Ask The Expert: 6 Reasons You’re Getting Eyebrow Pimples

Getting eyebrow pimples? You might be familiar with it. In order to figure out the reason behind it all (too much brow pencil perhaps?). We chatted with Madeline Calfas from GMC Cosmedical on all things eyebrow pimples and how to avoid them at the party.

Eyebrow pimples: What are they and why do we have them?

Eyebrow pimples might seem like a bit of an odd place to get them, but they do happen. Whilst it may seem like a better place to get a pimple than say, the tip of the nose, eyebrow pimples are still not great.

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6 Of The Most Well-Known Causes

1. Sebum

It really comes down to one word: sebum. At the base of each hair follicle is a little tiny oil gland called the sebaceous gland, and its role is to produce sebum. Sebum’s job is to seal in moisture and prevent skin and hair from becoming dry. Sometimes bacteria can get trapped in the sebum produced, and slowly make its way down through the hair shaft and into the follicle. If the bacteria gets trapped in the gland, it can slowly start to create inflammation, which can then develop into an infection. The end result of these eyebrow pimples is an angry, red, sore follicle that may eventually develop pus. 

2. Hair Removal

Often a culprit for eyebrow pimples. Waxing and threading in particular can often lead to the development of those unwanted eyebrow pimples. It can be due to skin sensitivity, an allergy to the wax, or the fact that your pores are left open post-waxing, allowing bacteria to enter the pores, and for folliculitis to develop. An overly-enthusiastic eyebrow wax may also bring on the dreaded pimples.

3. Ingrown Hairs

These unwanted and sometimes annoying hairs can develop post-hair removal, and, as a trapped hair will often create an inflammatory response, a pimple can develop as your skin reacts to something being stuck where it shouldn’t be. The combination of hair and bacteria can often result in a pimple-type of skin eruption that will usually start to settle down once the hair is no longer trapped in the skin. Once the offending hair is out, the inflammatory response starts to settle, and those eyebrow pimples will usually go away quietly on its own. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, then it is probably worth your while to rethink your method of eyebrow shaping.

4. Makeup and Skincare

Certain makeup and skincare products can also cause irritation to sensitive skin, or clogging of pores, which again can lead to the development of pimples. If you notice that you suddenly start experiencing breakouts, it could very well be to a new product that you’ve started using. A lot of make-ups will actually clog pores and result in the sebum being trapped at the base of the follicle with nowhere to go.

5. Makeup Tools

Another way that cosmetics can affect the development of pimples is through the use of cosmetic brushes and sponges. Our make up brushes and sponges should be washed on a regular basis and allowed to dry thoroughly. Not washing them properly (or at all!) allows bacteria to grow and thrive in them, which then means you will directly transfer this to your face when you use your brush next. If you use your brushes on a regular basis, have a couple of sets so that you can rotate them while you give the other set a good wash and an air-dry to ensure any bacteria have been killed.

6. Stress

Another bringer of pimples, external factors such as stress can play a big role in the pimples situation. When we experience stress, our body responds by releasing a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), epinephrine, and glucocorticoids. These are our stress hormones, and the release of these can result in an increase of inflammation that impacts our skin. The more inflammation, the greater the likelihood that a pimple will develop.

As Madeline said, at the end of the day, the pimples in the eyebrow area are pretty much almost the same as a pimple anywhere else. The causes are similar, and the way to treat them is similar as well. Thus, having a good skincare routine, and using products that are suited to your skin is a great way to ensure your brows remain pimple-free.

Most importantly, if a pimple does raise its unsightly head, remember to keep your fingers off! pimples popping

The more you pick at a pimple, the more you will spread the bacteria around, and the more likely you are to leave a scar.

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