Skin breakouts around the jawline happen most often because of hormones that make your skin produce more oil. These pimples, called hormonal acne, show up as deep, painful cysts along the jaw, chin, and lower cheeks.[1][2][4][6]
Hormones like androgens kick into high gear during certain times and tell your oil glands to overwork. This extra oil, or sebum, mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores. Bacteria then grow inside, sparking inflammation that leads to those red, sore bumps.[2][3][4]
Women see this type of acne more than men, especially as adults over 30. It flares up before periods because estrogen drops and androgens rise, boosting oil and clogging things up. Pregnancy, starting or stopping birth control, and menopause do the same by shifting hormone levels.[1][4][6][7]
Conditions like PCOS add to the problem. This involves insulin resistance and extra androgens, which raise oil production even more. Obesity can play a role here too.[1][4]
Stress makes it worse by releasing cortisol, a hormone that amps up oil and inflammation. Lack of sleep and high stress keep your body out of balance.[4][5][6][8]
Diet choices matter a lot. Too much sugar or refined carbs spikes insulin, which signals more oil from your skin. Dairy, like milk, does this too by raising insulin and a growth factor called IGF-1. Processed foods and high-glycemic snacks fuel inflammation.[1][5]
Other triggers include touching your face with dirty hands, using thick makeup or hair products that clog pores, and sweat buildup from workouts or heat. Harsh cleansers or comedogenic lotions trap bacteria inside.[1][5][7]
Poor gut health from low fiber or probiotics lets inflammation spread to your skin. Genetics also factor in, as family history raises your odds.[3][5]
These breakouts stick around longer than regular pimples and can scar if you pick at them. They signal your body needs balance, not just better washing.[3][6]
Sources
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/dermatologist-lists-8-diet-changes-that-can-help-you-reduce-jawline-and-chin-acne-and-frequent-breakouts-101766949343106.html
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/642363/what-are-the-causes-and-treatment-options-for-acne
https://londondermatologyclinics.com/cystic-acne-your-guide-to-causes-and-management/
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.draliabadi.com/blog/hormonal-acne/
https://www.smallbatchserums.com/blogs/blog-post-2/what-causes-cystic-acne-on-the-chin-and-how-to-treat-it
