My forehead has been breaking out since 19… could peptides help?

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SleepyPenguin

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Random question but figured this is probably the place to ask.

I’m 25F and have had forehead-only acne since I was 19.

Not normal teenage acne either. It’s mostly these stubborn red swollen bumps that just keep coming back.

The rest of my face is completely fine, which makes it even more frustrating.

I recently started learning about peptides and was wondering if anyone here has experience using them for skin-related issues.

Curious if there are any peptides people actually noticed a difference with.
 
Maybe kpv? Do you wear a tight ponytail a lot? Or any style where the hair is pulled tight from the front?

Also low sugar, low dairy, lots of water.
 
There are some peptides for which I've seen anecdotal reports, but I can't remember the names right now. If you haven't yet looked into topical Retin-A (Tretinoin), take a close look. It's not a peptide, but it's what a dermatologist would likely recommend. Caveat: It takes a while for your skin to adjust to it, and you will have some dryness and irritation for a few months.
 
ladyj779 said:


Maybe kpv? Do you wear a tight ponytail a lot? Or any style where the hair is pulled tight from the front?

Also low sugar, low dairy, lots of water.

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Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. KPV is going on my list to research — I hadn’t considered it before.

That’s interesting, I hadn’t really thought about traction from hairstyles. I mostly just wear a low ponytail though, nothing tight.

I also eat sugar and dairy pretty normally, so I haven’t noticed any obvious food triggers. The weird part is that it’s literally only my forehead — the rest of my skin is fine.
 
SleepyPenguin said:


Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. KPV is going on my list to research — I hadn’t considered it before.

That’s interesting, I hadn’t really thought about traction from hairstyles. I mostly just wear a low ponytail though, nothing tight.

I also eat sugar and dairy pretty normally, so I haven’t noticed any obvious food triggers. The weird part is that it’s literally only my forehead — the rest of my skin is fine.

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I’ve tried salicylic acid and azelaic acid already, but unfortunately they didn’t completely solve the problem.

Tretinoin is definitely on my radar. I’ve read a lot about it and know it has a lot of evidence behind it, but I’ve been nervous about the irritation, dryness, and the initial worsening some people experience.

I might look into it more instead of just avoiding it because of the possible side effects.
 
Follow up weird question: do you do any sport that has you regularly wearing a helmet or do you regularly wear anything else that goes across your forehead?

I ride horses and in the summer I would get forehead acne from the liner of my helmet getting gross.

None of the other common topical ever worked for me besides benzoyle peroxide. I have used the proactive or knock off benzoyle peroxide moisturizer (it's like 2.5% bp, not higher--which never helped). You can just put it wherever it's needed.

Also choose a sunscreen that is non pore clogging, I currently use one with cica.

Sorry regardless because acne sucks, especially when most of your skin is 👍👍👍 but one spot is stupid
 
SleepyPenguin said:


I’ve tried salicylic acid and azelaic acid already, but unfortunately they didn’t completely solve the problem.

Tretinoin is definitely on my radar. I’ve read a lot about it and know it has a lot of evidence behind it, but I’ve been nervous about the irritation, dryness, and the initial worsening some people experience.

I might look into it more instead of just avoiding it because of the possible side effects.

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You can start out conservatively. There is a related Vitamin A-based compound called adapalene (brand name Differin), available with no prescription. It should not cause the same level of irritation as the stronger stuff like Retin-A, which technically requires a prescription.
 
Adapalene made a huge difference for my 24 year old daughter. She would get huge breakouts. It completely cleared her skin. You do need to gradually build up to using it every night. Start using it once a week, then twice a week, etc. until you are using it every night. Make sure to use a moisturizer in the morning to combat the dryness. Yes, you may have some purging. It is usually worth it.
 
For anecdote's sake - using GLP1 has totally cured my Keratosis Pilaris on my upper arms. I know this is only tangentially related to your question, but it's at least a "maybe it'll help".
 
ladyj779 said:


Follow up weird question: do you do any sport that has you regularly wearing a helmet or do you regularly wear anything else that goes across your forehead?

I ride horses and in the summer I would get forehead acne from the liner of my helmet getting gross.

None of the other common topical ever worked for me besides benzoyle peroxide. I have used the proactive or knock off benzoyle peroxide moisturizer (it's like 2.5% bp, not higher--which never helped). You can just put it wherever it's needed.

Also choose a sunscreen that is non pore clogging, I currently use one with cica.

Sorry regardless because acne sucks, especially when most of your skin is 👍👍👍 but one spot is stupid

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Honestly, ever since my forehead started breaking out, I completely gave up on having bangs 😂.

Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply. I really appreciate you sharing your experience!
 
FartfulCodger said:


You can start out conservatively. There is a related Vitamin A-based compound called adapalene (brand name Differin), available with no prescription. It should not cause the same level of irritation as the stronger stuff like Retin-A, which technically requires a prescription.

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Thank you so much for your kind reply. I truly appreciate it.
 
tbaby said:


KPV & GHK-CU

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The issue with the ghkcu is she's only 25, and at that age the copper might do more harm than good since her body is likely still producing collagen/turning over skin cells at "normal" levels.

But totally recommend kpv.
 
I know this sounds extreme but find a skin PA or Dr and get an Rx for a accutane. It's the best thing I did for my teens. As adults they don't have acne.

I've seen it in the grey spaces around but it is probably good to start with an Rx and have follow ups.
 
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