So, Why Do Zits Pop Up In Clusters, Anyway?

Acne, in any shape or form, is a frustrating thing to deal with as an adult. Anyone who has dealt with acne knows that it's not only about the appearance of it that can cause issues, but the knowledge that it takes a journey to get rid of it. Despite the numerous skincare products we can add to our routine, it's impossible to completely prevent acne. One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with acne is when breakouts appear in clusters. Waking up to one zit is hard, but waking up with a series of zits in one area is excruciating. Yes, it's understandable if you want to pop them all, but when you have a group of zits, the solution involves more work. Despite the type of acne you have, clusters of pimples are dealt with in a similar way.

Pimples are mostly caused by the same factors — hormones, skin sensitivities, or clogged pores. However, acne clusters have a few more reasons behind those pesky zits. If you notice that your acne forms in groups, it's possible that the location of it can tell you the cause of your breakout. Based on the location of your acne, you can learn if it's being caused by a new and single factor.

To best get rid of your acne clusters in the present and future, you need to understand the cause behind them. According to Proactiv, your cluster could be caused by the same reason as a single pimple. Clogged pores happen when there's an excess of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt. Each pore connects to an oil gland, which can connect to other nearby pores. When one pore is clogged, this can back up and clog other pores. Multiple pores clogged in one space cause acne clusters to happen.

If you notice that your acne happens in one specific location, this can be a sign that something is causing this flare-up. Continuous breakouts in one spot point to something irritating this section of your face. For example, a cluster of zits along your T-zone could signify you're suffering from clogged pores. This means you'll need to take extra steps to deep clean your pores and remove their excess oil. Clusters along your jawline signify hormonal acne, and a cluster along your jawline can mean your hair products are causing you to break out (via Total Beauty). Acne clusters aren't uncommon or rare but can take longer to clear out — depending on the quantity and stubbornness of your zits.

Treating these clusters of pimples can test your patience: More zits need more time to heal. However, the good news is that there is no special routine or product to buy. The easiest way to get rid of any zit is by thoroughly cleaning your skin. Clogged pores need a deeper cleanse with skincare ingredients like salicylic acid that can reach inside the pore. Washing your face morning and night will help keep your skin clear and healthy. You'll also want to keep objects like pillowcases and phones clean, as items cover a large portion of the face and can clog multiple pores.

While it's easier said than done, the best way to heal your acne cluster is to avoid popping your pimples — as doing so will cause more inflammation and spread bacteria-causing germs beneath the skin. Unintentionally, you might cause acne breakouts throughout nearby areas if you pick at your skin. You'll also want to regularly exfoliate your skin weekly or a couple of times per week — depending on your skin's dryness levels. You don't need an expansive skincare routine. As long as you rid your skin's dead cells and excess oil, you'll avoid these acne-causing factors.