Causes of pimples on cheeks (English)

Acne (acne) in adolescents is considered normal and after the formation of hormonal levels, they disappear. However, in some patients, and more often in women, acne may appear at a later age. Doctors see the main reasons for this in high levels of male hormones or their excessive activity, as well as in a certain type of work of the sebaceous glands. And if in adolescents acne vulgaris appears mainly in the area of the nose, chin and forehead, then at a later age acne is localized on the cheeks. The rash may disappear on its own or be permanent.

Types of rashes

Pimples on the cheeks can represent various elements:

comedones;
papules (cavitated tubercle);
pustules (abscess);
cysts;
nodes.

These can be single elements or multiple rashes merging with each other. Most often, acne appears on the cheeks and chin in the form of comedones and papulopustular rash. Less common is the severe form of cystic nodular acne.

Hormones as one of the causes of acne on the cheeks

The skin is a target organ for many hormones. Therefore, when acne appears on the cheeks of women, their cause is primarily associated with a pathological hormonal state caused by a number of diseases.

Acne appears when 4 factors are triggered:

sebaceous glands secrete excessive amounts of sebum;
the cells lining the ducts of the hair follicle begin to actively grow and die;
bacteria penetrate;
inflammation begins.

Estrogens are hormones that suppress sebum secretion. Androgens, especially testosterone and dehydrotestosterone, have a strong effect and stimulate the function of the sebaceous glands.

The female reproductive and endocrine glands are the main sources of androgens (male hormones) in a girl’s body. A small proportion is also formed in adipose tissue and liver. Hormones increase the activity of the sebaceous glands, accelerate the exfoliation of epithelial cells and thereby contribute to the formation of non-inflammatory elements. When bacteria enters this area, an inflammatory process begins.

There are many reasons why androgen levels increase:

in girls at the end of puberty (considered a physiological norm);
polycystic ovary syndrome;
congenital disorder of the adrenal cortex;
tumor changes in the ovaries and adrenal glands;
diabetes;
pathologies of the thyroid gland;
increase in body weight due to adipose tissue.

When pimples appear on the cheeks of girls, the reasons are associated with an increase in the amount of male hormones, then they are accompanied by other symptoms:

menstrual irregularities;
hair loss on the head;
weight gain;
Excessive male pattern facial hair growth.

In addition to diseases that cause an increase in androgen levels, when acne appears on the cheeks, the causes may be associated with even minor changes in the endocrine balance. Thus, acne on the cheeks may appear before menstruation, be a consequence of taking contraceptives or stopping their use and the use of anabolic steroids.

In half of the cases, the causes are associated with a hereditary predisposition to acne. It is noted that if the older generation in the family had this dermatological disease, in 70-80% of cases it will be inherited.

Cosmetical tools

The use of comedogenic cosmetics is another reason why acne on the cheeks can get worse and not go away for a long time. Long-term use of fatty creams, which contain, for example, isopropyl myristate, is a common cause of cosmetic acne in the form of comedones. When purchasing skincare products, you should opt for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic”

Moderate sun exposure has a disinfecting effect on the skin and dries out purulent rashes. However, excessive abuse of ultraviolet radiation (on the beach, in the solarium) has the opposite effect. The top layer of skin dries out, which acts as a signal to the sebaceous glands, and they begin to intensively produce secretions. Therefore, prolonged sun exposure provokes an exacerbation of existing acne and the appearance of new ones.

Stressful situations

It has been noted that women exposed to stress are more likely to suffer from acne. Stress is a trigger. Through nerve endings, it influences the production of neuropeptides, which in turn stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. People suffering from acne have a greater number of nerve endings and more nerve fibers.

Nutrition and habits

Foods high in carbohydrates can increase the concentration of insulin in the blood. Insulin, in turn, increases androgen levels. The result of this connection is an increase in sebum production and acne.

If you already have rashes, excessive consumption of seafood, as well as foods high in iodine and bromine, can aggravate the situation.

Diet for acne is considered one of the links in complex therapy. You should include foods rich in fiber, Omega-3 acid, and vitamins A, C, and E into your diet.

One of the factors contributing to the appearance of acne is the habit of smoking. Nicotine reduces vitamin E concentrations and increases sebum production.

