Androgens are the hormones

Summary
Read the full fact sheet

 The hormones leptin, insulin, oestrogens, androgens and growth hormone

influence our appetite, metabolism and body fat distribution.
 People who are obese have hormone levels that encourage the accumulation
of body fat.
 Obesity is a risk factor for disease.
 Obesity-related disease is preventable with weight loss.

On this page
 Obesity and leptin
 Obesity and insulin
 Obesity and sex hormones
 Obesity and growth hormone
 Inflammatory factors and obesity
 Obesity hormones as a risk factor for disease
 Behaviour and obesity hormones
 Where to get help

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate processes in our body. They are
one factor in causing obesity. The hormones leptin and insulin, sex hormones and
growth hormone influence our appetite, metabolism (the rate at which our body
burns kilojoules for energy), and body fat distribution. People who are obese have
levels of these hormones that encourage abnormal metabolism and the
accumulation of body fat.

A system of glands, known as the endocrine system, secretes hormones into our
bloodstream. The endocrine system works with the nervous system and the immune
system to help our body cope with different events and stresses. Excesses or deficits
of hormones can lead to obesity and, on the other hand, obesity can lead to changes
in hormones.

Obesity and leptin

The hormone leptin is produced by fat cells and is secreted into our bloodstream.
Leptin reduces a person's appetite by acting on specific centres of their brain to
reduce their urge to eat. It also seems to control how the body manages its store of
body fat.

Because leptin is produced by fat, leptin levels tend to be higher in people who are
obese than in people of normal weight. However, despite having higher levels of this
appetite-reducing hormone, people who are obese aren't as sensitive to the effects
of leptin and, as a result, tend not to feel full during and after a meal. Ongoing
research is looking at why leptin messages aren't getting through to the brain in
people who are obese.

Obesity and insulin

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is important for the regulation of
carbohydrates and the metabolism of fat. Insulin stimulates glucose (sugar) uptake
from the blood in tissues such as muscles, the liver and fat. This is an important
process to make sure that energy is available for everyday functioning and to
maintain normal levels of circulating glucose.

In a person who is obese, insulin signals are sometimes lost and tissues are no
longer able to control glucose levels. This can lead to the development of type II
diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Obesity and sex hormones

Body fat distribution plays an important role in the development of obesity-related
conditions such as heart disease, stroke and some forms of arthritis. Fat around our
abdomen is a higher risk factor for disease than fat stored on our bottom, hips and
thighs. It seems that oestrogens and androgens help to decide body fat distribution.
Oestrogens are sex hormones made by the ovaries in pre-menopausal women. They
are responsible for prompting ovulation every menstrual cycle. 

Men and postmenopausal women do not produce much oestrogen in their testes
(testicles) or ovaries. Instead, most of their oestrogen is produced in their body fat,
although at much lower amounts than what is produced in pre-menopausal ovaries.
In younger men, androgens are produced at high levels in the testes. As a man gets
older, these levels gradually decrease.

The changes with age in the sex hormone levels of both men and women are
associated with changes in body fat distribution. While women of childbearing age
tend to store fat in their lower body (‘pear-shaped’), older men and postmenopausal
women tend to increase storage of fat around their abdomen (‘apple-shaped’).
Postmenopausal women who are taking oestrogen supplements don’t accumulate
fat around their abdomen. Animal studies have also shown that a lack of oestrogen
leads to excessive weight gain.

Obesity and growth hormone

The pituitary gland in our brain produces growth hormone, which influences a
person's height and helps build bone and muscle. Growth hormone also affects
metabolism (the rate at which we burn kilojoules for energy). Researchers have
found that growth hormone levels in people who are obese are lower than in people
of normal weight.

Inflammatory factors and obesity

Obesity is also associated with low-grade chronic inflammation within the fat tissue.
Excessive fat storage leads to stress reactions within fat cells, which in turn lead to
the release of pro-inflammatory factors from the fat cells themselves and immune
cells within the adipose (fat) tissue.

