Why Am I Breaking Out on My Cheeks? Causes & Solutions
Why Am I Breaking Out on My Cheeks? Causes & Solutions
If you’re struggling with breakouts that always show up in the same area on your face, especially your cheeks, you’re not alone. Most acne spreads across different areas, but when it’s concentrated in one spot, there’s usually a reason.
The good news? Once we identify the cause, we can fix it. Let’s break down what might be happening and what you can do to clear it.
What Causes Acne on the Cheeks?
• Contact & Pressure: One of the most overlooked causes of cheek breakouts is what touches your skin throughout the day. I had a client who only broke out on his right cheek, and after digging into his routine, we realized it was from his phone. Once he switched to earbuds, his breakouts disappeared.
• Unconscious Habits: Many people touch their faces without realizing it. Resting your hand on your cheek while working, scrolling on your phone, or even adjusting your glasses can transfer bacteria onto the skin.
• Pore-Clogging Makeup: Certain blushes, bronzers, and powders contain ingredients that can clog pores, especially if they sit on the skin all day. If you’re consistently breaking out in the same area where you apply makeup, this may be a factor.
• Gut Health & Microbiome: Acne isn’t always just about skincare—internal factors matter, too. If I suspect gut health may be a contributing factor, I recommend limiting sugar and carbohydrates while watching for foods that trigger breakouts.
• Sun Exposure: More consistent sun exposure on one side of the face—like from driving, sitting next to a window, or having a sunroof—can also play a role in breakouts and irritation.
How to Get Rid of Cheek Acne
1. Keep It Clean
• Change your pillowcase daily to avoid bacteria buildup.
• Use a recommended laundry detergent and skip the fabric softener if this may be an issue, as some contain pore-clogging ingredients that transfer to the skin.
• If you use a phone often, switch to earbuds or regularly clean your screen.
2. Break Bad Habits
• Pay attention to how often you rest your hands on your face or press objects like phones and glasses against your skin.
3. Watch for Pore-Clogging Makeup
• If you wear blush, bronzer, or powder, check the ingredients for pore-clogging culprits. Consider switching to a non-comedogenic formula and thoroughly cleansing your skin at night.
4. Support Your Skin & Gut
• If this may be an issue, I recommend trying a third application of Stay Clear Deep Dive Hydration Serum during the day for extra support. This helps balance your skin’s microbiome, reducing the chance of persistent breakouts.
• Cut back on sugar and carbohydrates while tracking foods that trigger acne.
5. Wear & Reapply Sunscreen
• Apply sunscreen daily and make sure you’re reapplying when needed.
• If you’re not sure how often to reapply or what sunscreen works best for acne-prone skin, ask us for details!
6. Track & Adjust
• If your skincare routine is solid and you’re still breaking out in the same spot, start tracking when the breakouts happen and what’s going on in your routine or environment. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Let’s Fix It Together
If you’re tired of breakouts that won’t budge, let’s figure it out together. Book a consultation for expert guidance, or shop our proven acne solutions here.