Pimples on the chin are common and are often caused by hormones, stress, and habits that people do every day. Hormonal changes, such as those that happen during pregnancy, menstruation, or when you change your birth control, are one of the main causes. Stress can also be a big factor because it raises cortisol levels, which makes oil production go up and clogs pores around the chin and jawline.

Food choices may also play a role. Flare-ups have been linked to sugary snacks, dairy, and processed carbs, especially diets with a lot of sugar. Touching your face a lot or not taking care of your skin properly can make breakouts worse. So can using harsh products that don’t help the skin heal.

Outside things are important too. Residue from hair products, buildup in facial hair, dirty pillowcases, or dirty phone screens can all put oil and bacteria right on the chin. Persistent chin acne can sometimes be a sign of a deeper problem, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which messes with hormones and causes breakouts that won’t go away.

The good news is that you can usually get rid of chin acne with simple changes. You can help by keeping the area clean, not picking at it, and using gentle salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatments. If your breakouts don’t get better, seeing a dermatologist will make sure you get the right treatment. You can even get rid of annoying chin pimples if you keep doing the same thing.