Obesity hormones as a risk factor for disease

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of a number of diseases, including
cardiovascular disease, stroke and several types of cancer, and with decreased
longevity (shorter life span) and lower quality of life. For example, the increased
production of oestrogens in the fat of older women who are obese is associated with
an increase in breast cancer risk, indicating that the source of oestrogen production
is important.

Behaviour and obesity hormones

People who are obese have hormone levels that encourage the accumulation of
body fat. It seems that behaviours such as overeating and lack of regular exercise,
over time, 'reset' the processes that regulate appetite and body fat distribution to
make the person physiologically more likely to gain weight. The body is always trying
to maintain balance, so it resists any short-term disruptions such as crash dieting.

Various studies have shown that a person's blood leptin level drops after a low-
kilojoule diet. Lower leptin levels may increase a person's appetite and slow down
their metabolism. This may help to explain why crash dieters usually regain their lost
weight. It is possible that leptin therapy may one day help dieters to maintain their
weight loss in the long term, but more research is needed before this becomes a
reality.

There is evidence to suggest that long-term behaviour changes, such as healthy

eating and regular exercise, can re-train the body to shed excess body fat and keep
it off. Studies have also shown that weight loss as a result of healthy diet and
exercise or bariatric surgery leads to improved insulin resistance, decreased
inflammation and beneficial modulation of obesity hormones. Weight loss is also
associated with a decreased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes
and some cancers.

Where to get help

 Your doctor
 Dietitians Association of Australia Tel. 1800 812 942

References
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 

Having pimples on chin

Pimples on the chin are usually the result of hormone

fluctuations that can occur during puberty or the
menstrual cycle. However, anyone can get pimples
on their chin at any age.

For mild cases, a person can treat pimples at home using over-the-counter products
and self care.

For more severe cases, a person may want to consult a dermatologist for
prescription-strength products or other treatment methods.

Natural oil on the skin can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria in the pores of a person’s
face, neck, and back. When this occurs, the pores often become red and inflamed,
which causes pimples to form.

Keep reading for more information about pimples on the chin and how to get rid of
them.
Causes

It is very common for pimples to appear on the chin, especially amongst females and
Share on Pinterest

teenagers.

Pimples on the chin are no different to pimples on other parts of the face, neck,
chest, and back.

Oil traps dead skin or other debris and bacteria in one or more pores on the skin.
This causes pimples to form.

Pimples on the chin are very common. They are typically the result of fluctuations in
hormones. This is particularly the case for females and teenagers, as both tend to
experience extreme hormone fluctuations.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for stimulating the creation of sebum.
Sebum is the oil responsible for clogging pores and creating pimples. Since
hormones can fluctuate throughout adulthood, pimples on the chin can come and
go at any time.
Pimples may be a mild nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.

However, as one study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic

DermatologyTrusted Source — which examined adult females with acne — notes,
pimples can cause mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a result,
they can impact a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, a person may not have pimples on their chin. Instead, they may
have one of two other conditions that resemble pimples: ingrown hairs or rosacea.

Ingrown hairs can occur due to shaving. As a result, males are usually more
susceptible to ingrown hairs on the chin than females. However, anyone can
develop an ingrown hair on their chin or other parts of their face or body.

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. If this
occurs, the ingrown hair can resemble a pimple and may swell or become red and
painful.

Learn more about ingrown hairs, include how to treat and prevent them, here.

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes a person’s blood vessels to become

visible, which results in noticeable redness. In some cases, rosacea can cause a
person’s skin to form bumps filled with pus, and these may resemble pimples.

Learn more about rosacea here.

Treatments
People can start treatment of chin pimples at home.
A person should use products that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Both can help a person’s pimples dry up within a few days, though it could take a
couple of weeks.

To treat a local outbreak of pimples on the chin, a person should follow these
general steps:

 Wash the area with a mild detergent or one that contains salicylic acid.
 Apply an ice pack to the area for about 5 minutes, to help reduce redness.
 Apply a cream or ointment with benzoyl peroxide.
 Avoid picking at the pimples or trying to pop them.

If chin pimples are not going away or are severe, a person may want to consult a
dermatologist.