Acne as a sign of internal diseases

Eastern medicine still uses a technique according to which if there are problems with some internal organ, this is reflected in the condition of the skin in a certain area. So if acne appears on the right cheek, then the person has problems with the right lung, if acne appears on the left cheek, then it means the person has problems with the left. If the area of rashes is limited to the upper part of the cheeks, on the cheekbones, you should check the stomach. Of course, this technique is not a basis for making a diagnosis, but it can serve as a reason for conducting an examination of internal organs.

Principles of treatment

Before getting rid of acne on the cheeks, you should find out the causes of its appearance. To do this, you may need to undergo a hormonal profile study, take an insulin test, a dexamethasone test (for adrenal hormones), and a glucose tolerance test (for diabetes). Take a blood test to examine your liver and kidneys. In some cases, scraping is necessary to rule out demodicosis and folliculitis. Undergo a gynecological examination.

Hormone therapy

Acne associated with hormonal disorders should be treated under the supervision of a gynecologist and dermatovenerologist. Treatment begins with restoring hormonal levels and eliminating the causes that provoked its failure. At the same time, the dermatologist evaluates skin problems and prescribes local remedies.

If the area affected by acne is extensive, Spironolactone can be taken. It is a diuretic that can suppress androgens and thus help reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The same drug is prescribed as a therapeutic agent for premenstrual syndrome.

The drug of choice is combined oral contraceptives, the effect of which is achieved in 70-100% of cases. These are such products as Diane 35, Yarina, Novinet, Janine, Regulon. Contraceptives are prescribed mainly between the ages of 20 and 40 to women for whom treatment with local drugs has not produced results. This treatment is also indicated for pustular elements concentrated in the lower part of the face, on the cheeks and on the neck.

At the same time, a noticeable improvement in skin condition is observed in women only after 3-4 months of taking contraceptives. In severe cases, therapy can reach 9 months or even a year. There are also side effects from this treatment. They can manifest as nausea and engorgement of the mammary glands. Such side effects in most cases disappear on their own within 1-2 months after the start of treatment. The most serious negative effect is a change in the condition of the blood, it becomes more viscous. For this reason, oral contraceptives are not prescribed to women with varicose veins, hypertension, and heavy smokers after the age of 35.

When acne appears during menopause, it is accompanied by symptoms of menopause such as insomnia, mood swings, sweating, and manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia. In this case, therapy is prescribed, the purpose of which is to stimulate the hormonal function of the ovaries. Drugs such as Climodien, Klimen, Angelique compensate for the lack of estrogen in the body and have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

The place of antibiotics in acne treatment

Treatment of acne in women is rarely carried out with antibacterial drugs. Only with multiple inflammatory elements is it possible to prescribe them. One of the antibiotics used in therapy is Unidox Solutab. Other antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, clindomycin, minocycline) are prescribed in long courses of up to 6 months. However, such prolonged treatment often leads to dysbiosis of the skin and intestines. Therefore, antibiotics are used in extreme cases when other drugs do not have a therapeutic effect.

Local remedies

Preference in acne treatment is given to local remedies:

If most of the rashes are comedones, it is recommended to use Skinoren gel, Differin (cream, gel).
For pustular elements, Baziron AS and Dalatsin are more effective.
Ichthyol ointment is used to quickly resolve ulcers.

The girls' need for cosmetic care and their reluctance to get redness and irritation during treatment are taken into account. A special need for soothing cosmetic products can be seen during treatment with Baziron and Differin. Since drugs often cause dermatitis, medicinal cosmetics are a mandatory addition to therapy:

Apezak emulsion helps with irritation.
Gifak plus gel is recommended for cleansing.
To resolve large formations, patches are produced - special plasters.
For a large number of comedones, it is recommended to use aloe juice and citric acid-based gels. They soften plugs and help cleanse pores.

Local retinoids (Tretinoin, Retinol) are prescribed. Retinoids remain one of the most effective groups of medications against comedones. The active substances of retinoids relieve inflammation, reduce the level of secretion of the sebaceous glands, prevent clogging of follicles, and have an antioxidant effect. For women, taking retinoids is also an opportunity to reduce the depth of age wrinkles and their number.

