What Causes Acne on Both Sides of the Cheeks?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit, predominantly occurring in adolescents. It significantly impacts adolescents’ psychological well-being and social interactions; however, it often naturally improves or resolves after puberty. So, what causes acne on both cheeks? Below, we address this question.

Causes of Acne on Both Cheeks
1. Dehydrated and Dry Skin
When skin becomes dehydrated and dry, metabolic processes may become disrupted, leading to an imbalance between water and oil. If proper cleansing is not performed promptly, excess sebum and impurities can clog pores, resulting in acne formation—this is the most common cause of acne on both cheeks.
2. Chronic Irregular Sleep Patterns
Prolonged work-related stress combined with frequent late-night work disrupts normal circadian rhythms, thereby impairing metabolism and contributing to acne development.
3. Impaired Sebum Excretion
Individuals with oily skin tend to have overactive sebaceous glands, producing excessive sebum. Inadequate cleansing can hinder proper sebum excretion, causing sebum and debris to accumulate beneath the skin surface—gradually forming raised lesions (i.e., acne).
4. Irregular Diet
Frequent consumption of spicy or highly stimulating foods may induce internal “heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to inflammatory conditions), manifesting clinically as acne or comedones on both cheeks. Moreover, long-term dietary imbalances impair metabolism, adversely affecting both overall health and skin condition.
The above outlines the primary causes of acne on both cheeks. We hope this information is helpful to you.