Retnoid serum

What the location of your acne may be telling you

If you suffer from acne, this guide may be for you. The location of your acne can often provide insight into its potential causes, triggers, and treatment options. Here are some common associations we see in clinic often:

If you have JAWLINE/CHIN acne in women:

  • This is usually due to hormonal acne and can be difficult to treat with OTC options. Likely this needs a combo of prescriptions including Winlevi, birth control pills, or oral spironolactone. Seeing a dermatologist is a great idea for this type of acne. In the meantime, focus on gentle skincare and starting a vitamin A treatment such as our granactive retinoid-Retinoath to get a jumpstart on your treatment.

AROUND THE MOUTH:

  • This could be a rash called perioral dermatitis instead. This follows more of a sensitive skin/rosacea pattern and is thus usually treated with prescriptive antibiotics both orally or topically. Over the counter ingredients to focus on could include azelaic acid and niacinamide. Focus on gentle skincare in the meantime, sunscreen, and avoid whitening toothpastes or chewing gum plus steroids! If you absolutely want to try a vitamin A based product, our bakuchiol based TBH serum would be ideal here. Additionally our vitamin C serum was formulated with THD Ascorbate, a more gentle version of Vitamin C as opposed to the traditional L-ascorbic acid, making it ideal for those with rosacea or perioral dermatitis.

T-ZONE acne:  

  • This is usually a sign of excessive oil production and clogged pores. Treatment options for facial acne include topical creams or gels containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. Fan favorite here will be our granactive retinoid-Retinoath. If you have sensitive skin, you can start with the TBH serum which is a blend of bakuchiol, a plant based retinol alternative in addition to alpha hydroxy acids.

CHEEK acne:

  • If blackheads and pustules, this is more along the lines of traditional acne. Topical creams or gels containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can be used OTC. Our favorite? The Oathology granactive retinoid-Retinoath.
  • If more pink bumps, background redness, and sensitivity, usually more along the lines of rosacea. Azelaic acid and niacinamide can be soothing OTC options until you see a dermatologist.

HAIRLINE acne:

  • Due to caps, bangs, pomades etc. Something is clogging those pores. Try a retinol or alpha hydroxyl acid product and most importantly stop the offender! Ideally one can start with our granactive retinoid-Retinoath. If you have sensitive skin, you can start with the TBH serum which is a blend of bakuchiol, a plant based retinol alternative in addition to alpha hydroxy acids.

CHEST and BACK: aka truncal acne

  • This type of acne is often more persistent and harder to treat due to the thicker skin in these areas. Treatment options include topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. In severe cases, oral medications or other therapies like laser treatments may be recommended. Avoid friction from backpacks or occlusive clothing like post workout activewear.
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