Home care: recommendations and rules

The skin of women suffering from acne is dehydrated and more sensitive. This is due to the use of alcohol-containing products during the treatment of acne in youth and to the natural processes of age-related skin aging. Therefore, daily care for problem skin is an integral part of comprehensive treatment. It is not only aimed at treating acne, but also at eliminating dehydration, skin aging, pigmentation, and rosacea.

At home, it is important to follow simple rules:

Wash with gentle cleansers with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Products with sulfur and salicylic acid (2%) are effective.
Try not to use scrubs and astringents during acne treatment. These products can irritate the skin and worsen the course of the disease.
Use lotions with salicylic and glycolic acids. They remove excess fat from the skin and prevent the development of hyperkeratosis.
Use a light moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
Use water-based sunscreens and sprays.

Very often, when acne occurs on the cheeks of women, the cause lies in a malfunction of the endocrine system. Therefore, acne treatment should be carried out by several doctors: a dermatologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist and cosmetologist. Acne is a chronic disease and only an integrated approach to treatment will significantly increase the period of remission. The use of cosmetics makes it possible to reduce treatment time and drug doses, and also provides the necessary care for skin that has undergone age-related changes.

Pimples on the cheeks are a dermatological problem that affects more than 80% of people aged 14 to 35 years. Inflammation of the skin is associated with blockage of the sebaceous ducts, which open into the hair follicles, with fat. The maximum number of exocrine glands is concentrated on the face. Their number reaches 380 pieces per 1 cm 2 of skin. Therefore, acne primarily affects the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Conservative therapy is aimed at reducing sebum production, relieving inflammation, and cleansing skin pores of dead cells.

Why do pimples appear on the cheeks?

Acne, or blackheads, is a skin disease associated with blockage of hair follicles by sebaceous plugs. Dermatologists have tracked the cause-and-effect relationship between acne and the general condition of the body. The main role in skin inflammation is played by:

Hormonal imbalances. The first acne in men and women occurs during puberty. During puberty, their number increases several times. Fluctuations in steroid hormones (testosterone, progesterone) provoke increased production of sebum. In women, acne on the cheeks is caused by hormonal imbalance due to menstruation, pregnancy, ovarian depletion syndrome, menopause, and abortion.
Neuropsychiatric disorders. Psycho-emotional stress disrupts the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Because of this, the exocrine glands begin to produce more natural oil, which clogs the pores and causes acne.
Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. The predominance of carbohydrates in the diet and the lack of essential amino acids disrupt skin metabolism. Because of this, the secretion of natural oil increases, which creates conditions for the formation of acne in the cheek area.
Diseases of the endocrine system. Malfunctions of the thyroid gland, liver, and pituitary gland also lead to acne. In people with diabetes mellitus and thyroiditis, whiteheads are more common.

The reasons for the appearance of subcutaneous acne on the cheeks lie in the disruption of the immune system. A decrease in the barrier function of the skin leads to the proliferation of mites that live in the sebaceous glands - demodex. Its waste products provoke the formation of ulcers. In girls, acne is more often associated with the use of low-quality cosmetics, abuse of birth control pills, and hypovitaminosis due to diets.

Diagnostic methods

Acne on the cheeks is determined by a dermatologist by its characteristic symptoms - a purulent rash, redness of the skin around areas of inflammation.

Malfunctions of the endocrine system, hormonal disorders (increased concentration of testosterone in the blood), chronic gynecological pathologies are the most common causes of the appearance of subcutaneous pimples on the cheeks

The cause of acne is determined based on the results of hardware and laboratory tests:

Ultrasound of the thymus and ovaries;
allergy test;
general blood analysis;
test for demodicosis;
blood test for steroid hormones.

The doctor differentiates acne from rosacea, follicular hyperkeratosis, fungal folliculitis, etc. In some cases, additional consultation with an endocrinologist, allergist, gynecologist and doctors of other specializations is required.

How to get rid of acne on cheeks

Acne on the cheeks is treated with conservative methods. Therapy has several goals:

prevention of new acne;
elimination of existing rashes;
inhibition of the activity of the sebaceous glands;
relief of skin inflammation;
removal of post-acne (acne spots).

