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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12653
53 days ago
73

black dots on cheeks - #12653

Mira

I am really freaked out about these black dots on my cheeks that seem to have appeared all of a sudden. Like, one day I was looking in the mirror and boom! There they were. At first, I thought maybe it was just dirt or something that I could wash off, but no matter how much I scrub or cleanse my face, they stay put. It's super frustrating, and honestly, kinda embarrassing. I've tried those exfoliating scrubs and even put on a face mask for good measure, but nada. I don’t remember doing anything different with my skincare routine, besides I started using a new moisturizer but I can’t think how that would cause black dots on cheeks?! The dots are kinda small and some are a bit raised, I even showed my friend and she said they look like blackheads. But I'm not sure! I've read some stuff online, and now I'm worried it could be a skin condition or maybe a sign of something more serious? Anyone else had these black dots on cheeks? How do you get rid of them? Should I see a dermatologist or can I handle this at home? Seriously, any advice would be appreciated because I'm kinda lost here.

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Doctors’ responses

Sudden appearance of black dots on your cheeks could well be due to blackheads, which are a common type of acne resulting from clogged hair follicles. These often occur when the pores on your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The raised nature and small size you mention fit this description, but without a visual inspection, it’s impossible to provide a definitive diagnosis. While it’s great to be proactive with your skincare routine, sometimes new products can trigger reactions if they’re not suited to your skin type, possibly contributing to excess oil production or clogging. It’s worth considering if this new moisturizer might be comedogenic, meaning it could block pores. However, if these black dots don’t look or feel like normal blackheads, or if they’re persistent and spreading, other dermatological conditions like seborrheic keratosis or even pigmented moles could be considered. These conditions generally require a professional diagnosis. Meanwhile, sticking to a non-comedogenic, gentle skincare routine might help improve the situation. Use a salicylic acid-based cleanser to gently exfoliate and unclog pores twice a day. Opt for a light, oil-free moisturizer to maintain your skin’s hydration without adding extra oil. Avoid over-exfoliating as this can irritate the skin even more. Lastly, if you’re uncertain or the issue persists, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist who can examine the skin more closely, determine the cause, and advise an appropriate treatment plan.

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