why do i have acne on my cheeks - #21925
I am really stressed right now because for the past few months I've been dealing with some pretty bad breakouts and I can't figure it out. Like, why do I have acne on my cheeks specifically? It's super frustrating, especially since I’ve never had this issue before. I tried changing my skincare routine, getting all those fancy products, you know? But nothing seems to help! I’m 29 and started noticing it a few months ago, also I've been working long hours which probably isn’t helping my stress levels. I eat healthy most of the time too, lots of veggies, water and stuff. I even thought maybe it was my makeup or something but I switched to all-natural products. Yet, here I am still asking, why do I have acne on my cheeks? I went to my dermatologist, but he just told me to keep doing what I'm doing and it should clear up. Ugh, it just feels hopeless sometimes. I even get random red patches too, not just the pimples, and they sting a little. Does anyone know if there’s something specific that causes acne on the cheeks that I should look out for? I’m really open to suggestions, anything!
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Doctors' responses
Cheek acne can be frustrating, and there are several potential factors at play here. Stress is a known trigger for acne because it increases cortisol, which can lead to more oil production and inflammation in your skin. Your long working hours might be ramping up stress levels, thus exacerbating your acne. It might be worth exploring techniques to manage stress, like regular breaks, mindfulness or adjusting your workload if possible. Beyond stress, it’s important to consider potential external factors. Although you’ve switched to natural makeup products, some of them may still cause breakouts; try to ensure they’re labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. It’s also essential to change pillowcases frequently—once or twice a week is good practice—as bacteria can accumulate there. Hydration is beneficial, but make sure you’re not overwashing your face; excessive cleansing can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Twice daily with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is typically sufficient. Since you’ve mentioned red, stinging patches, it’s possible your skin barrier might be compromised. This could be from harsh products you’ve tried or environmental factors. Opt for a simpler routine with soothing, hydrating products, and avoid aggressive exfoliants until your skin calms down. If over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping, a consultation with your dermatologist can reassess your treatment plan, considering options like topical retinoids, antibiotics, or even investigating any underlying hormonal imbalances. Since this might be a relatively new occurrence, keeping a diary of factors like specific foods you eat, stress levels, and skincare routines could help identify triggers over time. If you experience any severe swelling or pain, or if the stinging sensation worsens, a follow-up with your doctor would be prudent to rule out conditions like rosacea or dermatitis.
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