Complex treatment includes pharmacotherapy, diet, and proper facial care. To speed up the healing of ulcers on the cheeks, they resort to physiotherapeutic procedures - darsonvalization, ozone therapy, paraffin therapy, EF radiation, etc.

Skin care features

When dealing with acne, special attention is paid to caring for the skin of the face. To remove pimples on the cheeks, you should:

wash your face at least 2-3 times a day;
wipe problem areas with cleansing tonics and lotions;
use mineral water or herbal infusions for washing;
change the towel at least once every 2-3 days;
treat acne with products containing salicylic acid;
give up decorative cosmetics for a while;
Apply scrubbing creams 1-2 times a week;
do steam baths for the face;
Apply anti-inflammatory ointments to the cheeks and T-zone.

It is also recommended to wipe your cheeks with cosmetic ice. It is prepared from herbal decoctions at home. Sage, string, nettle, chamomile, and celandine have pronounced anti-acne properties.

Diet

Dietary nutrition normalizes metabolism, thereby reducing the production of sebum. The basic principles of a healthy diet for acne include:

exclusion of unhealthy foods - fatty meat, spices, preserves, confectionery;
introducing fiber products into the menu - bran bread, broccoli, pumpkin, apples, dried fruits;
fractional meals - eating small portions up to 5 times a day.

Pimples on the forehead and cheeks are a consequence of the abuse of baked goods and fast food. To cope with the problem, you need to minimize the consumption of coffee, salt, fried vegetables and meat. To prevent dehydration and excess sebum secretion, you need to drink up to 2 liters of clean water per day.

Medical cosmetics

The skin on the cheeks is sensitive and quite thin. Microdamages become entry points for Propionibacterium acnes - propionibacterium acne. Microorganisms provoke the formation of sebaceous plugs and inflammation of soft tissues. To restore the hydrolipid mantle of the epidermis, you need to use special cosmetics.

Treatment of acne on the cheeks is carried out with serums, cream masks, corrective pencils, tonics and lotions, which contain:

Bioactive components have anti-inflammatory, comedolytic activity. The best manufacturers of anti-acne cosmetics include La Roche-Posay, Uriage, Argital, Vigor CN, Vichy, Avene.

Cosmetology procedures

Hardware therapy eliminates not only external and internal pimples, which are called milia. To combat cosmetic defects the following are used:

Chemical peeling is the cleansing of skin pores from dead cells and sebaceous plugs with chemicals. To remove a pimple that has popped up on the cheek, the cosmetologist applies lactic, carbolic, salicylic and other acids. Chemical peeling copes with acne and post-acne - fresh scars, age spots.
Cryomassage – local cooling of problem areas on the cheeks with liquid nitrogen. In just a few sessions, it is possible to remove small pustules, pink pimples, and post-acne.
Phototherapy is the treatment of acne on the cheeks with the light of fluorescent lamps. The painless procedure has proven therapeutic effectiveness. It is used to combat acne caused by eczema and neurodermatitis.

If the lesion is large, they resort to biodermabrasion and laser therapy. Hardware treatment has contraindications, so before making an appointment with a cosmetologist, you should consult a doctor.

Pharmacy drugs

Inflamed purulent pimples on the forehead, chin and cheeks are quickly removed by exfoliating, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs. In the fight against acne, the following are used:

local antibiotics (Erythromycin ointment, Stiemycin) - destroy pyogenic bacteria that cause ulcers on the cheeks;
hormonal drugs (Spironolactone, Cyproterone) - help eliminate acne in polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism in women;
local retinoids (Klenzit, Effezel) - improve exfoliation of skin cells, prevent clogging of follicles with horny masses.

If pimples on the cheeks are caused by demodex, Tsindol or Sulfur ointment is prescribed. If there is a hereditary predisposition to acne, it is recommended to treat the inflammation with Skinoren, Baziron or Metrogyl.

