Few things are more frustrating than watching a stubborn pimple finally disappear only for it to reappear in the exact same spot days or weeks later. It’s like déjà vu for your skin, and no matter how many products you try or routines you follow, those recurring blemishes just won’t quit. Whether it’s your chin, jawline, cheeks, or even near your hairline, you’re not imagining things. This type of acne is real, and it’s more common than most people realise.
You might start questioning everything: Is it something I’m eating? Am I touching my face too much? Is my pillowcase to blame? Maybe it’s stress, hormones, poor skincare choices, or even hidden inflammation. The questions can pile up fast and finding a straight answer often feels impossible.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are answers. Recurring acne in specific areas usually points to a consistent trigger something going on internally or externally that your skin is reacting to. It’s your body’s way of signalling that something needs attention, whether that’s hormonal balance, gut health, skincare habits, or environmental factors.
But here’s the tricky part: even when you think you’re doing everything right, one small misstep like skipping cleanser after a workout or overusing spot treatments can sabotage your skin’s progress. That’s why understanding the real root cause of your breakouts is the first and most important step toward long-term clear skin.
In this article, we’ll unpack why these repeat breakouts happen in the same areas over and over again. From identifying the underlying causes to offering dermatologist-backed treatment advice, we’ll give you practical, proven tips to help break the cycle for good.
Hormonal Fluctuations (Especially Chin and Jawline)
If you keep noticing breakouts along your chin, jawline, or lower cheeks, hormones are likely playing a major role. This area of the face is particularly sensitive to hormonal shifts, which is why dermatologists often refer to it as the “hormonal zone.”
Hormonal fluctuations are most common during key life phases such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause but they can also be triggered by emotional stress, changes in sleep patterns, or even certain medications like birth control pills or steroids. When hormone levels fluctuate, especially androgens like testosterone, your skin’s oil (sebaceous) glands go into overdrive. This increase in sebum can clog pores, trap bacteria, and create the perfect environment for inflamed breakouts to form.
The frustrating part? These types of pimples often feel deep, tender, and cystic and they tend to appear in the same place, month after month. If your spots show up like clockwork before your period or during stressful weeks, that’s a strong sign that hormonal imbalances are the culprit.
While over-the-counter acne products can help manage surface-level symptoms, hormonal acne often needs a more targeted approach. Treatments like oral contraceptives, anti-androgen medications (such as spironolactone), or hormonal balancing supplements may be recommended by a dermatologist. Lifestyle changes such as managing stress, improving sleep quality, and reducing sugar intake can also help support more stable hormone levels over time.
Touching or Rubbing the Same Area Repeatedly
We’re all guilty of touching our faces now and then but those seemingly harmless habits could be doing more damage than you realise. Without thinking, you might rest your chin on your hand while working, cradle your phone against the same cheek during calls, or rub your jaw when you’re stressed. These repetitive actions can introduce bacteria, oil, dirt, and other impurities onto the skin, which then seep into your pores and cause inflammation.
The skin on your face is delicate and reacts quickly to friction or pressure. Consistent contact with objects or even your own hands can irritate the surface, disrupt your skin barrier, and create a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This is especially true if you’re already prone to breakouts or have oily skin, which can trap these external contaminants more easily.
If you keep breaking out on just one side of your face or always around the same jawline or cheek area it’s worth considering what’s regularly coming into contact with your skin. Is it the side you sleep on? Your mobile phone screen? A bike helmet strap or face mask? Even unwashed pillowcases, scarves, or makeup brushes could be the hidden trigger behind those repeat blemishes.
The fix? Be mindful of how often your hands or objects touch your face, disinfect your phone screen regularly, and wash anything that comes into contact with your skin like pillowcases and towels at least once a week. Making these small changes can significantly reduce the chances of recurring acne in the same spot.
Clogged Hair Follicles or Ingrown Hairs
If you’re noticing painful, red bumps around your jawline, neck, or hairline especially after shaving or waxing they may not be traditional acne at all. Instead, you could be dealing with clogged hair follicles or ingrown hairs, both of which can look and feel very similar to pimples. These conditions are especially common in areas where the skin is frequently exposed to friction, oil, or grooming tools like razors and trimmers.
Clogged hair follicles, also known as folliculitis, occur when hair follicles become blocked with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This blockage causes inflammation, leading to small red or white bumps that resemble acne. In some cases, these can become itchy or tender to the touch and if the blockage happens repeatedly in the same area, you may start to see recurring breakouts that never seem to go away.