Additional treatments they may recommend include:

 oral antibiotics, to kill the trapped bacteria

 isotretinoin, which is a medication that doctors prescribe when other
treatments are not effective
 prescription-strength creams, ointments, or gels
 laser therapy
 extraction, which involves draining and then removing a large cyst
 chemical peels
 birth control pills, to help regulate the hormones that produce sebum
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER

Knowledge is power. Get our free daily

newsletter. 
Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most. Subscribe to our facts-first
newsletter today.
Enter your email
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us
Prevention

Share on Pinterest A person can help prevent pimples developing by washing their face several times a day. 

It is not always possible to fully prevent the development of pimples on the chin.
However, there are several things a person can do to help prevent them, including:

 washing the chin and all areas of the face with a mild soap twice or more
daily
 avoiding oily foods and foods with excess sugar
 minimizing stress or other hormone triggers
 avoiding excessively touching the face with the hands and fingers
 using oil free sunscreen regularly
 keeping sheets and other bedding clean and washed frequently
 avoiding skin products containing oils that can clog the pores
  keeping hair away from the chin and cleaning it frequently

To prevent ingrown hairs, people who shave should:

 use a moisturizing shaving cream

 use a sharp razor
 consider trying a less irritating hair removal process

A person should also avoid certain behaviors to help treat and prevent pimples
from forming on the chin. For example, a person should try not to:

 pop pimples
 sleep with makeup on
 allow the skin to dry out
 switch treatments frequently
 use harsh cleaning agents and scrubs

Summary
Chin pimples are a common occurrence that can happen throughout
adulthood, especially in females.

Hormones are typically responsible for stimulating the production of extra oil on
the chin, which can trap skin cells or dirt and bacteria, which causes pimples to
form. A person can often prevent the development of pimples by practicing good
skin hygiene and self-care.

If pimples form, treatments usually start with topical creams and ointments.
However, in severe cases, they may require more aggressive treatments from a
dermatologist.

ADVERTISEMENT
Last medically reviewed on August 8, 2019

 Dermatology
 Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
 Nutrition / Diet
 Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
 4 sourcescollapsed

Having pimples on chin

Pimples on the chin are usually the result of hormone

fluctuations that can occur during puberty or the
menstrual cycle. However, anyone can get pimples
on their chin at any age.

For mild cases, a person can treat pimples at home using over-the-counter products
and self care.

For more severe cases, a person may want to consult a dermatologist for
prescription-strength products or other treatment methods.

Natural oil on the skin can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria in the pores of a person’s
face, neck, and back. When this occurs, the pores often become red and inflamed,
which causes pimples to form.

Keep reading for more information about pimples on the chin and how to get rid of
them.

Causes
 It is very common for pimples to appear on the chin, especially amongst females and
Share on Pinterest

teenagers.

Pimples on the chin are no different to pimples on other parts of the face, neck,
chest, and back.

Oil traps dead skin or other debris and bacteria in one or more pores on the skin.
This causes pimples to form.

Pimples on the chin are very common. They are typically the result of fluctuations in
hormones. This is particularly the case for females and teenagers, as both tend to
experience extreme hormone fluctuations.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for stimulating the creation of sebum.
Sebum is the oil responsible for clogging pores and creating pimples. Since
hormones can fluctuate throughout adulthood, pimples on the chin can come and
go at any time.

Pimples may be a mild nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.
However, as one study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic
DermatologyTrusted Source — which examined adult females with acne — notes,
pimples can cause mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a result,
they can impact a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, a person may not have pimples on their chin. Instead, they may
have one of two other conditions that resemble pimples: ingrown hairs or rosacea.

Ingrown hairs can occur due to shaving. As a result, males are usually more
susceptible to ingrown hairs on the chin than females. However, anyone can
develop an ingrown hair on their chin or other parts of their face or body.

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. If this
occurs, the ingrown hair can resemble a pimple and may swell or become red and
painful.

Learn more about ingrown hairs, include how to treat and prevent them, here.

