Breakout Between The Eyebrows: 6 Major Internal And External Causes + Treatment Solutions

Acne is a nearly unavoidable issue for many women. Even those blessed with clear skin may experience occasional breakouts due to a variety of internal and external factors. One of the most common breakout spots is the area between the eyebrows—a place many of us are all too familiar with, including our editor! But did you know that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pimples in specific areas of the face, like between the eyebrows or on the chin, might reflect imbalances in your internal organs? Each breakout location could be telling you something different about your health. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of breakouts between the eyebrows and how to treat them using both Eastern and Western medical approaches.

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Breakouts Between the Eyebrows: A Comparison of Eastern and Western Perspectives

Breakouts between the eyebrows—right in the center of the brow area—can appear in many forms, including redness, inflammation, pus-filled pimples, or even as small, stubborn blackheads or whiteheads. While often seen as a minor cosmetic issue, they can be quite distressing.

From a Western medical perspective, these breakouts are usually attributed to excess sebum production, poor hygiene, hormonal fluctuations, and unhealthy eating habits. Western dermatology often links them to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or allergic skin reactions, focusing on external factors and skin type.

In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associates eyebrow-area acne with internal heat due to yin deficiency. Emotional stress, poor diet, and hormonal imbalances are seen as contributors to this condition. TCM emphasizes internal-external balance and suggests managing diet, stress, and lifestyle to alleviate symptoms.

Regardless of the approach, understanding the root causes is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Personalized treatment—possibly combining both TCM and Western methods—may provide more comprehensive results.

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Six Common Causes of Breakouts Between the Eyebrows: A Full Internal and External Breakdown

Understanding the causes is the first step to prevention and treatment. Here are six common contributors:

1. Excess Sebum Production

From a Western view, overactive oil glands can clog pores and mix with dead skin cells, leading to acne. Oily skin types are more prone to this issue. To manage it, use oil-controlling skincare products and maintain a clean face to reduce sebum buildup.

2. Bacterial Infections

Propionibacterium acnes is one of the common culprits behind acne between the eyebrows. This bacterium naturally lives on our skin and thrives in hair follicles. When its population grows excessively, it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to breakouts. The area between the eyebrows is especially prone to this due to the high concentration of sebaceous glands, making it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent this, regularly applying hydrating face masks can help maintain the skin’s moisture balance—dry skin is more prone to inflammation and irritation.

3. Poor Hygiene Habits

Inconsistent facial cleansing and improper skincare routines can also lead to acne between the brows. Inadequate cleansing may cause pores to become clogged with dirt and dead skin cells, increasing the risk of follicle blockage. On top of that, using unsuitable or irritating skincare products, neglecting moisturization, and over-exfoliating can all worsen breakouts in this area. You should also avoid touching your face directly with your hands and frequently change towels to prevent the spread of bacteria or mites on your skin—both of which may trigger acne between the eyebrows.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, or hormone replacement therapy can stimulate sebaceous gland activity, resulting in excess oil production and breakouts. More specifically, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid issues can also cause persistent acne due to hormonal disruption.

5. Unhealthy Diet

A diet high in oil, sugar, fried, and spicy foods may contribute to breakouts between the eyebrows. Fried and sugary foods can trigger inflammation in the body, making the skin more acne-prone. Spicy foods, especially for individuals sensitive to them, may provoke skin irritation or sensitivity.

Diet plays a major role in skin health, so it’s important to manage your intake of oil, sugar, and spicy foods to reduce the risk of eyebrow-area breakouts. Instead, try to eat more foods rich in antioxidants—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—to help maintain healthy skin. A well-balanced diet can go a long way in preventing acne.

6. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Ongoing emotional stress, anxiety, and poor lifestyle habits—like sleep deprivation, staying up late, or poor-quality sleep—can lead to hormonal imbalances that negatively impact skin health. Stress and anxiety cause fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly an increase in cortisol, which can contribute to breakouts.

Lack of sleep also weakens the immune system, making the skin more vulnerable to inflammation and bacterial infection. Additionally, smoking and excessive drinking can worsen skin conditions. Smoking disrupts skin elasticity and circulation, while too much alcohol can lead to dehydration and vitamin deficiency, further harming skin health.

Therefore, maintaining emotional well-being, getting sufficient sleep, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are essential in preventing eyebrow acne and promoting overall skin health. Managing stress, improving sleep quality, and building sustainable habits can make a significant difference in your skin condition.

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TCM Perspective: Does Acne Location Reflect Health Issues? Acne Between the Eyebrows May Signal Heart and Lung Problems

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the body’s internal organs correspond to external features, and that different areas of the face reflect the health of specific organs. Therefore, acne appearing in particular facial zones can indicate various internal imbalances. In TCM, acne between the eyebrows may be the body’s way of warning about potential heart and lung issues.

