Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered?
“Why do I only get acne on one side of my face?”
Maybe it’s my right cheek, or my left jawline, or my chin on the same side. As strange as it may sound, we see this problem all the time at ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester. The truth is, acne isn’t always the same on both sides. If you keep getting acne in the same place, it means there’s a specific cause—one you may not even notice. If you’re experiencing acne on one side of the face, identifying the underlying causes is essential for achieving clear, healthy skin with targeted treatment.
Why Do I Only Get Acne on One Side?
Many people ask—
“Why do I get acne on my right cheek?”
Or
“Why do I keep getting acne under my left jawline?”
This is not a misconception. The biggest cause of acne on one side of the face is some habits that help bacteria accumulate on the skin, or rubbing the skin.
Common Causes of Acne on One Side
Mobile Phone Germs:
Every day, oil, sweat, and many germs accumulate on the phone screen. When you bring the phone to your face, those germs enter the pores of your skin and cause acne.
Sleeping Habits:
If you sleep on one side every day, your skin rubs against the bedsheet. The dust and dirt from old copper bangles on your face increases the chances of getting acne.
Makeup Habits:
If you always do makeup with one hand, then more cosmetics accumulate on that side. And if the brush or sponge is not clean, germs spread. These are basically the habits that are the hidden reason behind acne on one side of the face. Germs accumulate and tear the skin, which results in repeated acne. Sometimes, the use of certain toothpastes and pimples remedies can worsen the problem, especially if applied incorrectly, leading to spots on the side of the face or pimples on the chin.
Pressure from Helmets, Masks, or Glasses:
The straps of a helmet or mask can press on the skin and cause sweat to accumulate, which can lead to acne on the chin or cheeks.
Hormonal changes:
In women, acne can increase during periods, stress, or hormonal fluctuations.
How do we find the cause?
At ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester, we use a digital skin scan to identify underlying skin problems. We then plan a treatment plan based on the underlying problem – if external habits don’t change, the internal problem can be addressed. Most of the time, acne on one side of the face is linked to these underlying causes, which we carefully explore during a consultation.
Common Misconceptions About Acne
“It’s just stress.”
While stress plays a role, the real culprits are phone use, not changing pillowcases, or the pressure of a helmet.
“It’ll go away on its own.”
If left untreated, acne can persist and scar.
“It’s because of hormones; there’s nothing you can do about it.”
This is wrong. Modern treatments can control hormonal acne.
Acne on one side of the face is often a sign that specific daily habits are triggering the problem, not just stress or hormones. At ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester, we help patients understand that acne on one side of the face is fully treatable with the right clinical care and lifestyle adjustments.
How Do We Treat It?
At ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester’s CQC-registered clinic, we don’t just treat the surface of your skin; we get to the root cause of the problem. Then you’ll understand why you’re getting acne and how to solve it, with expert advice and modern treatment. Everyone’s skin is different, so we create a personalized treatment plan for each person.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We will know—
- What kind of skincare products do you use
- Your diet, stress level, and sleep patterns
- Do you regularly wear a helmet or mask?
- Do you regularly clean your mobile phone?
- We will also check for deeper skin problems through a skin scan.
- Knowing these things is very important because sometimes acne on one side of the face is due to some specific lifestyle factors. We find them and treat them properly.
Step 2: Clinical Treatment
We use modern technology, such as—
- ClearSkin Laser: Destroys acne germs, shrinks pores, and reduces inflammation
- Dermalux LED Therapy: Kills germs with blue light, heals the skin with red light, and lightens scars
- Microneedling: Reduces scars and holes by increasing collagen
- ZO Stimulator Peel & BioRePeel: Removes dead skin and brightens
- HydraFacial: Provides cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and nutrition all at once
Step 3: Home Care and Advice
In addition to clinic treatment, care should also be taken at home. We guide you—
- Clean your mobile screen daily.
- Use a silk or cotton pillowcase and change it twice a week.
- Avoid touching your face unnecessarily
- Clean your makeup brushes weekly.
- Use non-comedogenic skincare
Our Recommended Products
You can get them from the clinic or an online shop after treatment.
- Oil-Control Cleanser
- Anti-Inflammatory Spot Gel
- LED Blue Light Therapy Device (for home)
- Jaw & Cheek Exfoliating Pads
FAQ
Question: Why does acne appear repeatedly on the same side?
Answer: Usually due to mobile use, pillowcase hygiene, helmet pressure, or hormones.
Question: Does pillow dirt cause acne?
Answer: Yes, the dust and germs accumulated in it cause acne.
Question: What is the best treatment?
Answer: A combination of clinical facials, laser treatments, peels, and personalized skincare.
Last Word: Acne Is Completely Curable
If you’re struggling with acne on one side of the face, don’t ignore it—this type of breakout often needs targeted care, which ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester is ready to provide with expert solutions.
Book a Free Skin Consultation Today
Contact ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester to get back to your radiant and blemish-free skin.
Why ND Skin Aesthetics Leicester?
CQC Registered Clinic
Medically Trained Expert Team
5-Star Reviews