problems. If you prefer a approach, we have as a method of controlling acne .   

Cheeks

Acne on cheeks and acne around the mouth can be aggravated by and bacteria. Frequently the face, whether this is with your hands or with – such as mobiles, makeup brushes, pillowcases or facemasks – can act as vehicles for germs, which can take the form of acne-causing bacteria. 

By becoming more aware of the role bacteria plays in acne and how it may lead to breakouts, being vigilant on hygiene can help reduce spots. 

Some tips are:

Jawline

Similarly to chin acne, spots around the jawline can occur due to . Diet (although not a direct cause of acne) may also acne. 

As acne is a skin condition, can create in the system which then may lead to sudden shifts in hormones. This an overactivity in the glands, making them more sensitive and prompting them to overcompensate by depositing excess oil through the skin glands. 

If you notice a correlation between changes in your diet and acne severity, try avoiding those foods to see if your acne improves. If your acne doesn’t after having tried various diets, clinical ointments, and hygiene rules, a may be for you.

Key takeaways

Need help?

At sk:n, we have a range of treatments that have shown significant results in the and management of acne, from and to  and . 

with one of our experts, and get advice on how to live without acne constantly impacting your life.

Related Articles

07

Apr 2026

Treatments

07

Apr 2026

Treatments

a callback

One of our friendly sk:n will call you to book your consultation;

You need enabled to view this form. Please enable/update Javascript, or alternatively get in touch with our team on

Clinics

Conditions

Treatments

Pricing

Aftercare

and support

Centre Hours

Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm

Saturday: 9am - 8pm

Sunday: 9am - 7pm

Head Office

sk:n
200 St Street,
Glasgow,
G2 5SG

Registered in Scotland No. SC817369.

Useful Links

Keep in Touch

© 2026 sk:n All Rights Reserved.

Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited is registered in with company number SC817369. Registered address: 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG. Terms and Conditions can be found at .  Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited is acting as a credit broker offering finance from Omni Capital Retail Finance. Credit is subject to status.

Your application will be subject to a credit check using a credit reference agency as part of our assessment process. Credit is to status and is to UK residents aged 18 years and over. You can find Omni Retail Finance’s Terms and Conditions at .

Finance is provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd which is a credit provider/lender. Lorena Cosmetics SPV does not receive payment for introducing to Omni Retail Finance. Omni Retail Finance Ltd finance options are subject to status, and terms and conditions apply. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is registered in and Wales with number . address: 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD. and regulated by the Financial Authority, Firm Number: .