sudden severe cheek acne

[eatenpi]

Hi, I'm 25 years old and up until about three weeks ago had very little to no breakouts. When I did have them it was never more than two or three at the most, large pimples on my cheek area, at a time. People were always telling me what "beautifull skin" I had.

About a month ago I noticed a handful of smaller pimples begin to breakout on my cheeks, which turned into large, painfull spots, which are most painful at the onset. I now am breaking out all over my cheeks, but nowhere else on my face or body, with many large pimples that just won't stop.

I've tried many things to help it. My diet is and has always been very good. I am a vegetarian who eats properly to get the right protein and nutrients, drink plenty of water and stay away from junk foods, preservatives and refined sugars. I'm slim, in good shape and have a consistant skin care routine. Nothing has changed really. I haven't been using any new products or been wearing any makeup. I've been changing my pillow cases often, and hardly wear any product in my hair. I've been celebate for the last six months, so nothing has changed hormonally. I've tried applying tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and benezol peroxide. I've also tried only washing my face at night and skipping toner. Nothing is working. The pimples will reduce in size when I treat them, but only for about half a day before swelling right back up.

I know it's probably not as "severe" as many others have it, but this has been a very difficult change for me. I've never had this, and really don't know what to do. I don't want to leave my house because I feel like everyone is looking at it, and my freinds innocently comment about it when I see them anew. I know it's only in concern and curiosity, but it still really bothers me. Then I get stressed and can feel them growing even more. I already have difficulty with depression and anxiety, so this is definately not helping. Please, can someone help me or give some advice?

[mich224]

Hi morenasian: Is that all you wash your face with? And.. do you follow the entire regimine 2-3 times a day?

[morenasian]

Hi eatenpi. You and I are oddly alike. I, too, am a Vegetarian, 25, and have suddenly been breaking out on my cheeks but they're now gone. I'm into doing things naturally. I take NO drugs whatsoever. Not even Tylenol. Instead of using prescription creams I juiced one medium sized lemon and then dilluted it with about 1/4 cup of water. I reused a glass jar (from jam, salsa, or whatver. Great for the enviornment!) And stored it in the fridge.  I rinsed my face and neck with the lemon juice 2- 3 times a day. Be gentle. You don't have to scrub your skin with a rag or loofah. Just massage with your fingers. The lemon cuts through the oils and dirt. Afterwards, I dampened a cotton ball with Apple Cider Vinegar and wiped my face and neck. This is a little strong. You can dillute it if you want. If it's too strong you can use non-alcoholic witch hazel as a toner. I then sprayed my face and neck with a little rose water. My acne was gone in less than a week. Everyone commented on my "glow". That's the lemon. It's a natural skin lightener and really brightens up the face. If your skin feels too dry from the Apple Cider Vinegar, you can apply 2-3 drops of Jojoba oil on your face along with the rose water but to clear up my cheek acne, I didn't use the oil just finished off with the rose water. I only use jojoba oil now that my cheeks are acne free. Try not to wear make up but if you have to, take it off by rinsing your face with warm water and gently wiping upward with a soft cloth. To remove the rest, apply olive oil on your face and wipe gently until all the make up is gone. Stay away from chemicals of all forms. It will just make it worse. Stay away from sugar too. Sugar is the enemy when it comes to skin care. Hope this works for you. Take care. :-)

[elsa21]

Hi, I have found that a South African product called Psorasol is fantastic for adult female acne on the cheeks. I buy it from the pharmacy, and it really really works, in fact, it clears the problem, but has to be used continually.

[lifess]

hello, i was wondering if anyone can give me any insight....
i have really severe acne and i wouldnt prefer to go on birth control to clear it... i use differin during the day, and retina micro during the night and new acne just appears more frequently especially on my cheeks, its to the point where i hate looking in the mirror and always need to wear makeup before i go anywhere... any help?

[kaysha]

Hei,I too am suffering from the same problem. I never really had pimples in high school but after completing high school then i started to have breakouts..on my cheeks. I have no idea why all of a sudden im suffering from this problem. It hurts quite alot. My family doctor gave me this antibiotic called Tetracycline and I've been using it for a year and a half now. At first it worked and then after one year, my acne started coming back. I've tried drinking lots of water and eating less oily food. But it just won't go away. I really have no idea what to do.

[nosroma]

I'm currently having the same problem - but I've had mild/moderate acne for the past 5 years - it's now just spread onto my cheeks and it's very stressful. Loiloi's suggestions may be helpful for you (because everyone is different and Loiloi always has good advice on this board) - but I'm on both Yaz (a birth control now prescribed for acne) and I have TONS of samples of Differin that my dermatologist gave me to try. I HATE the Differin, I've used it for over a month, and it made everything worse - to the point where, if my hair just brushes against my cheek, it's very painful. It also made my skin so dry that no matter how much I moisturize, my skin is still peeling and painful. It'll take months to fix. Ugh, my face hurts just sitting here typing this... What's working for me right now is doxycycline (an antibiotic). Thankfully I had a refill left from an old bottle because my dermatologist is out of the office until after the New Year, and really, I don't need to start off this New Year with as many new scars.