How can I manage forehead acne as a 30-year-old woman?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for sharing your concerns and the picture with me (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). Do not be discouraged. What you are going through is very common, especially with oily skin, recent irregular cleansing and underlying hypothyroidism. The good news is that if you get your routine right and are consistent, your skin can improve so much.

From your history and attached picture, you have oily skin and small acne all over your forehead and face due to not washing regularly. Likely mild acne (comedonal acne) with clogged pores. Medically, your condition is understandable. Hypothyroidism can slow down skin turnover and can even sometimes make dullness and breakouts worse while on treatment. Good that you have already started mild face wash and Cica plus Niacinamide moisturiser.

To have clearer, smoother skin, you need a simple but consistent routine, which basically means healthy, calm, well-textured skin. In the morning, wash your face with your gentle face wash, gently, don’t scrub. Next, apply a thin layer of your Cica (Centella Asiatica) and Niacinamide Moisturiser. If you realise it, you have to use sunscreen daily. Use two finger lengths on the face and neck each morning and reapply if you go out. Also important is the evening cleansing. Wash your face again with the same gentle face wash. Pat dry skin and apply a pea-sized amount of Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide gel on the entire acne-prone area, not just pimples. Should be applied once daily at night. This medicine can be a little drying or irritating initially, so always apply it under the cover of your moisturiser. You can use moisturiser first and then the medicine, or wait 15 to 20 minutes after applying the medicine before applying moisturiser. Mild redness or dryness in the first 2-3 weeks is normal and tends to settle down.

Medicines are important, but proper skin care is equally important. Don’t wash your face too often; twice a day is enough. Do not wash. Stay away from facial brushes. Do not use home remedies like lemon, toothpaste or strong masks. Don’t squeeze pimples. Don’t touch your face. Just be sure to properly take your sunscreen off at night. Get a good night's sleep, manage your stress, and follow your thyroid treatment regularly, as hormonal balance helps skin heal better.

Once your active acne has calmed down and your skin has become accustomed to the above products, you can make small adjustments to the regimen for glow and marks after about 4-6 weeks. You can then use Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide only twice weekly at night. For the other nights, you can use a thin layer of Azelaic acid 10%, which helps with glow, acne marks and overall skin clarity and is very safe for long-term use.

That's a safe and slow approach, and with consistent sunscreen, you should see fewer breakouts, smoother texture and brighter skin in 6-8 weeks. Clear skin is not about piling on products; it is about gentle care, right treatment and patience. Consistency is key, and your skin will gradually begin to show the benefits of your care.

I hope it helped with your query.

Thank you.