Ingrown hairs, on the other hand, happen when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out. This is particularly common for people with curly or coarse hair. When the hair gets trapped beneath the skin, the body responds with inflammation, causing a raised, pimple-like bump. These can become sore, inflamed, or even infected if picked or squeezed. And unfortunately, unless the hair is released or treated, the problem will continue to return.
If you shave your face, neck, or jawline frequently, make sure to use proper shaving techniques always shave in the direction of hair growth, use a clean razor, and apply a hydrating gel or cream. Regular exfoliation using gentle chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) can also help keep follicles clear and reduce buildup. In more persistent cases, especially where ingrown hairs are a recurring problem, dermatologists may recommend laser hair removal as a long-term solution.
Being able to distinguish between acne and ingrown hairs or folliculitis is important, as treatments differ. Misidentifying the issue can lead to ineffective products or routines, and more frustration in the long run.
Underlying Skin Conditions
Not all breakouts are created equal and sometimes, what appears to be recurring acne is actually a different skin condition altogether. If you’ve been using standard acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids with little to no improvement, it might be time to consider that you’re not dealing with traditional acne at all.
Several underlying skin conditions can closely mimic the appearance of acne, leading to misdiagnosis and prolonged frustration. One common example is rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition that often causes redness, bumps, and pustules on the cheeks, nose, or chin. Unlike acne, rosacea isn’t caused by clogged pores and typically flares up in response to triggers like spicy food, alcohol, or sun exposure.
Another condition often mistaken for acne is fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis. This occurs when yeast that naturally lives on the skin multiplies and infects the hair follicles, causing uniform, itchy bumps especially on the forehead, chest, or back. Since it’s fungal rather than bacterial, traditional acne treatments usually won’t help and may even worsen the issue by disrupting your skin’s microbiome.
Perioral dermatitis is another lookalike. It presents as small, red, acne-like bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes and can be triggered by overuse of topical steroids, heavy skincare products, or even certain toothpaste ingredients. Again, standard acne remedies won’t resolve this condition and in some cases, they may make it flare up more aggressively.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent breakouts in the same areas despite following a solid skincare routine, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist. A proper diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment approach whether it involves antifungal creams, prescription topicals, or eliminating specific triggers from your skincare or lifestyle.
Skincare or Hair Products Triggering Breakouts
Believe it or not, the products you’re using to help your skin might actually be making things worse. Many people experience persistent breakouts caused not by hormones or hygiene, but by their skincare or haircare routine. This type of acne is commonly triggered by comedogenic ingredients those that clog pores and trap oil, dirt, and bacteria beneath the surface. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, whiteheads, blackheads, and recurring pimples that are difficult to get rid of.
Breakouts from comedogenic products are most likely to appear on the forehead, temples, jawline, and along the hairline areas frequently exposed to hair gels, oils, sprays, conditioners, or even moisturisers and sunscreen that migrate from nearby skin. Hair products, especially those with heavy oils like coconut oil, mineral oil, or silicones, can transfer from your hair to your face while you sleep, sweat, or touch your hair throughout the day. This is sometimes referred to as pomade acne.
Skincare products can also be the culprit. Rich creams, thick sunscreens, or even certain “hydrating” serums may contain ingredients like lanolin, cocoa butter, or isopropyl myristate all of which are known to be pore-clogging for some people. Even natural or organic products aren’t always safe; in fact, many plant-based oils that feel luxurious can silently sabotage your skin if they’re not properly balanced or suited to your skin type.
If your breakouts seem to cluster around the same areas and persist despite good cleansing habits, it’s a good idea to audit your current products. Check labels for phrases like non-comedogenic, oil-free, and won’t clog pores. While these aren’t always foolproof, they’re a good starting point. Also, consider switching to lighter, gel-based moisturisers, fragrance-free sunscreens, and avoiding heavy makeup or creamy foundations if you suspect your skin is reactive.
To take it a step further, try simplifying your routine. Stick to a few basic, gentle products for a couple of weeks and slowly reintroduce others one at a time. This can help you identify specific triggers. Keeping a skincare journal can also be incredibly helpful you can track which products you used on specific days and note when flare-ups happen.
Even small changes like washing your pillowcases more frequently or tying back your hair while you sleep can make a big difference when it comes to reducing product-related breakouts.
Incomplete Healing or Deep Inflammation
Sometimes, acne keeps returning to the same exact spot not because it’s new each time, but because the previous breakout never fully healed beneath the surface. This is particularly true with deep, cystic acne or inflamed nodules. These types of spots form deep within the skin, and even after they seem to disappear on the surface, the underlying pore or follicle may still be inflamed, damaged, or partially blocked.
When this happens, the area becomes more vulnerable to reinfection. Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells can easily become trapped in the same pore again, reigniting the same painful bump over and over. In some cases, the inflammation creates scar tissue or weakens the follicle wall, making it structurally more prone to repeated blockages.
