Cheek acne looks just like acne elsewhere. It can be whiteheads, blackheads or pustules and papules. Each person is different and manifests acne in different ways and in different areas.What causes cheek acne? – The big question is: what causes acne on our cheeks? Typically it’s caused by oil accumulating inside pores, which makes acne more visible and increases inflammation. This build-up of oils is often due to many different factors including the use of pore-clogging skincare products or dirty makeup brushes. Cheek acne may be due to one or more of the following: makeup, your phone spreading bacteria, dirty pillowcases, touching your face, or hormonal changes. The good news is there are several steps you can take to prevent it or reduce the severity of your cheek acne. See a doctor to get your acne treated.