“Why You Get Acne on Just One Side of the Face (Think Phones & Helmets)”

“Why You Get Acne on Just One Side of the Face (Think Phones & Helmets)”

By Dr. Rizwan Khan | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic and Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

📅 28 June 2025

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You’ve tried face wash, acne creams, and still — the pimples keep showing up on just one side of your face.

Frustrating, right?

If you notice more breakouts only on your left cheek or jawline, it’s not random.

The culprit might be something you’re using every single day:

Your phone. Your helmet. Even your pillow.

Let’s break it down.

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📱 Phones: Your Everyday Bacteria Partner

We carry our phones everywhere — washroom, office, kitchen, market.

We keep it in pockets, dusty tables, handbags. And then — we press it against our cheek.

What happens?

– Dirt, oil, and bacteria transfer from phone to skin

– Pores get clogged

– Skin gets irritated

– You get acne or blackheads (usually on the side you use for calling)

☝🏼 Some people even get jawline acne only on the “phone side.”

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🪖 Helmets: Trapping Sweat, Oil & Friction

If you ride a bike or scooter daily, your helmet sponge is constantly rubbing against your cheeks and forehead.

What we see at the clinic:

– Acne around the hairline and temples

– Redness and small painful bumps

– Fungal infections in people who sweat a lot

Why?

– Helmet pads absorb sweat

– They’re rarely washed

– Dirt + oil + heat = breakout recipe

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🛏️ Don’t Forget Pillows & Dupattas

Sleeping on the same side of the pillow every night, or wrapping your dupatta too tightly around one side of your face, can also trigger side-specific acne.

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👨‍⚕️ What You Can Do:

✅ 1. Clean Your Phone Daily

Wipe with a soft cloth and sanitizer. Don’t press it too hard on your cheek — use earphones or speaker mode if possible.

✅ 2. Wash Your Helmet Sponge Weekly

Use mild soap and sun-dry it. If it’s too old or worn out, replace the inner padding.

✅ 3. Keep Pillow Covers Clean

Change every 3–4 days if you have acne-prone skin. Prefer cotton covers. Avoid too many oily hair products that transfer to the pillow.

✅ 4. Avoid Rubbing Face with Hands, Scarves, or Veils

This is common in hot weather, but constant friction makes the skin irritated and oily.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rizwan’s Clinic Tip:

We often ask patients,

“Which side do you use for phone calls?”

“Do you ride a bike?”

“Which side do you sleep on?”

In 7 out of 10 cases, we find a strong link between their lifestyle habits and side-specific acne.

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🧴 Treatment Options at Our Clinic:

• Targeted acne treatment (topical + oral if needed)

• Deep pore cleansing facials

• Advice on hygiene habits

• Oil-control skin care plans

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Final Thoughts

If your acne is always on one side — your skin is trying to tell you something.

Fixing your daily habits is just as important as applying a cream.

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📍For stubborn or recurring acne, visit

Dr. Rizwan’s Skin Cosmetic and Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur.

We don’t just treat your skin — we study your routine to solve the problem from the root.

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💬 Do you notice acne on just one cheek or jawline? Let us know which side — left or right — in the comments! And tag your rider or phone-addicted friend who needs to read this.