Do you have acne on your cheeks? It can be challenging to get rid of acne, but with the correct information and products, you can clear up your skin in no time. This post will discuss the causes of cheek acne and how to treat it. We will also recommend some products that can help improve your complexion. So if you are struggling with cheek acne, keep reading!
What is Cheek Acne?
Cheek acne is a type of acne that primarily affects the cheeks. It is characterized by small, red bumps that can be painful to the touch. Cheek acne is caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Treatment typically involves a combination of over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
Cheek Acne Vs. Rosacea
Cheek Acne: Acne Vulgaris
The most common type of cheek acne is called acne vulgaris. Excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria cause this acne. Acne vulgaris typically appears as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Treatment for severe acne vulgaris usually includes:
Topical creams or gels.
- Oral antibiotics.
- Isotretinoin (a potent medication that only should be used as a last resort).
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and swelling in the face. Rosacea typically begins with intermittent flushing and progresses to persistent redness. If left untreated, rosacea can cause bumps, pimples, and skin thickening. Rosacea is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Topical treatments for rosacea often include topical creams or gels, oral antibiotics, laser therapy, and avoiding triggers (such as sun exposure).
What Causes Cheek Acne?
Hormonal Imbalances
One of the most common causes of cheek acne is hormonal imbalances or hormonal changes. When our hormones are out of whack, they can appear on our skin as cheek breakouts. Hormonal acne is most common in teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age. If you think your acne might be hormonal changes-related, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about treatment options to eliminate hormonal acne breakouts.
Diet
What we eat can also significantly impact our skin—including our cheeks. Foods that are high in sugar and refined carbs can cause inflammation and lead to breakouts. To help prevent acne, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocados and olive oil.
Skincare Products
If you’re using harsh skincare products, they could be irritating your skin and causing breakouts. Instead, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers formulated for sensitive skin. You may also want to avoid using products with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
Makeup
Wearing heavy foundation or powder makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts. If you wear makeup regularly, choose products that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). And permanently remove your makeup before going to bed!
Stress
When stressed out, our bodies produce more cortisol, which can cause inflammation and breakouts. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress and its effects on your skin.
Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes causes wrinkles and premature aging and can also lead to breakouts on your cheeks (and everywhere else on your face). So if you smoke cigarettes, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin—and your health!
Oily skin
Oily skin is one of the most common causes of acne. If your skin is too oily, it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. To fix this problem, wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free products. In addition, try blotting your face with absorbent paper daily to remove excess oil.
Certain foods
Some foods, such as dairy products and sugar, can trigger breakouts. If you think your diet might be causing your acne, try eliminating certain foods and see if your skin improves.
Poor skincare routine
If you don’t cleanse your face properly, dirt and oil can build up and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Be sure to wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin.
Using dirty makeup brushes
If you don’t clean your makeup brushes regularly, they can collect bacteria that can cause breakouts. So be sure to wash your brushes at least once weekly with soap and water or a brush cleaner.
Touching your face
If you touch your face frequently, you may transfer bacteria from your hands to your face, which can lead to breakouts. Therefore, try to avoid touching your face during the day; if you must, wash your hands first.
Wearing tight hats or helmets
If you wear tight hats or helmets, they may trap sweat and oil against your skin, leading to breakouts. If possible, avoid wearing hats or helmets that are too tight, and be sure to wash them regularly.
Weather changes
Cold weather can dry out your skin, while hot weather can make you sweat, leading to breakouts. So be sure to moisturize regularly, especially during extreme weather conditions.
How to Get Rid of Cheek Acne?
Start with a Cleanse
To get rid of severe cheek acne, the first step is to start with a cleanse. This will help get rid of any dirt, oil, or makeup clogging your pores and causing acne. We recommend using a gentle cleanser that is designed for acne-prone skin. Be sure to wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night before bed.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating is key to getting rid of cheek acne because it helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. We recommend exfoliating 2-3 times per week using an exfoliating scrub or product that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this irritates your skin and worsens acne.
