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acne on one side of face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13923
46 days ago
67

acne on one side of face - #13923

Kabir

I am dealing with this really annoying issue of acne on one side of my face. Like, it started a few weeks ago after I switched my skincare routine and suddenly, boom! The left side of my face is like a war zone. I thought maybe it was just a few pimples, but now it’s like a full-on invasion! I keep thinking about what might've caused it. Could it be the new face wash I’m using or maybe my hair getting in the way and clogging my pores? I’ve been washing my face twice a day but it doesn’t seem to help. I even tried using a spot treatment but that’s just made the whole area pass really red and irritated. Have any of you experienced something like this, like just acne on one side of your face? Is it common? Should I go see a dermatologist or wait it out? What do you guys recomend? I’m worried it’ll scar or something. Ugh, I never had this issue before and now I feel super self-conscious. Anyone got tips for treating acne on one side of face, or anything I should avoid?

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Doctors’ responses

It’s not unusual for acne to develop more prominently on one side of the face, especially if there have been recent changes in skincare routine or other habits that might affect the skin. The irritation might be linked to the face wash or if your hair is indeed contributing, especially if it’s coming into contact with your skin and you’re using products like oils or hair sprays that can transfer onto your face. Pimples flaring after switching cleansers can be a sign of a sensitivity or an adverse reaction to new ingredients; it’s important to check the label for things like fragrances or other potential irritants that are common culprits. As you might suspect, frequent touching of the face with your hands or resting your face on your phone or pillow primarily on that side can also introduce more bacteria to just that area. If the spot treatment you used made the area red and irritated, it might be too harsh for your skin type, or you’re overusing it. Consider stopping that product for now to see if it helps reduce irritation. You need a gentler approach perhaps, aim for a mild cleanser free from harsh chemicals and maybe one with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer to help maintain balance without further irritating your skin. Changing the pillowcases frequently and avoiding heavy makeup can also mitigate additional breakouts. If there’s no improvement or the acne worsens, consulting a dermatologist could be wise. They might suggest treatments like topical retinoids or antibiotics if necessary, but this would ideally be aligned with the identified cause of your acne breakout. Remember not to delay care if your skin condition changes suddenly, keeps deteriorating, or leaves you worried about potential scarring.

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