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes a person’s blood vessels to become

visible, which results in noticeable redness. In some cases, rosacea can cause a
person’s skin to form bumps filled with pus, and these may resemble pimples.

Learn more about rosacea here.

Treatments
People can start treatment of chin pimples at home.

A person should use products that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Both can help a person’s pimples dry up within a few days, though it could take a
couple of weeks.
To treat a local outbreak of pimples on the chin, a person should follow these
general steps:

 Wash the area with a mild detergent or one that contains salicylic acid.
 Apply an ice pack to the area for about 5 minutes, to help reduce redness.
 Apply a cream or ointment with benzoyl peroxide.
 Avoid picking at the pimples or trying to pop them.

If chin pimples are not going away or are severe, a person may want to consult a
dermatologist.

Additional treatments they may recommend include:

 oral antibiotics, to kill the trapped bacteria

 isotretinoin, which is a medication that doctors prescribe when other
treatments are not effective
 prescription-strength creams, ointments, or gels
 laser therapy
 extraction, which involves draining and then removing a large cyst
 chemical peels
 birth control pills, to help regulate the hormones that produce sebum
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER

Knowledge is power. Get our free daily

newsletter. 
Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most. Subscribe to our facts-first
newsletter today.
Enter your email
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us

Prevention
Share on Pinterest A person can help prevent pimples developing by washing their face several times a day. 

It is not always possible to fully prevent the development of pimples on the chin.
However, there are several things a person can do to help prevent them, including:

 washing the chin and all areas of the face with a mild soap twice or more
daily
 avoiding oily foods and foods with excess sugar
 minimizing stress or other hormone triggers
 avoiding excessively touching the face with the hands and fingers
 using oil free sunscreen regularly
 keeping sheets and other bedding clean and washed frequently
 avoiding skin products containing oils that can clog the pores
 keeping hair away from the chin and cleaning it frequently
To prevent ingrown hairs, people who shave should:

 use a moisturizing shaving cream

 use a sharp razor
 consider trying a less irritating hair removal process

A person should also avoid certain behaviors to help treat and prevent pimples
from forming on the chin. For example, a person should try not to:

 pop pimples
 sleep with makeup on
 allow the skin to dry out
 switch treatments frequently
 use harsh cleaning agents and scrubs

Summary
Chin pimples are a common occurrence that can happen throughout
adulthood, especially in females.

Hormones are typically responsible for stimulating the production of extra oil on
the chin, which can trap skin cells or dirt and bacteria, which causes pimples to
form. A person can often prevent the development of pimples by practicing good
skin hygiene and self-care.

If pimples form, treatments usually start with topical creams and ointments.
However, in severe cases, they may require more aggressive treatments from a
dermatologist.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last medically reviewed on August 8, 2019

  Dermatology
 Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
 Nutrition / Diet
 Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
 4 sourcescollapsed

FEEDBACK:

Having pimples on chin

Pimples on the chin are usually the result of hormone

fluctuations that can occur during puberty or the
menstrual cycle. However, anyone can get pimples
on their chin at any age.

For mild cases, a person can treat pimples at home using over-the-counter products
and self care.

For more severe cases, a person may want to consult a dermatologist for
prescription-strength products or other treatment methods.
Natural oil on the skin can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria in the pores of a person’s
face, neck, and back. When this occurs, the pores often become red and inflamed,
which causes pimples to form.

Keep reading for more information about pimples on the chin and how to get rid of
them.

Causes

It is very common for pimples to appear on the chin, especially amongst females and
Share on Pinterest

teenagers.

Pimples on the chin are no different to pimples on other parts of the face, neck,
chest, and back.

Oil traps dead skin or other debris and bacteria in one or more pores on the skin.
This causes pimples to form.
Pimples on the chin are very common. They are typically the result of fluctuations in
hormones. This is particularly the case for females and teenagers, as both tend to
experience extreme hormone fluctuations.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for stimulating the creation of sebum.
Sebum is the oil responsible for clogging pores and creating pimples. Since
hormones can fluctuate throughout adulthood, pimples on the chin can come and
go at any time.