Apply a Spot Treatment
If you have a stubborn pimple that won’t go away, apply a spot treatment to the affected area to get rid of the acne. We recommend using a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil, as these ingredients are known for their acne-fighting properties. Apply the spot treatment before bed and wash it off in the morning. Repeat this process until the pimple has disappeared.
Home Remedies for Cheek Acne
Several home remedies can help treat cheek acne. One popular option is to mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste. Then, apply this paste to your cheeks and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. You should do this once or twice a week.
Another home remedy is to make a mask out of honey and cinnamon. Mix two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon and apply it to your cheeks. Leave the mask for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. You should do this once or twice a week.
If you don’t have time for a mask, you can also try using apple cider vinegar as a toner. Apply it to a cotton ball and swipe it across your cheeks after cleansing your face. You can do this once or twice a day until your acne clears up.
4 Top-rated Acne Treatment Products With Benzoyl Peroxide
1. Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
This gentle face wash from Proactiv contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne while cleansing and exfoliating the skin. It’s formulated with glycolic acid, which allows slog off dead skin cells and unclogs pores, and aloe vera, which soothes and calms the skin. This cleanser is a great option for sensitive skin, as it’s non-irritating and non-drying making it the best part of your acne treatment plan.
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Acne Treatment
This effective treatment from La Roche-Posay contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to target pimples and blackheads effectively. It’s also formulated with lipo-hydroxy acid, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, and niacinamide, which reduces redness and inflammation. In addition, this spot treatment dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue, making it a great option for those with oily or combination skin.
3. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
This acne treatment from Neutrogena contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help fight pimples fast. In addition, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. The formula is also light enough to wear under makeup, making it a great choice for those with busy schedules or who need to treat their acne on the go.
4. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication
Clean & Clear contains 10% benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments to help dry up pimples fast. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. In addition, the gel formula goes on clear and dries quickly, making it a great choice for those with oily or combination skin.
How Can I Prevent Cheek Acne?
Wash Your Face Twice a Day
One of the most important things you can do to prevent cheek acne is to wash your face twice a day. First, use a gentle cleanser and thoroughly clean your entire face, including your cheeks. Then, wash your face in the morning and night before bed. Doing this will help remove any dirt, oil, and makeup that could clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Exfoliate Once or Twice a Week
In addition to washing your face twice a day, you should also exfoliate once or twice a week. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. When exfoliating, use a gentle exfoliator designed for use on the face. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this irritates your skin and worsens breakouts.
Use Non-Comedogenic Products
When choosing skin care products and makeup, use unique non-comedogenic formulas. These products are specifically designed not to clog pores. Non-comedogenic products are often labeled as “oil-free” or “non-acnegenic.” Be sure to read labels carefully to choose products that won’t contribute to your acne problem.
Final Thoughts
Acne on your cheeks can be frustrating, but you can eliminate it with the correct information and products. Knowing the causes of cheek acne and how to treat it is key to achieving clear skin. We’ve provided helpful tips on preventing breakouts and recommended top-rated products containing benzoyl peroxide to help treat existing acne. You can take charge of your skin with the proper knowledge and products and eliminate cheek acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cheek getting acne?
What causes acne on your cheeks? It could be due to various things like makeup, touching or spreading acne causing bacteria from phones (in some cases), dirty pillowcases, and more! The good news is that several steps you can take will help prevent it from getting worse and reduce its severity.
How long do cheek pimples last?
Pimples are common, especially among teenagers. They usually go away after three days, but sometimes it takes a bit longer for the pimple to disappear completely. If you have deep pustules (ones under your skin where there is no head), these will take weeks or even months before they finally heal and disappear.
Are cheek pimples stressed?
Stress is a common cause of acne, but it’s not the only one. Wounds, including this skin condition, heal much slower when you’re under stress, and many other factors are at play too.
What does stress acne look like?
The increase in oil production has caused your skin to look greasier and slightly more inflamed. This can lead you to think there are acne breakouts when it’s just black, or whiteheads with some red bumps mixed in!
