Black specs that I get when I go outside (NOT BLACKHEADS!)

This is something that has been bugging me for the past 2 years. I'm 22 years old right now, so it started when I was about 20. I have mild acne but i treat it with skin products and have nice clear skin because of it. Anyway, my nice clear skin is always being covered in something that I have no idea what it is. I get these black spots (no they are NOT blackheads) every time I step one foot outside. These black spots are always around my cheek bone area. I thought they were blackheads when I first started to notice them, but they easily go away if I wash my face, or wipe them with a wet towel. But when I do wash these black spots away, they come RIGHT back if I step outside again. I'm beginning to think that it’s just outside dirt that sticks to my face, because I cannot come up with another conclusion. How do I prevent these black specs on my face from showing? It’s embarrassing seeing black spots all over my face that keep coming back even after I wash my face. I cannot be outside for more than 5 minutes without getting them. Are my pores that big that they are able to contain dirt? I’ve tried using different acne products to see if it was the acne solutions that were causing it, but even when using different products, I still get the black spots.
I looked at a similar question on here regarding someone having black specs on their face, and someone said it was chromhidrosis. But I don't believe I have that, my black spots don’t "ooze" or anything... I'm pretty sure it’s not sweat since the black spots are dry.

PLEASE help me out!

[Bharat Chawda, MD]

Dear heyitsrube,

I have to appreciate that you have done a good home work here ,as you have nearly mentioned all common possibilities in your case.

If I had a close up picture of yours and the lesion I could have suggested you better.

I would also like to know what you use on your face as a daily routine and what is your skin type and complexion ? Have you tried any treatment or consulted a dermatologist for same .

While going through your mail I also thought of chromhidrosis as a possibility (which I still feel as a good possibility) because there are hardly any condition which would come and vanish so fast. There are certain patients who do get freckles on sun exposure ,but then that should not get wiped off by a towel or be so easily scrubbed off as you mentioned.

Yes,big pores at times can lodge dirt in them ,but the possibility of it seems to be bleak.

Please reply back with the above answers & the pictures if possible, as this will help me in suggesting you better.

Awaiting your reply.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards.
Dr.Bharat Chawda.

[heyitsrube]

I took a macro shot picture so you can get some detail on how it looks.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7451/specks.jpg

The picture is of my upper  cheek bone. See the spots? These are easily washed away with water.. but always come back after being outside (sometimes just staying in doors too, but not as many as in the photo above)

Also, I use SKIN ID (http://www.skinid.com) for my skin treatment. I can find take a photo of the ingredients in them if you'd like.

My skin is fairly oily but i keep it calm with skin id. I have never tried any treatment with any dermatologist, I always just went for the tv acne products.

Thanks for the reply! Hope this info helps a little more!

[heyitsrube]

Any luck? :(