"Effective Skin Care Tips and Treatments for Cheek Acne Prevention"

Cheek Acne 101: Root Causes & Ways To Treat It At Home

While most of us know that chin acne is associated with hormonal fluctuations and forehead acne is thought to be related to stress, it can be difficult to pinpoint what causes cheek acne. In general, all acne results from a combination of clogged pores, excess oil, and dead skin, but where these breakouts happen on the face can sometimes offer clues about what’s contributing to this combination.

Read on to find out more about what cheek acne is, how to treat it at home, and tips on cheek acne prevention.

Causes of Cheek Acne

From genetics to your cell phone, there are a number of potential triggers for cheek acne.

Causes of cheek acne:

Genetics: If your mom or dad had acne on their cheeks, you may develop acne there too. In some cases, your genetics determine how your oil glands function (or overfunction). It is estimated that 50 to 90 percent of acne cases are inherited.1

Dirty makeup brushes: If you can’t remember the last time you washed your makeup brushes, they may be teeming with acne-causing bacteria. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dirty makeup brushes also collect product residue, dirt and oil, which can compromise your complexion and your overall health.2

Not changing your pillowcase enough: Like your makeup brushes, pillowcases can also carry acne-causing bacteria along with dust, pollen, and other allergens that can irritate your skin.

Talking on the phone: You may want to start going hands-free if you hold your phone up to your face often, especially if that’s where you’re noticing the most acne. Not only does your cell phone carry bacteria and dirt, but studies show the light and heat emitted from these devices may increase the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and induce acne flare ups.3

Harsh makeup products: In some cases, it’s not the dirty makeup brushes that cause breakouts, but the makeup itself. This type of acne is called acne cosmetica, which may appear as tiny white bumps or whiteheads.4

Touching your face: Touching your face is something we all do from time to time, often without thinking about it. While this habit won’t necessarily cause acne, it can exacerbate acne that you already have. This is especially true if the type of touching you’re doing is picking and popping at lesions. This increases inflammation and makes blemishes take longer to heal.

High sugar intake: According to Dr. Amanda Doyle, MD, a dermatologist and member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, there’s a possibility that cheek acne can be a sign of high sugar intake.5

Understanding Your Skin

Most people are familiar with the idea that oily skin is more to acne. After all, breakouts occur when oil along with debris and dead skin cells clog pores and lead to inflammation.

The truth is, dry skin can also be vulnerable to acne. Because dry skin lacks moisture, it can trigger the glands to produce more oil, leading to breakouts. Then there are external contributors like those mentioned above–harsh skincare products, lifestyle habits, and more.

Understanding your skin type and your particular triggers will help you devise a customized skincare routine that works best for your needs and helps to keep acne breakouts at bay. It’s also worth noting that your skin type may change throughout the year when the seasons change.

Treating Cheek Acne at Home

Taking charge of cheek acne doesn’t always require a trip to the dermatologist. Establishing a proper cleansing routine, making small changes to your lifestyle, and incorporating targeted ingredients can make a significant impact. Read on to find out more.

Cleansing and Skincare Routine

If you have acne-prone skin, you should avoid harsh cleansers containing alcohol at all costs. Opt for a gentle cleanser and use it twice a day, making sure to remove makeup thoroughly before bed.

Along with using an oil-free moisturizer which contains a hydration-boosting humectant like hyaluronic acid, you will want to incorporate targeted ingredients into your routine that are clinically proven to reduce acne, such as niacinamide, vitamin C, and azelaic acid. Learn more about them below.

Targeted Ingredients

Foundation Skincare offers a full collection of dermatologist-formulated solutions for common skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.

The following six ingredients are must-haves in your skincare routine for cheek acne prevention and treatment:

Foundation Skincare Azelaic Acid 14% Cream: Naturally found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye, azelaic acid has potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. It reduces bacteria on the skin, helping to heal current breakouts and prevent them altogether. The FS formula contains a medical-grade concentration of the active ingredient, which is stronger than most over-the-counter options, but it does not require a prescription.

Foundation Skincare Niacinamide Lotion 10%: A powerful form of Vitamin B-3, niacinamide helps to maintain the skin barrier while decreasing the production of oil to prevent breakouts. Like azelaic acid, niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, which eases redness, irritation, and subsequent scarring.

Foundation Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 20%: When applied topically, vitamin C helps to ease redness and swelling associated with acne blemishes and boost collagen production to support scar healing. Like the two ingredients above, vitamin C is also known to decrease inflammation and brighten skin without causing irritation.

Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream: Containing 2% Granactive Retinoid with essential peptide growth factors and plant-based botanicals, this nourishing cream prevents breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing oil secretion. It can also prevent acne scars by accelerating cell turnover.

Foundation Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: Dehydrated skin sends the oil glands into overdrive; hyaluronic acid keeps skin plump and hydrated by drawing in moisture and locking it in at the deepest layers.

Sunscreen: It should go without saying, but every last step of your morning skincare routine should be sunscreen. This is especially true for acne-prone skin, as excessive sun exposure can lead to skin dehydration, prompting your glands to become hyperactive.

Recommended routine for cheek acne:

Morning: After cleansing skin with a gentle cleanser and patting dry, apply Niacinamide Lotion 10% and moisturize with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Then apply a thin layer of Azelaic Acid 14% before you apply sunscreen.

Evening: After cleansing, apply Niacinamide Lotion 10%, followed by Vitamin C Lotion 20%, and then moisturize with the Night Renewal Cream.

Home Remedies to Soothe Cheek Acne

Following a solid skincare routine with targeted ingredients is crucial in promoting your skin health and preventing acne breakouts, but there are also a few other remedies you may want to consider:

Moisturize with aloe vera: Apply aloe vera to inflamed lesions to soothe the skin and accelerate healing.

Spot treat with tea tree oil: Dab tea tree oil on swollen pimples to reduce swelling and bacteria.

Take a zinc supplement: There is some evidence that taking a zinc supplement helps to ease inflammation associated with blemishes (and total blemish count) by supporting cellular function.6

Lifestyle Changes for Cheek Acne Prevention

Whether you know what’s causing your cheek acne or not, here are some general rules to consider to help prevent future breakouts:

Follow a daily and nightly skincare routine suitable for your skin type

Clean your makeup brushes regularly

Change your pillowcases regularly

Try not to hold your phone up to your face often (consider a headset or earbuds)

Resist the urge to touch your face

Stay hydrated

Follow a balanced diet of mostly whole foods, vegetables, and fruits

Reduce your sugar intake

Manage your stress levels

Wear sunscreen every day

When to see a Dermatologist

If you don’t take action, untreated acne may persist for several months, if not longer. If your acne is severe, you have visible scarring, or you suspect you have an underlying health issue, you may want to seek guidance from your dermatologist. Acne can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to last forever. Find more tips and guidance on how to achieve clear and healthy skin in the FS Journal.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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