Do Bangs Cause Acne? Facts Explained

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I am sure no one is a stranger to acne or breakouts. Red, inflamed regions on the face or back can cause emotional scarring. You might be tempted to keep your forehead acne covered with bangs to deal with it but be careful! You might be making it worse.

I am here to answer the question: do bangs cause acne?

Yes, Bangs can cause acne. Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, bangs can stimulate oil production and encourage bacterial growth on your forehead which can cause acne, if not treated correctly. 

But fret not! I am here to help you have the bangs without worrying. Read more to find out how to live acne-free while not compromising your hairstyle.

Getting bangs: What does it mean? 

If you haven’t been around for long, chances are you don’t know the miracle hairstyle that is bangs. Bangs can help you hide the receding hairline, make you look younger and your face thinner and can be styled in various ways. 

Basically, bangs or fringes are locks of hair that fall over your forehead, right above your eyebrows, though you can decide on the length and the volume yourself (they are very versatile!). 

From curtain or wispy bangs to schoolgirl bangs, you will surely find the style that flatters your face shape. 

So, the question is: If bangs are such a fresh and tidy look, how can they cause acne? I am glad you asked.

Are Bangs Really the Culprit? / Do Bangs Really Cause Acne?

If you find yourself the victim of pimples and it just so happens that you recently got bangs, there is a high chance that your bangs are the reason for the acne on your forehead. 

Of course, not all people who have bangs will get forehead acne, but if you already have oily skin and are prone to acne, bangs can contribute more to it. 

Not all bangs cause acne, though. The thick, high-volume bangs covering the forehead are most likely to cause acne because they block the entire forehead region and cause oil buildup. 

Why do Bangs cause acne? Let’s talk about The Basic reasons 

To understand how bangs cause acne, we have to look at the reasons for acne. 

According to skin specialists, when skin follicles become clogged with oil and dead cells, it promotes bacterial growth, leading to acne breakout. 

Bangs cover the forehead – part of the face which produces the most oil and can cause acne by accumulating the oil and covering up the pores. 

When sweat and other impurities get mixed with this oil, bangs act as a barrier and trap them, causing acne and pimples to pop out. 

Since bangs cause acne on the forehead only, it might be tempting to use bangs to cover these small pimples. However, that might worsen the problem. 

The Cure (Is There One?) -A skincare and hygiene routine

As with any skin issue, there is no magical cure. However, following a good skincare and hygiene routine can still rock the bangs without getting acne.

1. Wash your bangs daily

Since many hair products are used to maintain bangs, the hair on your forehead tends to get greasy quicker. 

Washing your bangs will ensure that no residue product is touching and clogging your already compromised pores and does not irritate the acne there.

2. Wash and exfoliate your face regularly

Using a facial wash which reduces the production of oil and kills bacteria. Besides this, exfoliating with gentle toners (containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid) can help shed away the dead skin cells and prevent oil accumulation, reducing acne. 

3. Bangs away from your forehead when you can

To prevent sweat buildup on your forehead, keep your bangs away and out of your face by clipping them back using bobby pins or clips when you sleep or work out. 

This will allow the skin beneath your banks to breathe and produce oil without blockage. This not only prevents breakouts but also helps relieve already present acne. 

4. Go with the Seasons

It is best to avoid high-volume bangs during hot and humid seasons to avoid the accumulation of oil, debris, and dirt. 

Go for lighter bangs in summers and heavier bangs in the winters, so the sweat and dirt do not build up. 

Also, you can cut bangs during winter, so by summer; you can pull them back into ponytails and buns!

I have bangs and acne. I tried all the above treatments, but nothing worked. What should I do?

There can be many other reasons for your acne. If you think your condition has not improved with good skincare and hygiene, it is time to see a skin specialist or a dermatologist. 

Your acne can result from stress, hormonal fluctuations or a side effect of some other condition and it is best to seek professional help. 

FAQs

1. What should I do to get bangs but not acne? 

Taking care of your skin and your diet is the best way to prevent acne while rocking bangs. Make sure you do not allow sweat and oil buildup on your forehead or hair and use toners to prevent acne from bangs.

2. Are bangs high maintenance?

Bangs can be high maintenance because they require styling products and equipment. Add different skin care products and the efforts in maintenance increase, but bangs are worth the effort. 

3. Can I get acne from bangs if I have dry skin?

Since dryness prompts the skin to produce oil for lubrication naturally, you can get acne from bangs with dry skin. 

The solution is to use gentle products on the skin which moisturize but do not cause irritation or peeling to prevent breakouts. 

A 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel by Perrigo can cleanse without flaking your skin.

4. Will I get acne if I have curtain bangs, though?

Curtain bangs to frame your face and do not cover your forehead. You can get acne on the sides of your cheek and forehead if you don’t wash properly. Following a good skincare routine can help. 

5. What do I do if I don’t have fancy products to prevent acne?

Ensure that there is no dirt, sweat or oil build-up since this is the root cause of acne. Washing your face regularly with a good antibacterial soap and water and keeping your bangs clean will keep you away from acne. 

Final Verdict

According to Santa Monica & Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Ava Shamban

Bang acne is fairly common, especially during hot or summer times. It can contribute to your face acne, but they are not the only reason. 

You can prevent your skin from Bang breakouts with enough information about acne and good skin care practices. You don’t have to compromise only your style in any way!