Traditional methods

Homemade cosmetics are a simple and effective way to fight acne. To cleanse the skin of sebaceous plugs, dead cells and inflammation, use:

Celandine. 4 tbsp. l. chopped herbs pour 1.5 liters of water. Boil in a steam bath for 5-7 minutes and filter. Red pimples on the cheeks are treated with the solution up to 3 times a day.
Horseradish. A third of the glass bottle is filled with crushed horseradish root. Pour in wine vinegar and leave in a cool place for 2 weeks. Treat acne with the infusion and leave until completely dry. Wash off the product with cool water.
Dandelion. 1 tbsp. l. crushed roots are boiled in 200 ml of water for 3 minutes. Soak a cotton pad in the decoction and wipe your cheeks daily before bed.

For spot rashes on the cheeks and post-acne, use calendula oil. The product is used to treat problem skin twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

What happens if you ignore the problem

If left untreated, acne progresses and becomes more severe. It is not advisable to squeeze out purulent pimples on the cheeks, as this leads to tissue injury.

If skin rashes appear on your cheeks, we recommend that you contact a medical center or a dermatologist. To avoid infection or cause acute inflammation, do not squeeze pimples or self-medicate.

Possible complications of skin disease include:

acne conglobata is the most severe form of acne, in which multiple cysts with purulent contents form on the face;
fulminant acne - the formation of nodular acne on the face and body;
hypertrophic scars are growths of connective tissue on the cheeks that appear at the site of acne.

The accumulation of pus in the hair follicles is caused by fungi, Staphylococcus epidermidis, propionibacteria, etc. Their active reproduction is fraught with acute inflammation of the skin, furunculosis, and abscesses.

Prevention of acne on the cheeks

If a pimple pops up on your cheek, it should not be squeezed out or exposed to heat. The affected area is treated with an antiseptic or anti-acne ointment. People with combination or oily skin are recommended to use hypoallergenic creams with a light texture. Also, to prevent acne it is necessary:

wash your face twice a day with tar or antibacterial soap;
limit consumption of carbohydrate foods and alcohol;
avoid stressful situations, use of hormonal drugs;
1-2 times a week cleanse the skin with cream scrubs or masks with cosmetic clay.

Acne is a chronic disease that recurs when exposed to provoking factors. A balanced diet and timely treatment of diseases of the endocrine and digestive systems reduce the risk of skin inflammation several times.

Let's understand the reasons for the appearance of pimples on the cheeks in order to find ways to avoid this trouble. At the same time, we work on mistakes and choose the right cosmetics for prevention.

Causes of acne on the cheeks
Basic diagnostic methods
Proper nutrition to fight acne
What does the appearance of acne mean?
Cosmetics against acne on the cheeks
Cosmetological methods
Preventing acne on the cheeks

Causes of acne on the cheeks

It is known that acne appears due to the overly active work of the sebaceous glands: excess sebum, together with dead cells, clog the sebaceous ducts, forming a plug - an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria. In general, the male sex hormones testosterone and dehydrotestosterone are responsible for excess sebum production, and therefore blackheads and acne.

Those with oily skin need to be on their guard © iStock

There are other factors that cause pimples. They should be taken into account by those with oily skin who are at risk due to the natural activity of the sebaceous glands.

It has been established that some products make the sebaceous glands work more actively and, if abused, can turn simply oily skin into problem skin.

Food allergies and carbohydrate metabolism disorders may well give rise to inflammatory processes in the skin.

Stress reduces skin immunity, and in oily types it provokes a surge in the activity of the sebaceous glands. More sebum means more chance of inflammation.

Extreme heat and humidity cause the sebaceous glands to work even harder. Sweat mixed with sebum, cosmetics and dust is an ideal environment for pimples to appear.

Improper skin care

Illiterate use of cosmetics, for example, aggressive cleansers or too greasy creams that do not match the type and condition of the skin, will throw it out of balance. The skin may respond with inflammation.

No, we are not talking about tobacco and alcohol, but about simple actions that we perform every day, not suspecting that they can cause pimples, in particular on the cheeks. Details below.

Basic diagnostic methods

Before you find 10 mistakes in your relationship with your skin, make sure that pimples on your cheeks are not the result of health problems. To do this, you will need to be examined by a doctor and take several tests.

