How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne for Good in 5 Steps
Bumpy forehead? We’ve found the exact formula for how to get rid of forehead acne fast.
You’ve tried cleansers and other over-the-counter acne treatments and, well...nothing. You could get bangs to hide the bumps but at the end of the day, they’re still there and not going anywhere.
It’s time to get real about forehead acne, what causes it, how to treat it, and the best skincare products for clearing forehead breakouts.
Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of acne on forehead.
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Best Products for Forehead Acne in 2025
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What Causes Forehead Acne?
Forehead acne doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Something’s triggering it—and figuring that out is the key to shutting it down.
The forehead is part of the T-zone (aka the oiliest area of your face). When excess sebum mixes with dead skin, sweat, and hair product residue (think dry shampoo or pomade), it clogs your pores and leads to breakouts. If you wear bangs or use heavy styling gels, you might be making it worse without realizing it.
Other forehead acne causes include:
• Hormonal fluctuations (like your menstrual cycle)
• High sugar or dairy-heavy diets
• Chronic stress
• Skipping your nighttime cleanse
• Touching your face constantly
How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne
To get rid of the little bumps on your forehead, you have two options: over-the-counter treatments and in-office treatments. At-home, dermatologists recommend using products that contain acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids. Here are all your best treatment options for forehead acne.
1. Deep Clean Pores With Salicylic Acid
Clogged pores contribute to forehead acne breakouts. The first step to treating forehead breakouts is using a salicylic acid-based cleanser or exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Salicylic acid is one of the best acne-fighting ingredients out there. It cuts through excess sebum and sloughs away dead skin cells to clear blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts on your forehead.
Clear up forehead acne in a flash with Truly’s 24K Gold Black Soap Cleanser. It's formulated with salicylic acid, charcoal, and African black soap to absorb excess oil and impurities while dissolving pore-clogging dead cells for a visibly clearer, less shiny complexion.
2. Resurface With Retinol
Retinol isn't just for anti-aging. You can use it to get rid of forehead acne too. Or acne anywhere for that matter.
Retinol works by speeding up and encouraging healthy skin cell turnover. This means: you don't get a buildup of excess dead cells which can clog pores and lead to blemishes.
What’s more, retinol can be great for treating any dark spots or discoloration associated with acne. In addition to its cell regeneration powers, retinol promotes collagen production, which helps the skin repair, giving it a smoother, clearer appearance.
Just be aware that retinol can come with side effects such as skin irritation (especially if you have sensitive skin) so go slow and don’t overdo it.
3. Apply Pimple Patches
Sometimes, one of the easiest and fastest fixes for stubborn forehead breakouts is pimple patches. These patches are pretty extraordinary. Powered by hydrocolloid (an ancient wound treatment), these patches extract and absorb dirt, oil, and pus, speeding up the healing process of pustules and pimples.
This is a great option if you just have one or two forehead pimples. If you have a cluster, you’re better off using a product that treats the entire area.
Truly’s Heart Blemish Patches are a fun and effective way to treat forehead blemishes with their breakout-busting blend of hydrocolloid, niacinamide, and witch hazel.
4. Moisturize Your Forehead
Yes, you still need to moisturize if you want to get rid of forehead acne.
By keeping your skin hydrated, you’re signaling to your skin that it has adequate oils, preventing excess oil production. When your skin is dehydrated, the body creates more oil to make up for the loss, often resulting in clogged pores and forehead pimples.
The easiest way to tell your body to stop producing more oil is to apply oil – or any kind of moisturizing product for that matter.
5. Keep Your Pillowcase Clean
Think about it. Your face touches your pillowcase every night for several hours each night. That’s a lot of contact! Now think about when you last changed your pillowcase.
“The bacteria and oils from our hair and mouth transfer onto our pillowcases and then our faces during the night — becoming another source of acne,” says Dr Rachel Nazarian.
Keep your pillowcase clean by changing them at least twice weekly. It might not be the only solution for how to get rid of forehead acne, but it can definitely help.
Treat yourself to Truly’s Bonne Nuit Beaute Satin Sleep Set which features a satin pillowcase, headband, eye mask, and scrunchie to secure your best beauty sleep.
Different Types of Forehead Acne
Forehead bumps aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types and how they form.
