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7 Causes of Acne on Eyebrows and How to Get Rid of It

Author: Nulook Expertise

11/03/2025

Acne on the eyebrows can be frustrating, especially since it's in such a visible spot on your face. This issue can stem from various factors, including poor facial hygiene and everyday habits you might not even be aware of. If left untreated, eyebrow acne can worsen and leave stubborn scars.

To effectively address this concern, it’s essential to understand the causes of acne on the eyebrows and how to treat it. Let’s dive into the details below!

What Causes Acne on Eyebrows?

Before finding the right treatment, it's important to identify the root causes of eyebrow acne. Here are some common factors that may contribute to breakouts in this area:

1. Poor Facial Hygiene

Makeup residue, sweat, and dirt can accumulate around the eyebrows, clogging pores and triggering acne. If you don’t cleanse your face properly, these impurities mix with your skin’s natural oils, creating the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria. To prevent this, always wash your face with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, especially after being outdoors.

2. Using the Wrong Beauty Products

Some eyebrow products, like pencils, gels, or creams, may contain ingredients that clog pores. Heavy or oil-based formulas can also irritate the skin and cause inflammation. If you frequently get acne in this area, consider switching to non-comedogenic or lightweight products that won’t block your pores.

3. Touching or Plucking Eyebrows Too Often

Touching your eyebrows with dirty hands transfers bacteria to the skin, increasing the risk of breakouts. Additionally, using unclean tweezers or razors to groom your brows can cause irritation and infection. Always use sterilized tools and avoid touching your face without washing your hands first.

4. Excess Oil Production

Oily skin is more prone to breakouts, including around the eyebrows. Overactive sebaceous glands can clog pores and lead to inflammation. To control excess oil, consider using skincare products with salicylic acid or niacinamide, which help regulate sebum production.

5. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or periods of stress, can increase oil production in the skin. This makes pores more likely to become clogged, leading to breakouts—including in the eyebrow area. If your acne follows a specific pattern in your cycle, hormones could be the culprit.

6. Hair Care Products Irritating the Skin

Shampoos, conditioners, and hairsprays often contain ingredients that can irritate the skin around your brows. If these products come into contact with your face, they may block pores and cause acne. To avoid this, rinse your face thoroughly after using hair products and opt for formulas free from heavy oils and silicones.

7. Unhealthy Diet

Diets high in sugar and processed carbohydrates can spike insulin levels, which in turn increases oil production in the skin. This can make acne on your eyebrows more frequent. Try incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods like vegetables and fruits into your diet while cutting back on sugary and processed foods.

Types of Acne on Eyebrows

Eyebrow acne can appear in different forms. Here are the most common types:

Cystic Acne: Large, painful, red bumps caused by deep infections in the skin. This type of acne is likely to leave scars if not treated properly.
Pustules: Red, inflamed pimples with a white or yellow pus-filled center, often caused by bacterial infections in clogged pores.
Papules: Small, red, painful bumps that occur due to inflamed hair follicles from excess oil and bacteria.
Whiteheads: Pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells that form small, non-inflamed bumps.
Blackheads: Open clogged pores that turn black due to oxidation, commonly found in the T-zone, including around the eyebrows.

How to Treat Acne on Eyebrows

If you’re struggling with acne in the eyebrow area, here are some effective ways to treat and prevent it:

1. Use Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments

Products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Salicylic acid works by dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.

2. Choose Non-Comedogenic Makeup and Skincare Products

Non-comedogenic products are designed not to clog pores, helping prevent acne. When selecting foundations, eyebrow pencils, sunscreens, or moisturizers, look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” Avoid heavy, oil-based products that can exacerbate breakouts.

3. Maintain Proper Eyebrow and Facial Hygiene

Keeping your face clean is key to preventing and treating eyebrow acne. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser and make sure to remove all makeup before bed. If you apply makeup to your eyebrows, cleanse them thoroughly to avoid buildup that could lead to clogged pores.

4. Avoid Touching or Popping Pimples

Popping pimples can make inflammation worse, spread bacteria, and increase the risk of scarring. Instead, let acne heal naturally or use topical treatments to speed up recovery. Also, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to minimize bacterial transfer.

5. Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle

Stress and poor eating habits can worsen eyebrow acne. Try reducing stress through exercise, meditation, or getting enough sleep to keep hormones balanced. Also, cut down on sugar and processed foods, as they can trigger excessive oil production. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin hydration and supports your body’s natural detoxification process.

Treat Eyebrow Acne with Chemical Peeling at Nulook

If you’re dealing with persistent eyebrow acne, chemical peeling at Nulook in Bali could be the perfect solution. This treatment uses glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne inflammation.

Chemical peels not only help treat acne but also improve skin texture and fade acne scars, leaving your skin looking smoother and healthier. Don’t let eyebrow acne affect your confidence—contact Nulook today and experience the benefits of chemical peeling for clear, acne-free skin!