What does acne on cheeks mean?

What is happening inside the pores?

Acne develops when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, the tiny openings where hairs grow. Bacteria that normally live on the skin can grow inside those blocked follicles and cause inflammation, including swelling and pain. Blackheads are dark because air changes the oil at the surface, not because the pore is dirty.2

Hormonal changes during puberty, periods, menopause or pregnancy can contribute to acne. Family history and certain medicines can also play a part. Stress and pressure against the skin can make acne worse. These are possible contributors to cheek acne, not conditions you can diagnose from its position.234

What if the spots appear where something touches?

Repeated rubbing from sports equipment can trigger acne where the equipment meets your skin. Trapped heat and sweat add to the irritation. This is called acne mechanica, meaning acne associated with friction. Small bumps that feel rough can be an early sign. Clean, soft padding between equipment and skin can reduce rubbing; do not abandon protective equipment to avoid a breakout.5

What should you do about cheek acne?

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser in the morning, evening and after heavy exercise. Rinse with lukewarm water rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Remove makeup at the end of the day. Choose cosmetics labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores, rather than treating the front of the bottle as a character reference. Even these products can worsen acne in some people.
3. 3Clean your phone, pillowcases and makeup brushes regularly, so your skincare routine does not end where the laundry begins.
4. 4Ask a pharmacist about an acne treatment such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Cheeks tend to become dry and irritated more easily than other facial areas, so start with every other day application rather than daily use, unless your clinician directs otherwise.
5. 5Leave spots alone. Picking and squeezing can cause scars or dark marks. Use sunscreen outdoors, particularly because many acne medicines increase susceptibility to sunburn.

Salicylic acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria involved in acne. Retinoids, medicines derived from vitamin A, treat acne and help prevent new spots; they are better suited to ongoing treatment than quick spot treatment. Avoid mixing benzoyl peroxide with other acne medicines without checking with a doctor. If treatment causes burning, redness or irritation, discuss those effects with your clinician.16

Could hair products be involved?

Hair products are a more specific clue when you also have tiny bumps along the hairline or forehead. Oils in these products can clog pores. Stopping the responsible product can take 4 to 6 weeks to clear that type of acne. Wash product residue from pillowcases and sheets, because bedding does not need a styling routine.7

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if you have numerous spots, deep painful lumps, scarring, or acne that is affecting your mental health. Get medical advice for hot, swollen, red skin that could indicate infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Also seek help if self treatment is not improving things. For friction related acne specifically, see a dermatologist if treatment has not cleared it after 6 to 8 weeks.35