According to the classic TCM text Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), the human body is likened to a palace, and the space between the eyebrows is referred to as the “Gate of the Palace,” corresponding to the forehead. This area aligns with an acupuncture point known as Yintang. Huangdi Neijing mentions that this region "reflects the condition of the lungs,” highlighting its close relationship with lung health. Additionally, Ming dynasty physician Zhang Jiebin noted in his work Leijing that the area above the Gate (i.e., above the glabella) is connected to the throat. Thus, when acne appears between the eyebrows, it's not just a skin issue—it could be a sign of deeper systemic concerns.

From a TCM practitioner’s point of view, acne between the eyebrows is often associated with lung issues. One common cause is lung heat, which can arise due to external wind-heat invasion, excessive intake of spicy or greasy foods, or dysfunction of the spleen and stomach. These factors can lead to internal heat accumulation, disrupting lung function. The lungs not only correspond with the space between the eyebrows, but also govern the skin and sweating. Therefore, excess lung heat may result in inflammatory acne and swollen pustules in this area.

To treat eyebrow acne caused by lung heat, TCM often uses herbal remedies that clear heat, detoxify, cool the lungs, regulate Qi, and resolve toxins. A typical formula is the Loquat Leaf Lung-Clearing Decoction (Pipa Qingfei Yin), which includes herbs like loquat leaf, mulberry bark, coptis root (huanglian), phellodendron bark (huangbai), and ginseng—known for clearing heat and nourishing the lungs. Herbs like forsythia and platycodon root can be added to target skin inflammation. For severe cases involving painful nodules, sticky phlegm in the throat, a red tongue, and thin yellow tongue coating, herbs like fritillaria and gleditsia spine are used to clear phlegm-heat and resolve lumps. These remedies should only be used under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, especially for persistent or severe skin issues.

Eyebrow acne can also relate to heart health. When acne appears in this area, it may indicate excessive heart fire or a decline in heart-lung function. Emotional stress, anxiety, irritability, chest tightness, irregular heartbeat, and palpitations may all be contributing factors. TCM attributes this to the accumulation of heat toxins in the heart meridian, which, if not expelled properly, can manifest as acne in the corresponding area between the brows.

To support heart health and prevent eyebrow acne from heart-related causes, the following measures are recommended:

• Avoid intense physical exertion during flare-ups, as overexertion may further weaken the heart.
• Prioritize sufficient sleep to allow the heart to rest and recover.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which can harm cardiovascular health.
• Most importantly, consult a cardiologist early to identify underlying issues and receive appropriate treatment.

These comprehensive measures not only improve skin condition but also support overall health.

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Treatments for Eyebrow Acne: Topical Medications & Aesthetic Procedures (With Free Trial Offer!)

To tackle acne between the eyebrows, in addition to improving lifestyle, skincare, and cleansing habits, you can also explore medical innovations and cosmetic technology. Here are two effective treatment approaches:

1. Topical Medications

Topical treatments are a common solution for eyebrow acne and typically include creams or gels containing phenol, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These ingredients help reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth, promoting acne recovery. Be sure to follow product instructions or a doctor’s guidance to ensure safe and effective use.

You can also consider a topical herbal remedy recommended by TCM doctor Yufung Chiu. This external application uses heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs: honeysuckle, wild chrysanthemum, and dandelion.

To prepare:

• Use 15g honeysuckle, 12g wild chrysanthemum, and 15g dandelion.
• Boil the herbs in water for 20–25 minutes to extract the active ingredients.
• After cooling, soak a cotton pad or soft cloth in the decoction and apply it to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
• Use once or twice daily, and ensure your skin is not allergic to any of the herbs before trying.

These herbs are widely used in TCM to clear heat and soothe skin conditions. However, as with all home remedies, it's best to consult a healthcare provider or licensed TCM practitioner before use.

2. Aesthetic Treatment: Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment!

If you're looking for faster results, professional aesthetic treatments such as light therapy, microneedling, or laser therapy can significantly improve acne. For those struggling with eyebrow acne, we highly recommend the value-for-money Perfect Medical Acne Treatment!

This treatment is non-invasive—no injections or surgery required—making it suitable even for sensitive skin. It uses gentle vacuum microdermabrasion technology to deep-cleanse sebum and dead skin cells, followed by infusion of medical-grade serums to repair skin and stimulate collagen production. It’s a beauty secret for many young women.

Before starting, Perfect Medical’s professional therapists will conduct a detailed skin analysis to customize the treatment plan and explain the process and expected outcomes. With their expert team and advanced technology, Perfect Medical provides personalized solutions to help improve your skin’s appearance and overall health.

If you’re interested in this treatment, click the link below to book a free trial session—don’t miss out!