Do you ever wonder why pimples seem to pop up in the same spots on your face? One day, you find a pesky bump forming on the top of your cheek and after treating it with your best blemish busters, it shows up again the following week, perhaps bigger and even more bothersome. So, what gives? Sure, breakouts can appear after improper or abrasive cleansing and using aggravating product ingredients, but they can also be connected to what’s going on in and/or around you. That’s right, folks. Acne and health are in fact related. So today, we’re sharing how to determine the source of your persistent breakouts. Ready to nip those facial frenzies in the butt? Keep reading!

Face-Mapping 101

Face-what? If you’ve never heard this term, not to worry. Many haven’t! Simply put, face-mapping (which has been rooted in Chinese medicine for centuries) involves the observance of areas on the face to pinpoint any underlying internal issues. Every part of the body is linked to a different organ and because all our bodily systems are connected, it’s almost impossible for one thing to not affect another. Okay, so acne and health are related… but what the heck do our breakouts mean?!

Acne on Your Hairline

If you’re like Gretchen, you not only find your hairline weird…

… But the breakouts in this area, too! Instead of hiding behind headbands and baseball caps, take a closer look at your hair products, as they can be the reason for your acne here. Refrain from using oil-based or scented shampoos, conditioners, and styling gels, pomades, or sprays. Many of these products contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and irritate the skin, resulting in breakouts. If some of or all your haircare includes synthetic chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, or silicones in their product labels, ditch them ASAP and invest in gentler, skin-friendly alternatives to maintain those locks of yours.

Acne on Your Forehead

When you see a new breakout (or three) forming on your forehead and you just…

But instead of slapping your palm against your forehead (which you shouldn’t do because hand-on-face contact is a major skincare no-no), ask yourself these questions: Am I getting enough rest at night? Am I indulging way too frequently in sweet treats and processed foods? Am I experiencing a lot of digestive discomfort and difficulty (darn you, IBS)? If your answer is yes to any or all these questions, then you may just have the reason as to why you’re breaking out in this area.

To help combat your forehead acne, ensure that you’re getting your recommended daily H20 intake, keeping hair away from your face (especially if you have front or side bangs), and checking in with your doctor to discuss what steps you can take to achieve better digestion. After all, a healthy gut leads to happy skin.

Acne on Your Nose

Does acne on your nose have you feeling like Rudolph?

Although you may find this beloved character to be cute, you may not find the acne that’s persistently popping up here just as adorable and charming. So, let’s get to the bottom of it! If you didn’t already know, your nose contains the largest number of sebaceous glands in comparison to any other area of the face, which means acne in this area is more likely to develop. To keep breakouts at bay, ensure that your nose is properly cleansed (especially around the creases) and occasionally exfoliated with products that’ll help unclog those pesky nose pores.

For frequent makeup wearers, keep an eye on the types of products you’re using to give your nose that perfect contoured shape, as comedogenic ingredients can be doing your skin more harm. And for all you spicy food enthusiasts, do keep in mind that your frequent breakouts in this area can be linked to the zesty dishes you often enjoy, so think twice before you flood your ramen noodle bowl with Frank’s RedHot sauce.

Acne on Your Cheeks

The face you make when you go to sleep with clear cheeks but don’t wake up with them…

Unwashed makeup brushes. A cellphone that’s rarely wiped down. Pillowcases that haven’t been changed in a month. These are just a few of the daily practices that when avoided or forgotten about can lead to acne on your cheeks, even if it’s just one of them. These items harbor a heck of a lot of bacteria and in some cases, fecal traces… Simply put, ensure that these items are clean. It’s also important to note that your cheeks are connected to your respiratory system, so activities such as frequent smoking or even spending a lot of time in polluted or unventilated areas can do a number on your skin.

Acne on Your Chin + Jawline

When you cleanse twice a day, exfoliate a couple times a week, use hydrating serums and nourishing moisturizers, keep your hands off your face, change your pillowcases frequently, and still find pesky little bumps on your chin and jawline…

Unfortunately, your hormones play a big role when it comes to acne in this area, which is especially aggravating for women when their monthly visit from their beloved Aunt Flo comes around. When your body is experiencing a fluctuation in hormones, your facial glands can become overactive, thereby providing the optimal breeding ground for acne to form. But that’s not the only factor that can contribute to chin and jawline acne. Poor diet and stress can add to it, too. And while you can’t control how your menstrual cycle affects your skin, you can certainly assert more power over your daily food and beverage choices and the ways you handle your anxieties.

To help tackle breakouts in this area, ensure that you’re incorporating the healthiest, nutrient-rich foods in your snacks and meals and that you’re integrating the most effective practices to help keep you Zen and mentally groovy on a regular basis. And those recommended eight hours of sleep? Yeah, don’t forget those either.

The Bottom Line

When self-diagnosing your breakouts, remember to keep in mind that a relationship between acne and health does exist and that face-mapping is often the most effective way to determine the root cause of persistent acne development. Have you tried face-mapping before and if so, did you find it to be an effective practice? Follow us on our socials and let us know!