• Milia
Small, white, hard bumps caused by trapped keratin—not oil. They aren’t true acne and usually require professional removal.
• Comedones (Blackheads + Whiteheads)
Clogged pores caused by excess oil and dead skin. Blackheads stay open and oxidize; whiteheads are closed and sit just under the surface. Best treatment: a salicylic acid product.
• Papules
Red bumps with no pus. These form when clogged pores trigger inflammation. They often feel sore to the touch. These are best treated with pimple patches.
• Other Acne-Like Bumps
Conditions like sebaceous hyperplasia, dermatitis, rosacea, and seborrheic keratosis can mimic forehead acne but need different treatment.
How to Prevent Forehead Acne
Preventing forehead acne involves a combination of skincare habits and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips:
1. Keep your forehead clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat that could clog pores.
2. Avoid touching your face: Your hands can transfer bacteria, oil, and dirt to your skin, which may lead to breakouts. Try not to touch your forehead or face throughout the day.
3. Choose the right hair products: Oily or greasy hair products can contribute to forehead acne, so look for non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) shampoos and conditioners.
4. Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. Use a gentle exfoliant, like one with salicylic acid, which can target forehead acne directly.
5. Hydrate your skin: Keep your skin moisturized, even if you have oily skin. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores.
6. Watch your diet: Certain foods, especially those high in sugar or dairy, may contribute to forehead acne. Consider reducing these in your diet and focus on a balanced one with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
7. Manage stress: Stress can trigger hormone fluctuations that might cause acne on the forehead. Try stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or simply getting enough sleep.
8. Use acne-fighting ingredients: Incorporate products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide, which can help treat and prevent acne on head.
By following these steps and being consistent with your skincare routine, you should see fewer breakouts on your forehead.
Home Remedies for Forehead Acne
Sometimes the best place to start is at home. Here are some dermatologist-approved natural remedies for forehead acne.
Tea Tree Oil: Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation and supports healing of acne-prone skin.
Ice Therapy: Reduces swelling and redness of papules or cysts.
Honey Masks: Naturally antibacterial, great for calming inflamed sebaceous glands.
These natural remedies are ideal for mild breakouts or as complementary treatments to your regular routine. Just make sure they’re suitable for your skin type and don’t irritate your skin.
When to See a Dermatologist for Forehead Acne
If your forehead acne is persistent, painful, or worsening, it might be time to see a dermatology professional. Here’s when you should seek help.
• You have large, painful cysts that don't respond to OTC treatments.
• Acne scars are forming or worsening.
• You suspect your acne might be a different skin condition.
A dermatologist can provide professional treatments such as chemical peels, prescription topical or oral medications, and in-office extractions. Chemical peels help exfoliate and reduce acne scars, while oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal treatments can tackle cystic acne at the root.
Forehead Acne FAQs
What Does Forehead Acne Mean?
If you’re suddenly breaking out on your forehead, it’s usually your skin’s way of telling you something’s off. Maybe it’s buildup from your hair products, skipping your cleanse after a sweaty workout, or stress messing with your oil glands. Basically, something’s clogging your pores—and your forehead is the first to call it out.
Could It Be Fungal Acne on Forehead?
Fungal acne isn’t true acne. It’s a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles. Unlike bacterial acne, it appears as itchy, uniform bumps that don’t respond to typical acne treatments.
This form of folliculitis thrives in oily, sweaty environments and may be worsened by heavy creams or pomades. If your forehead acne isn’t improving with standard acne treatments, you might be dealing with fungal acne. Antifungal shampoos or topical treatments can help. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
What Deficiency Causes Forehead Acne?
Researchers are still investigating how diet impacts acne, but some evidence suggests nutritional deficiencies could play a role. An review from 2006 highlights that vitamins A and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining skin health and function. Other essential nutrients that may support clear skin include zinc, copper, and iron.
How Long Does it Take for Forehead Acne to Go Away?
If you’re using the right products and staying consistent, you can start seeing results in as little as two weeks. For more stubborn breakouts or severe acne cases, it may take several weeks to fully clear your forehead acne.
Now that you know how to get rid of forehead acne quickly, clearer skin could be just a couple of weeks away. Stay consistent, stay patient—and let the results roll in.
