acne on right side of face - #16749
I am dealing with some really frustrating acne on the right side of my face. Like, ugh, it's been really bad for the past few months, and I don't know what to do. I've tried different cleansers and even cut out dairy cause I read that could help, but there hasn’t been any improvement. This acne on right side of face is persistent. I should've shared earlier but just felt like it would eventually go away, you know? I also noticed it's sometimes worse after workouts, like I spend an hour sweating and then bam, these breakouts appear! My friends say it could be hormonal, but does this happen only on one side? What’s even weirder is I've never had issues like this before. I mean, a pimple here and there, right? But never like this. I don’t know if it’s the products I’m using, the environment, or something else. Is there a connection with having acne on right side of face and what kind of treatment works best? I’m honestly just tired of covering it up with makeup every single day. Should I see a dermatologist, or can I get some help here in the meantime? Any advice would be awesome!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Dealing with persistent acne can really be bothersome, and its sudden appearance on just one side of your face can make it especially frustrating. Acne localized on the right side could be influenced by a few factors. Consider your daily habits—if you’re frequently using your phone on that side or resting your face on your hand, this could be contributing to the problem. The oil, bacteria, and friction can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. It’s also worth considering environmental factors, like having your pillowcase or bedsheets only washed occasionally or improper rinsing after cleansing, leaving residue. Since you mentioned your acne tends to flare up after workouts, ensure you’re thoroughly cleansing your skin immediately post-exercise to remove sweat and oil, which can block pores. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and look for over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent pimples. While hormonal acne often appears more around the jawline or chin, it’s not impossible for hormonal changes to affect one side more. This can be related to factors like stress, menstrual cycles, or changes in birth control. However, if simpler measures don’t help or it persists, visiting a dermatologist could provide more tailored solutions such as stronger topicals or a short course of antibiotics. Remember, while self-care measures are great, specialized treatment may sometimes be necessary if there’s no improvement. It’s also prudent to reconsider any new changes in your skincare or dietary habits. Keep an eye on any cosmetics or skincare products; ensure they’re non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to avoid further irritation. Your dermatologist can offer more precise guidance based on an assessment of your skin’s specific needs. Don’t wait too long, especially if it’s impacting your quality of life—getting a professional opinion might provide relief faster than expected.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.