acne on cheeks treatment - #16848
I am 24 and like totally fed up with this acne on cheeks treatment — like nothing’s working! A few months ago, I started getting these angry red bumps on my cheeks and honestly, they just keep coming back no matter what I try. I’ve done all the over-the-counter stuff, you know? Cleaners, creams, even diets! My friend suggested I try a new skincare routine, and I seriously bought like everything she said, but nope, still got the same old problems. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed some lotions and told me it might be hormonal, which is weird, right? I mean, I never had problems like this when I was younger. Sometimes, I feel like I’m just putting more gunk on my face which maybe makes the acne on cheeks worse! Has anyone here, like, dealt with this? What worked for you? I really don't want to keep wasting money on treatments that don’t do anything! I’m okay with being patient, but I feel like I’m just stuck in this cycle of trying acne on cheeks treatments and seeing zero results. Any advice, tips, or even product recommendations would be super helpful! Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
It sounds like you’re tackling a frustrating situation with persistent cheek acne, and it’s understandable to feel stuck, especially after trying various over-the-counter products without the results you hoped for. Cheek acne can indeed be a sign of hormonal fluctuations, which could explain why you’re experiencing it now. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to hormonal imbalances leading to acne, even if you haven’t had skin issues in the past. It’s worth considering a follow-up discussion with your dermatologist or a general practitioner to explore testing for hormonal levels. In terms of treatment, if topical solutions have been ineffective and you’ve exhausted drugstore options, you might discuss prescription medications with your dermatologist. Oral treatments such as antibiotics, hormonal birth control, or retinoids like isotretinoin can sometimes be more effective if hormonal acne is suspected. If you’ve noticed that skincare products seem to make it worse, a simplified routine may help—focus on non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation. Stress management, a balanced diet, particularly avoiding high glycemic index foods, and ensuring adequate sleep are also important lifestyle factors that affect your skin health. If you have concerns about your current regimen, consult with your dermatologist before initiating any new treatments, especially those that could interfere with any prescribed medications. While some strategic changes and interventions may improve your condition, tracking your progress with your healthcare provider will be key to finding solutions that work specifically for you.
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.