Hormone analysis. In most cases, hormonal imbalance is to blame for acne. If acne bothers you more and more often, get tested and act according to its results and the endocrinologist’s prescriptions.

General and biochemical blood test. It will help identify the presence of an inflammatory process, as well as a lack of vitamins and minerals.

Food allergy testing. If the body does not accept certain foods, they can be a constant cause of inflammation.

Proper nutrition to fight acne

Fast food and trans fats are not good for the body as a whole - this is an established fact. But the direct relationship between food and acne continues to be debated. Those who are sure that such an addiction exists are urged to stay away from a number of products.

Products made from white flour and sugar with a high glycemic index provoke the release of insulin, a hormone controlled by testosterone.

Milk. It may contain hormones and growth factors that affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

What does the appearance of acne mean?

There is a theory according to which the location of acne can determine problems in the functioning of certain internal organs. Thus, it is believed that pimples on the cheeks (right or left) indicate problems with the lungs, right and left, respectively. But while there is no evidence, we will leave this question to the doctors of alternative medicine.

Touching your face with your hands

The bearded meme “straighten your back and take your left hand away from your face” should be declared the main acne prevention measure. Just remember: you can only touch your face with clean, washed hands. And it’s better not to touch it at all.

Be lazy to wash your face

Drying your face with a towel

It sounds strange, but it's true: if you don't change your face towel every single day, prepare to lose the fight against acne on your cheeks. After all, a wet towel is a breeding ground for bacteria. The only advice here is to use disposable paper napkins instead.

Use makeup brushes

Pressing your mobile phone to your cheek

There's no need to cut back on your phone time, just keep in mind that your device's screen is far from sterile. Try to keep it clean, and for communication, use voice messages or a special headset that will allow you to keep your mobile phone away from your face.

Cosmetics against acne on the cheeks

When caring for skin with pimples, use cosmetics with sebum-regulating, exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, you will need products for deep cleansing of pores, exfoliation of dead cells and urgent elimination of rashes (local SOS products).

Gels and foams for washing

Clean skin prone to rashes twice a day using foams and gels. Look for acids in the composition that will delicately remove dead cells. Avoid alkali and soap, which can disrupt the protective barrier of the epidermis and increase sebum secretion.

The formula with salicylic acid allows you to intensively cleanse your skin while massaging it with soft synthetic bristles.

Cleansing foaming gel for oily acne-prone skin, Effaclar Gel, La Roche-Posay

Gently cleanses, contains components with antibacterial action.

The product with salicylic acid and charcoal absorbs excess sebum and helps fight breakouts.

Masks

The product with three types of natural clay and eucalyptus reduces sebum secretion and skin imperfections.

In addition to absorbent kaolin clay, it contains sugar cane extract - for comfortable exfoliation, chamomile extracts - for disinfection and relief of irritation, orange and lemon - for moisturizing and freshness of the skin.

Scrubs

Fruit acids and apricot kernel powder in the composition delicately remove dead skin cells, making the skin smooth and radiant.

Salicylic acid and exfoliating microparticles help even out the tone and texture of facial skin, absorbent charcoal cleanses pores, and blueberry extract helps tighten them, refreshes and saturates the skin with antioxidants.

Local SOS tools

Contains salicylic acid, cinnamon, ginger and witch hazel extracts. Exfoliates and mattifies the skin.

Local corrective agent Effaclar A. I., La Roche-Posay

The formula with lipohydroxy acid and niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates the elimination of imperfections.

Cosmetological methods

Salon treatments for acne-prone skin are aimed primarily at cleansing and reducing sebum secretion.

Vacuum, ultrasound, mechanical - all of them are aimed directly at removing comedones and pustules. Subsequent masks and care reduce oiliness and tighten pores.

Chemical acid peeling is recommended for oily skin because it reduces breakouts and shine.

The combination of alkaline solutions and galvanic current deeply cleanses pores, improves microcirculation and has a beneficial effect on acne-prone skin.

Preventing acne on the cheeks

When choosing products for day and night care, look for the “non-comedogenic” label, avoid greasy and oily textures, and carefully study the lines addressed to oily skin. Acids and renewing ingredients in the composition are your allies.

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Causes of pimples on cheeks