Pimples may be a mild nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.

However, as one study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic

DermatologyTrusted Source — which examined adult females with acne — notes,
pimples can cause mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a result,
they can impact a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, a person may not have pimples on their chin. Instead, they may
have one of two other conditions that resemble pimples: ingrown hairs or rosacea.

Ingrown hairs can occur due to shaving. As a result, males are usually more
susceptible to ingrown hairs on the chin than females. However, anyone can
develop an ingrown hair on their chin or other parts of their face or body.

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. If this
occurs, the ingrown hair can resemble a pimple and may swell or become red and
painful.

Learn more about ingrown hairs, include how to treat and prevent them, here.

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes a person’s blood vessels to become

visible, which results in noticeable redness. In some cases, rosacea can cause a
person’s skin to form bumps filled with pus, and these may resemble pimples.
Learn more about rosacea here.

Treatments
People can start treatment of chin pimples at home.

A person should use products that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Both can help a person’s pimples dry up within a few days, though it could take a
couple of weeks.

To treat a local outbreak of pimples on the chin, a person should follow these
general steps:

 Wash the area with a mild detergent or one that contains salicylic acid.
 Apply an ice pack to the area for about 5 minutes, to help reduce redness.
 Apply a cream or ointment with benzoyl peroxide.
 Avoid picking at the pimples or trying to pop them.

If chin pimples are not going away or are severe, a person may want to consult a
dermatologist.

Additional treatments they may recommend include:

 oral antibiotics, to kill the trapped bacteria

 isotretinoin, which is a medication that doctors prescribe when other
treatments are not effective
 prescription-strength creams, ointments, or gels
 laser therapy
 extraction, which involves draining and then removing a large cyst
 chemical peels
 birth control pills, to help regulate the hormones that produce sebum
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER
Knowledge is power. Get our free daily
newsletter. 
Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most. Subscribe to our facts-first
newsletter today.
Enter your email
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us

Prevention

Share on Pinterest A person can help prevent pimples developing by washing their face several times a day. 

It is not always possible to fully prevent the development of pimples on the chin.
However, there are several things a person can do to help prevent them, including:
  washing the chin and all areas of the face with a mild soap twice or more
daily
 avoiding oily foods and foods with excess sugar
 minimizing stress or other hormone triggers
 avoiding excessively touching the face with the hands and fingers
 using oil free sunscreen regularly
 keeping sheets and other bedding clean and washed frequently
 avoiding skin products containing oils that can clog the pores
 keeping hair away from the chin and cleaning it frequently

To prevent ingrown hairs, people who shave should:

 use a moisturizing shaving cream

 use a sharp razor
 consider trying a less irritating hair removal process

A person should also avoid certain behaviors to help treat and prevent pimples
from forming on the chin. For example, a person should try not to:

 pop pimples
 sleep with makeup on
 allow the skin to dry out
 switch treatments frequently
 use harsh cleaning agents and scrubs

Summary
Chin pimples are a common occurrence that can happen throughout
adulthood, especially in females.
Hormones are typically responsible for stimulating the production of extra oil on
the chin, which can trap skin cells or dirt and bacteria, which causes pimples to
form. A person can often prevent the development of pimples by practicing good
skin hygiene and self-care.

If pimples form, treatments usually start with topical creams and ointments.
However, in severe cases, they may require more aggressive treatments from a
dermatologist.

ADVERTISEMENT

Having pimples on chin

Pimples on the chin are usually the result of hormone

fluctuations that can occur during puberty or the
menstrual cycle. However, anyone can get pimples
on their chin at any age.

For mild cases, a person can treat pimples at home using over-the-counter products
and self care.

For more severe cases, a person may want to consult a dermatologist for
prescription-strength products or other treatment methods.

Natural oil on the skin can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria in the pores of a person’s
face, neck, and back. When this occurs, the pores often become red and inflamed,
which causes pimples to form.

Keep reading for more information about pimples on the chin and how to get rid of
them.
Causes

It is very common for pimples to appear on the chin, especially amongst females and
Share on Pinterest

teenagers.

