Why You’re Suddenly Getting Neck Pimples After 40—And How to Get Rid of Them Fast

Everyone’s skin journey looks different. But even if you’ve been blessed with a gorgeous complexion, pimples pop up from time to time. Puberty and postpartum tend to be particularly breakout-filled, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. So with those two stages behind me (now, a 40-year-old mom with two kids), I thought I was in the clear. Until the most random, painful zit appeared out of nowhere—on my neck. While (kind of) joking about 40-something ailments with my coworkers, I learned that not one, but two of them were also dealing with similar neck zits. So, in true beauty editor fashion, I reached out to my favorite dermatologists to ask if neck zits, in your 40s and 50s, are, in fact, a thing.

“Acne on your neck in women in their 40s is surprisingly common,” explains Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s how to find the root cause, plus zap neck zits fast.

What Causes Neck Pimples?

“Neck zits tend to be painful and large for most people who get them,” says Kavita Mariwalla, MD, double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and founder of Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, New York. “There are two categories of patients who get these. The first are avid gym bunnies who work out, sweat a ton, and don’t shower quickly after sweating. The second are people who are now developing hormonal acne,” Mariwalla explains.

Idriss agrees, “Hormonal fluctuations can contribute, especially in perimenopause, as estrogen declines and testosterone becomes more dominant. The hormonal shift can cause more oil production, especially around the jawline, chin, and even the neck.”

What Makes Neck Zits Worse?

“Wearing jewelry, collars, and scarves—friction from these items can make things worse,” advises Idriss. “Of course, touching the skin on your neck can worsen acne as well.”

One ingredient to avoid, Mariwalla says, is retinol. “Don’t use a retinoid because it can get stuck in neck creases and cause a rash.” Two other potential irritants: “Keep perfume away from it and watch your detergents.” Hypoallergenic detergent or formulas for sensitive skin are good options.

One thing that doesn’t make them worse? “It’s a myth that you have to keep your hair up and off of your neck,” says Mariwalla. Down hair girls can breathe a sigh of relief.

How Can You Clear Neck Pimples Up Fast?

One mistake people make, Idriss says, is “people often forget to wash their neck, and you have to get rid all of the sunscreen, makeup, and sweat buildup that can trigger zits.”

Skin-clearing washes

“Use a benzoyl peroxide face wash in the shower once or twice a week to help kill any bacteria that is triggering the pimples,” Idriss recommends. If you’re very oily on your neck, Idriss says to try a sulfur cleanser on your neck to help regulate your sebum production.

Derm-approved lotions

When it comes to topicals, Mariwalla says to “look for a cream with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) like glycolic. Go for antibacterial lotions that your derm can prescribe and before you go out for the day, spray on some hypochlorous acid on the skin to give it a barrier. My favorite is SOS Spray by Tower 28.” (I use this mist and love how it soothes my sensitive skin.)

“And while you don’t want to use anything too harsh, you do want to exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant none the less at least a couple of times a week,” Idriss says. “I love to prescribe azelaic acid at 15% for hormonal acne—especially postpartum—to minimize the acne.” Another suggestion: “It’s also important to talk to your doctor about getting tested for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which can persist in women in their 40s and show up on their lower face and neck,” Idriss says.