Why You Might Be Getting Recurring Pimples Behind Ears, Jawline Or Back

Why You Might Be Getting Recurring Pimples Behind Ears, Jawline or Back

Pimples Behind the Ears

• Sweat and friction: Sweat accumulates behind the ears, especially in humid weather or after a workout. Combine that with friction from helmet straps, glasses, or mask strings, and you have a recipe for clogged pores.
• Unwashed hair products: Conditioners, serums, and oils can trickle down and sit on the skin, clogging pores and triggering bumps.
• Poor hygiene: It is an area we often forget to clean thoroughly. Dead skin, oil, and dirt build up silently.
• Headphones and phone bacteria: Your earbuds and phone carry more bacteria than you think. Constant contact with your ears can transfer all that grime.

What to do: Make sure you rinse off shampoo and conditioner properly, wipe down headphones regularly, and cleanse behind your ears during showers. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week if you’re prone to oil build-up.

Also Read: Dry Shampoo Or Scalp Acne? When It’s Time To Take A Break From Hair Products

Jawline Breakouts

• Hormonal fluctuations: The jawline is considered a hormonal hotspot. During periods, PCOS, or stress spikes, androgen levels can trigger excess oil production, especially here.
• Phone usage and hand contact: Think about how often your hands touch your face or how your phone presses against your cheek during a call. Both transfer bacteria that contribute to breakouts.
• Diet triggers: For some, dairy, high sugar intake, or processed foods can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalance that manifests along the jawline.
• Clogged shaving or skincare tools: Dirty razors, makeup brushes, or even pillowcases can be a silent culprit.

What to do: Addressing hormonal acne might need more than just topical treatment, consulting a dermatologist can help. Meanwhile, practice hands-off habits, clean your phone screen daily, and consider trying a short elimination of dairy or processed sugar to see if your skin reacts.

Back Acne (Bacne)

What causes it?

• Sweat + tight clothing: One of the biggest triggers. Wearing tight clothes or sports bras post-workout traps sweat and oil against your skin, clogging pores fast.
• Hair and body products: Just like behind the ears, residue from hair products can run down your back and cause flare-ups, especially if you don’t rinse thoroughly.
• Not showering post-workout: Lingering sweat mixed with body heat becomes the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
• Genetics and hormones: Some people are just more prone to body acne, especially in their teens or twenties.

What to do: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothes (especially for workouts), shower promptly after sweating, and consider switching to non-comedogenic body wash or shampoos. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body washes can help manage ongoing breakouts.

Also Read: Is Your Perfume Giving You Body Acne? Here Are Fragrance And Skin Interactions You Should Know

When to See a Dermatologist

If you’ve tried hygiene, lifestyle, and over-the-counter options and the acne keeps coming back, or leaves behind dark marks and scars, it’s time to call in the pros. Recurring acne in these areas can sometimes be a sign of hormonal imbalances, fungal infections, or even something like folliculitis.

Bottomline

Recurring pimples in 'odd' areas aren’t random, they often have specific root causes, from your shampoo to your stress levels. Understanding what triggers breakouts in each zone is the first step to breaking the cycle. And no, it’s not about scrubbing harder, it’s about being smarter with your skincare, habits, and a little detective work.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues.]