Pimples on the chin are no different to pimples on other parts of the face, neck,
chest, and back.

Oil traps dead skin or other debris and bacteria in one or more pores on the skin.
This causes pimples to form.

Pimples on the chin are very common. They are typically the result of fluctuations in
hormones. This is particularly the case for females and teenagers, as both tend to
experience extreme hormone fluctuations.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for stimulating the creation of sebum.
Sebum is the oil responsible for clogging pores and creating pimples. Since
hormones can fluctuate throughout adulthood, pimples on the chin can come and
go at any time.
Pimples may be a mild nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.

However, as one study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic

DermatologyTrusted Source — which examined adult females with acne — notes,
pimples can cause mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a result,
they can impact a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, a person may not have pimples on their chin. Instead, they may
have one of two other conditions that resemble pimples: ingrown hairs or rosacea.

Ingrown hairs can occur due to shaving. As a result, males are usually more
susceptible to ingrown hairs on the chin than females. However, anyone can
develop an ingrown hair on their chin or other parts of their face or body.

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. If this
occurs, the ingrown hair can resemble a pimple and may swell or become red and
painful.

Learn more about ingrown hairs, include how to treat and prevent them, here.

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes a person’s blood vessels to become

visible, which results in noticeable redness. In some cases, rosacea can cause a
person’s skin to form bumps filled with pus, and these may resemble pimples.

Learn more about rosacea here.

Treatments
People can start treatment of chin pimples at home.
A person should use products that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Both can help a person’s pimples dry up within a few days, though it could take a
couple of weeks.

To treat a local outbreak of pimples on the chin, a person should follow these
general steps:

 Wash the area with a mild detergent or one that contains salicylic acid.
 Apply an ice pack to the area for about 5 minutes, to help reduce redness.
 Apply a cream or ointment with benzoyl peroxide.
 Avoid picking at the pimples or trying to pop them.

If chin pimples are not going away or are severe, a person may want to consult a
dermatologist.

Additional treatments they may recommend include:

 oral antibiotics, to kill the trapped bacteria

 isotretinoin, which is a medication that doctors prescribe when other
treatments are not effective
 prescription-strength creams, ointments, or gels
 laser therapy
 extraction, which involves draining and then removing a large cyst
 chemical peels
 birth control pills, to help regulate the hormones that produce sebum
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER

Knowledge is power. Get our free daily

newsletter. 
Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most. Subscribe to our facts-first
newsletter today.
Enter your email
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us
Prevention

Share on Pinterest A person can help prevent pimples developing by washing their face several times a day. 

It is not always possible to fully prevent the development of pimples on the chin.
However, there are several things a person can do to help prevent them, including:

 washing the chin and all areas of the face with a mild soap twice or more
daily
 avoiding oily foods and foods with excess sugar
 minimizing stress or other hormone triggers
 avoiding excessively touching the face with the hands and fingers
 using oil free sunscreen regularly
 keeping sheets and other bedding clean and washed frequently
 avoiding skin products containing oils that can clog the pores
  keeping hair away from the chin and cleaning it frequently

To prevent ingrown hairs, people who shave should:

 use a moisturizing shaving cream

 use a sharp razor
 consider trying a less irritating hair removal process

A person should also avoid certain behaviors to help treat and prevent pimples
from forming on the chin. For example, a person should try not to:

 pop pimples
 sleep with makeup on
 allow the skin to dry out
 switch treatments frequently
 use harsh cleaning agents and scrubs

Summary
Chin pimples are a common occurrence that can happen throughout
adulthood, especially in females.

Hormones are typically responsible for stimulating the production of extra oil on
the chin, which can trap skin cells or dirt and bacteria, which causes pimples to
form. A person can often prevent the development of pimples by practicing good
skin hygiene and self-care.

If pimples form, treatments usually start with topical creams and ointments.
However, in severe cases, they may require more aggressive treatments from a
dermatologist.