Another issue is that people often unintentionally interfere with the healing process. Picking, squeezing, or aggressively exfoliating a breakout can push bacteria deeper into the skin, delay recovery, and increase the risk of recurring inflammation. Even applying the wrong topical treatments like harsh spot treatments on already-irritated skin can prolong the issue.
If you’re constantly seeing a pimple reappear in the same spot, especially if it feels deep or sore before it surfaces, it may be due to a chronic or unresolved lesion. In these cases, over-the-counter products might not be enough. A dermatologist can assess whether the area needs a more advanced treatment, such as a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation, or a prescription-strength retinoid to speed up cell turnover and prevent clogging.
It’s also important to allow the skin to fully recover after a breakout. That means keeping the area clean and moisturised, avoiding unnecessary irritation, and resisting the urge to pick. Gentle, consistent skincare goes a long way in breaking the cycle of recurring inflammation in the same pore.
Sweat, Masks, or Friction Acne (“Maskne”)
In recent years, especially since the pandemic, a new type of acne has become more common often referred to as “maskne”, or mechanical acne. This form of breakout is caused by prolonged friction, heat, pressure, and trapped sweat against the skin, most commonly from wearing masks, helmets, hats, or even tight-fitting workout gear.
When the skin is covered for long periods, it creates a warm, humid environment perfect for sweat, oil, and bacteria to build up. At the same time, friction from fabric or gear can irritate the skin, weaken its natural barrier, and push bacteria or debris into the pores. This combination often leads to clogged pores, inflammation, and recurring breakouts particularly in the areas where your mask or gear makes the most contact, such as the chin, jawline, cheeks, and nose bridge.
You may notice these breakouts worsen after long commutes, extended work shifts, or workouts while wearing a mask or helmet. And because the same areas are repeatedly exposed to heat and pressure, acne tends to recur in exactly the same spots.
To reduce friction-related breakouts, try these steps:
- Choose breathable materials: Use soft, non-irritating, and breathable mask fabrics like cotton. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and sweat.
- Wash masks regularly: Dirty masks can harbour bacteria and oil, so switch to a clean one each day especially if you’re sweating.
- Use barrier creams: A thin layer of a non-comedogenic moisturiser can help protect your skin from friction and irritation.
- Keep your skincare light: Avoid heavy creams or makeup under the mask, as these can clog pores even faster in humid conditions.
- Cleanse immediately after sweating: If you’ve been wearing headgear or masks for hours, cleanse your face as soon as possible to remove sweat and bacteria.
If mechanical acne becomes chronic or painful, consider consulting a dermatologist, who may recommend topical anti-inflammatory treatments or cleansers that gently exfoliate without irritating the skin.
Final Thought: Breaking the Cycle of Recurring Acne
Recurring acne can be a sign that your skin needs more than just topical treatments. Identifying the root cause whether it’s hormonal, behavioural, or product-related is key to stopping the cycle.
You can get in touch with us to book a consultation at our acne clinic in London for expert-led diagnosis and treatment plans that go beyond the surface.
References:
- Zaenglein, A.L., Pathy, A.L., Schlosser, B.J. et al., 2016. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), pp.945–973.e33. Evidence-based treatment guidelines covering grading, topical/systemic therapy, hormonal treatment, and deep inflammation management https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
- Teo, W.-L., 2021. Diagnostic and management considerations for “maskne” in the era of COVID‑19. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Feb 1, 2021.
– Defines “maskne” as acne mechanica due to friction, discusses humidity, microbiome changes, and hot‑humid microclimate under masks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maskne?utm_source=chatgpt.com - Bakhsh, M. et al., 2022. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Mask‑Induced Acne (Maskne). Dermatology Research and Practice, 2022, Article ID 630123.
– Study of 630 participants: 23.5% developed new acne and 59.9% with pre‑existing acne noted worsening under mask use https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35911348/ - Nature Microbiology, 2024. Facemask acne attenuation through modulation of indirect microbiological factors. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 2024.
– Long‑term mask wear fosters acne via anaerobic bacterial growth (e.g., C. acnes, S. aureus), elevated moisture and temperature https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-024-00512-w?utm_source=chatgpt.com - Teo, W.-L., 2021. The “Maskne” microbiome – pathophysiology and therapeutics. International Journal of Dermatology, 60(11), pp.1362–1369.
– Reviews fabric mask effects on skin microbiome, highlighting dysbiosis involving C. acnes, Staph. aureus, Malassezia, and related inflammatory conditions https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8013758/?utm_source=chatgpt.com