Understanding the Acne Face Map: What Your Breakouts Are Telling You
Did you know that the location of your acne can reveal underlying health or lifestyle issues? By using the acne face map, you can identify what your breakouts are telling you and take steps to address any potential health concerns.
What is the Acne Face Map?
The acne face map is a tool that identifies the correlation between the location of acne on the face and potential underlying issues. The face is divided into different zones, each corresponding to a different organ or body system. By analysing where your acne is located, you may be able to gain insight into what may be causing your breakouts and take steps to address any potential health concerns.
Face mapping comes from traditional medicine and has Chinese and Ayurvedic roots. Modern face mapping focuses more on dermatology but still follows the theory that the area of a breakout indicates a deeper issue. Scientific evidence for both methods of the acne face map is limited, and more research is required, but is still proving popular amongst sufferers. The acne face map is a controversial theory, but given it only recommends good hygiene, a healthy diet, and positive lifestyle adjustments, it is a relatively harmless practice.
In this article, we will examine the dermatological, modern approach to the acne face map, finishing off by reviewing the Chinese traditional method.
What does Acne on the Forehead Indicate?
Acne on the forehead is often linked to digestive issues and stress. If you notice breakouts in this area, it may be a sign that you need to improve your diet or manage your stress levels. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. You may also find stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing beneficial for your acne, whilst improving your overall mental and physical health.
Acne in this area can also suggest dehydration, so ensure you are drinking plenty of water. Forehead acne can also be linked to the overconsumption of alcohol.
Acne close to the hairline can also be caused by hair products and cosmetics (pomade acne). Oily skin hair products can spread to the skin around the hairline, blogging pores, and leading to forehead acne. Certain ingredients can also trigger pomade acne. Look for products containing non-comedogenic ingredients. Use a hairband to prevent the spread of waxy or oily hair products from your skin, and cleanse thoroughlyafter use.
What does Acne on the Cheeks Indicate?
Acne on the cheeks can be linked to respiratory issues and poor hygiene. Cheek acne is also often caused by friction, known as acne mechanica. f you notice breakouts in this area, it may be a sign that you need to improve your air quality or clean your phone and pillowcases more frequently. Additionally, avoiding touching your face and keeping your hands clean can help reduce the spread of bacteria and prevent further breakouts. Acne mechanica is more common around people who have jobs involving helmets or masks. This type of acne was more widespread during the pandemic because of mask-wearing.
In regards to respiratory links, cheek acne is more common in smokers. Cheek acne can also be an indication of allergies.
What does Acne on the Chin and Jawline Indicate?
Acne on the chin and jawline (T-Zone) is often linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly in women. This can be caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Around half of women with acne report that their symptoms are worse in the days before their period is due. Stress and poor diet can also contribute to hormonal imbalances and lead to breakouts in this area. If you notice persistent acne on your chin and jawline, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about potential hormonal issues. Excess oil is the main cause of acne in this area.
Other Acne Face Map Locations
Nose - Acne on the nose is often linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly in women. It can also be caused by poor circulation or a buildup of toxins in the body. To combat nose acne, try incorporating more leafy greens and antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, and consider using a gentle exfoliating scrub to improve circulation. Redness and acne on the nose can also be linked to high blood pressure, speak to your doctor if this is a concern.
Ears- Acne on the ears can be linked to poor hygiene, such as not washing your hair or wearing dirty headphones. It can also be caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. To combat ear acne, make sure to wash your hair regularly and clean your headphones or earbuds frequently. In regards to toxin build-up, try cutting down on alcohol and caffeine consumption, whilst drinking plenty of water.
Neck- Acne on the neck is often linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly in women. It can also be caused by poor digestion or a buildup of toxins in the body. To combat neck acne, try incorporating more fibre-rich foods into your diet, and consider using a gentle exfoliating scrub to improve circulation and detoxify the skin.
How can you Treat Acne based on the Acne Face Map?
Treating acne based on the acne face map involves addressing the underlying health issues that may be causing the breakouts. For example, if you have persistent acne on your forehead, it may be a sign of digestive issues or stress. In this case, incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation and improving your diet by reducing processed foods, and increasing fibre intake may help clear up your skin. It’s important to remember that treating acne based on the face map is not a one-size-fits-all solution and consulting with a dermatologist or doctor can help determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Chinese Acne Face Mapping
Chinese face mapping, also known as mien shiang, is a more traditional approach to the acne face map, which first emerged thousands of years ago. Mien Shiang theorises that the area of an imbalance (represented through acne, dryness, or redness) links to an organ in the body as follows:
Forehead-Small Intestine- indicating a digestive issue, poor sleep, an unhealthy diet, or stress
Temples- Bladder + Kindey- suggests inflammation or infection
Eye/Eyebrow Area- Liver + Kidneys- indicates depression, anxiety, stress, dehydration, a poor diet, or toxin build-up
Nose Area- Heart + Large Intestine- Possible high blood pressure or cholesterol
Cheeks- Stomach, Spleen + Lungs- breakouts signify inflammation, allergies, or sinus problems
Mouth Area- Stomach + Colon- indicates digestive issues
Chin- Reproductive System- related to stress, menstrual cycle, or hormones
There is no scientific evidence for Chinese face mapping, it is based purely on observation. A practitioner will typically advise diet and lifestyle changes as an acne treatment, based on the location of your breakouts.
