The 3 Habits Behind Your Eyebrow Pimple

An eyebrow pimple may not be as visible as a zit on the nose, but it can still be a nuisance. Uncomfortable, itchy, and possibly even painful, acne on your brow isn't something to keep. 

This red, swollen bump can make you self-conscious and ruin your day. It also has an uncanny ability to distract you and others during important meetings or even simple conversations. It is, for all intents and purposes, a hassle. But that blemish might not be what it seems. Is it really a pimple? How do you get rid of it? Read on to find out.

You may be dealing with acne, which occurs when sebum and dead skin cells clog your hair follicles. Every part of your face that grows hair can develop acne – including your eyebrows. It's unfortunate, yes, but you can do something about it.

Sebum is an oily and waxy substance that protects and moisturizes the skin. However, it can also plug the pores because of its consistency. It traps bacteria in the skin, which then triggers acne. To prevent this, keep your skin clean and free of excess oil. Use a facial cleanser with salicylic acid to control sebum production and dissolve dead skin cells. 

Also, don’t wash your face in the shower. Facial cleansing requires a dedicated time and place. Doing it in the shower can mean doing it in haste or using shower products instead of facial wash. Do it in front of a sink and mirror like a civilized person. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry. Don’t forget to wash up after you perspire, such as after working out or commuting. Your eyebrows catch sweat, making them more prone to developing zits. 

An ingrown hair grows sideways under the skin instead of through it. Hair removal is its primary trigger, but these painful bumps may also occur if dead skin cells clog the follicle, which can prevent the hair from growing properly.

While ingrown hair typically develops where you shave, pluck, or wax, you can also find them in other areas, such as the eyebrows. According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, the chances of spontaneously growing one are higher if your hair is naturally curly. Men also have thicker hair strands and more hair follicles, which is why this unfortunate problem is more common in dudes

To avoid this, always keep your razor or tweezer clean and apply aftershave to soothe the skin. An eyebrow pimple will usually clear up on its own. If it doesn't, see a dermatologist.

If your hair is long enough to touch your eyebrow and you regularly use styling products, your pimple bump might be due to irritation or pore blockage from your gel, mousse, or wax. These styling products tend to slide around your hair, scalp, and face as the day progresses. They can mix with sweat and oil, clog your pores, and result in a pimple on the eyebrow.

Even your facial wash can contain irritating ingredients. You'll likely see signs of irritation in other places, such as your face and neck – not just your eyebrows if this were the case. Try giving products a rest for a week and see what happens. Keep your face clean with a gentle cleanser. Once you identify the culprit, find a suitable alternative that won’t initiate the irritation.

Eyebrow pimples and other signs of facial irritation can cause discomfort and stress, especially if it keeps happening. Luckily, you can deal with the root of the problem with proper grooming an acne-fighting skincare routine.

Keeping your face clean is one way to help you avoid these issues. Exfoliation also helps keep your pores clear and your hair growing the way it should. Use a cleanser like Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body + Face Bar to remove pore-clogging and pimple-causing dead skin cells. It can also help lift ingrown hairs to prevent inflammation. The product also contains Dove ¼ moisturizing cream, which helps maintain your skin’s moisture levels – keeping it healthy and strong.

Now don’t sweat that eyebrow pimple – do something about it.