Acne around the jawline often shows up because of hormones that make your skin produce extra oil and clog pores. This type of breakout is common in adults, especially women, and tends to cluster along the lower face.
Hormones like androgens play the biggest role. These are male hormones everyone has, but when levels rise, they tell oil glands in your skin to work overtime. The extra oil, called sebum, mixes with dead skin cells and blocks hair follicles. Bacteria then grow inside, sparking inflammation and pimples. Jawline acne is a classic sign of this hormonal pattern.[1][3][5]
Women notice it most around their menstrual cycle. Right before a period, progesterone goes up, boosting oil and triggering breakouts on the jaw, chin, and mouth area. Pregnancy, menopause, or stopping birth control can do the same. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, raise androgen levels and cause stubborn jawline acne along with other symptoms like irregular periods or extra facial hair.[1][3][6]
Stress makes it worse. When you are stressed, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that ramps up oil production even more. Lack of sleep or high-pressure days often lead to flare-ups in this spot.[3][4][7]
Diet can contribute too. Foods high in sugar or dairy might spike insulin and mess with hormones for some people. This leads to more inflammation and oil, feeding the acne cycle.[2][4][6]
Certain habits and products add fuel. Touching your face with dirty hands, using heavy makeup, or picking oily moisturizers clogs pores faster. Medications like steroids or lithium can mimic hormones and spark breakouts here.[1][4]
Genetics matter as well. If family members had acne, you might be prone to it, especially the deep, painful cysts that form along the jaw.[2]
Sources:
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://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.smallbatchserums.com/blogs/blog-post-2/what-causes-cystic-acne-on-the-chin-and-how-to-treat-it
