Acne is one of the most common issues in individuals between the ages of 11 and 30. Nearly 90% of all people in this age category experience them in some form. Although they can develop anywhere on the body, face breakouts are usually the ones that bug people the most. Whether it is on the cheeks, jawline, neck, or lip corners, it is easily visible, so everyone wants to resolve it as soon as possible. Here, we’ll deal with the causes of acne on the cheeks and offer ways to prevent or treat them. Let’s dive in!
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What Is Cheek Acne?
Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when hair follicles clog with oil and dead skin cells. Cheek acne is a common condition that affects many people, particularly during puberty and young adulthood. While it has no major impact on a person’s health, people find it unpleasant, affecting their self-esteem.
The signs and symptoms of cheek acne include the development of pimples or small, raised bumps on the cheeks. In some cases, pimples may be painful or tender to the touch, while other symptoms include redness, inflammation, and the formation of whiteheads or blackheads.
What’s Causing Cheek Breakouts?
The reasons for the development of cheek acne can vary from person to person. Hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and environmental factors are all believed to play a significant role in the condition’s development. Some diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can also contribute to the production of acne on the cheeks.
Cheek acne could also develop because your pores aren’t getting the deep cleansing they need, and the oil buildup is agitating the skin. This might result from exposure to a dirty surface, such as a phone or pillow.
People with oily skin suffer from acne more than those with dry skin, but it can happen to anyone, and there’s always a reason why. We explored the most common acne triggers below.
1. Phones
Most people will overlook their phones as a cause of acne – but it makes sense when you think about it. Phones come in contact with different environmental factors and people; bacteria from all the different sources can latch onto its screen.
When you press that screen against your face, the bacteria can spread directly to your cheeks and ears, from where it slowly spreads to other parts of your face. Modern touchscreen phones require our fingers to be touching them a lot of the time. If your hands are contaminated with bacteria, they can end up on your face.
2. Linens
Dirty bed sheets and pillowcases can also transmit bacteria to our faces. Even certain fabrics can be irritating to sensitive facial skin. When your face is pressed against such a fabric for several hours every night, it is bound to take a toll on skin health. Pillowcases can store many of the oils released from the skin, and exposure to them will result in acne.
3. Touching Your Face
Our hands and fingers touch many surfaces throughout the day, and you never know what that surface is contaminated with. Some of the worst surfaces (in terms of bacteria contamination) are those we touch the most often, such as keyboards, door handles, and table tops.
When you touch your cheeks, lips, eyes, and ears without properly washing your hands, you are relocating the bacteria to more fertile pastures. People wash their faces less frequently than their hands, so the bacteria have enough time to develop a good base and cause problems like acne.
4. Skincare Products
The kind of weather you are exposed to, how much you sweat, the natural sensitivity of your skin, and many other factors influence how healthy your skin is on its own.
Ideally, you should have a skincare routine that takes care of your skin’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, some people don’t have a consistent skincare routine, resulting in acne problems.
On the other hand, you might not be aware that the products you use do not suit your skin type. Certain chemicals or compositions of chemicals can irritate the skin and aggravate acne further. Finding a skincare routine based on your skin’s needs is paramount.
5. Hormones
Hormonal changes can lead to an overproduction of sebum, which is the oil produced by our skin, which can clog pores and lead to the formation of pimples. This is why many people experience acne breakouts during puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation (when hormonal fluctuations are common).
Hormonal acne typically appears as deep and painful pimples on the cheeks, chin, and jawline, and it can be difficult to treat with topical skincare alone. In these cases, we highly recommend seeking medical treatment from a dermatologist who can recommend prescription medications or hormonal therapies.
How To Treat Cheek Acne
To treat cheek acne, it is important to first identify the underlying cause of the condition, which will help determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, simply making changes to one’s skincare routine can help improve symptoms. For example, using a gentle cleanser and avoiding abrasive products can reduce inflammation and redness.
In other cases, more advanced treatments are necessary. Topical creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can unclog pores and lower oil production. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and kill off acne-causing bacteria.
Ultimately, the key to treating cheek acne is to address the underlying dysfunction. This may involve developing a comprehensive skincare routine, making lifestyle changes, or seeking medical intervention. With the right approach, most people can successfully manage their cheek acne and enjoy clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cheek acne can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, poor hygiene, and certain medical conditions. The common facial issue can also be a symptom of an underlying disease or a sign of abnormal skin conditions, so don’t hesitate to turn to a dermatologist for advice. Although it can be frustrating to deal with, there are many treatments available to help prevent and manage cheek acne.
Finding the root cause of the problem can be challenging. However, good skincare habits, a healthy diet (especially during pregnancy), and medication may help to disrupt the condition or prevent it from developing in the first place. It’s important to remember that every person’s skin is different, so creating the right treatment plan may take time and patience.
Take steps to address the underlying causes and build a healthy skincare routine to get clearer, healthier skin on your cheeks.