What Causes Acne to Recur in the Same Areas
Acne often returns to the same spots on your face or body because of specific factors like hormones, oil buildup, and pore clogging that target those zones repeatedly. Understanding these helps explain why breakouts keep happening in places like the chin, forehead, or cheeks.
One main reason is hormones. They fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, stress, or other changes, causing extra oil production in certain areas. For example, acne on the chin frequently pops up around the same time each month, right before your period, as hormones shift and stimulate oil glands there.[2] These glands in hormone-sensitive spots like the jawline and chin get overactive, leading to clogged pores and recurring pimples.
Oil-prone areas also play a big role. The T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, naturally produces more oil. When this mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, pores clog easily in these spots.[1] Cheeks and jawline can see repeats too, especially if your skin barrier weakens from harsh products, trapping oil and bacteria inside.[1]
Bacteria and inflammation add to the cycle. Even after a breakout heals, leftover inflammation or bacteria can linger, making the same area prone to new pimples. Spots like the T-zone or cheeks stay vulnerable because they have more active oil glands and follicles that invite bacteria back.[1]
Skin type matters across all areas. Oily skin is hit hardest, but dry or combination skin can still get recurring acne if heavy creams block pores or damage the barrier, worsening clogs in usual hotspots.[1]
Habits can trap problems in specific zones. Over-scrubbing or using the wrong products irritates skin, boosts oil output, and keeps breakouts cycling in the same places like the forehead or chin.[1] Genetics influence this too, as some people inherit oilier glands in certain areas, making recurrence more likely there.
Sources
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.influennz.com/blog/reason-for-acne-on-the-chin/