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Last medically reviewed on August 8, 2019

 Dermatology
 Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
 Nutrition / Diet
 Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
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Having pimples on chin

Pimples on the chin are usually the result of hormone

fluctuations that can occur during puberty or the
menstrual cycle. However, anyone can get pimples
on their chin at any age.

For mild cases, a person can treat pimples at home using over-the-counter products
and self care.

For more severe cases, a person may want to consult a dermatologist for
prescription-strength products or other treatment methods.

Natural oil on the skin can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria in the pores of a person’s
face, neck, and back. When this occurs, the pores often become red and inflamed,
which causes pimples to form.

Keep reading for more information about pimples on the chin and how to get rid of
them.

Causes
 It is very common for pimples to appear on the chin, especially amongst females and
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teenagers.

Pimples on the chin are no different to pimples on other parts of the face, neck,
chest, and back.

Oil traps dead skin or other debris and bacteria in one or more pores on the skin.
This causes pimples to form.

Pimples on the chin are very common. They are typically the result of fluctuations in
hormones. This is particularly the case for females and teenagers, as both tend to
experience extreme hormone fluctuations.

Androgens are the hormones responsible for stimulating the creation of sebum.
Sebum is the oil responsible for clogging pores and creating pimples. Since
hormones can fluctuate throughout adulthood, pimples on the chin can come and
go at any time.

Pimples may be a mild nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.
However, as one study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic
DermatologyTrusted Source — which examined adult females with acne — notes,
pimples can cause mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. As a result,
they can impact a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, a person may not have pimples on their chin. Instead, they may
have one of two other conditions that resemble pimples: ingrown hairs or rosacea.

Ingrown hairs can occur due to shaving. As a result, males are usually more
susceptible to ingrown hairs on the chin than females. However, anyone can
develop an ingrown hair on their chin or other parts of their face or body.

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of it. If this
occurs, the ingrown hair can resemble a pimple and may swell or become red and
painful.

Learn more about ingrown hairs, include how to treat and prevent them, here.

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It causes a person’s blood vessels to become

visible, which results in noticeable redness. In some cases, rosacea can cause a
person’s skin to form bumps filled with pus, and these may resemble pimples.

Learn more about rosacea here.

Treatments
People can start treatment of chin pimples at home.

A person should use products that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Both can help a person’s pimples dry up within a few days, though it could take a
couple of weeks.
To treat a local outbreak of pimples on the chin, a person should follow these
general steps:

 Wash the area with a mild detergent or one that contains salicylic acid.
 Apply an ice pack to the area for about 5 minutes, to help reduce redness.
 Apply a cream or ointment with benzoyl peroxide.
 Avoid picking at the pimples or trying to pop them.

If chin pimples are not going away or are severe, a person may want to consult a
dermatologist.

Additional treatments they may recommend include:

 oral antibiotics, to kill the trapped bacteria

 isotretinoin, which is a medication that doctors prescribe when other
treatments are not effective
 prescription-strength creams, ointments, or gels
 laser therapy
 extraction, which involves draining and then removing a large cyst
 chemical peels
 birth control pills, to help regulate the hormones that produce sebum
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Prevention
Share on Pinterest A person can help prevent pimples developing by washing their face several times a day. 

It is not always possible to fully prevent the development of pimples on the chin.
However, there are several things a person can do to help prevent them, including:

 washing the chin and all areas of the face with a mild soap twice or more
daily
 avoiding oily foods and foods with excess sugar
 minimizing stress or other hormone triggers
 avoiding excessively touching the face with the hands and fingers
 using oil free sunscreen regularly
 keeping sheets and other bedding clean and washed frequently
 avoiding skin products containing oils that can clog the pores
 keeping hair away from the chin and cleaning it frequently
To prevent ingrown hairs, people who shave should:

 use a moisturizing shaving cream

 use a sharp razor
 consider trying a less irritating hair removal process

A person should also avoid certain behaviors to help treat and prevent pimples
from forming on the chin. For example, a person should try not to:

 pop pimples
 sleep with makeup on
 allow the skin to dry out
 switch treatments frequently
 use harsh cleaning agents and scrubs

Summary
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