What is the source of your acne? Is it recurring deep cystic acne on the cheeks or stubborn keloids (pimples that won’t go away) around the jawline? Acne patterns in certain regions provide hints to the causes; for example, acne on the jawline and chin is frequently hormonal. Here comes acne face mapping. It is an old concept derived from Eastern and Chinese medicine that is founded on the premise that your face is a map to what is going on underneath the surface. “Acne face mapping is not supported by scientific data and will not be recommended by a dermatologist,” says Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Online Consulting Brand drmanasiskin.com.
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It may sometimes be a good beginning point for determining the underlying reason of your breakouts – from hormones and heredity to stress and food – and getting to the bottom of it. “While it may not be able to precisely relate acne on your cheek to a certain organ in your body, there are elements that cause acne in specific places of your face.”
We created an acne face mapping guide with Dr. Shirolikar to determine the origins of various facial outbreaks.
Cheeks
Perhaps the most difficult place to break out in, yet with the most basic of triggers – soiled pillow covers, mobile phone displays, and fingers. “Changing your bedding once a week, wiping your phone clean with a sanitiser, and keeping your fingers off your face,” Dr. Shirolikar advises.
Wash your makeup brushes and sponges on a regular basis. Because the mouth area is connected to your lungs and mouth, behaviours like smoking or health issues like bronchitis may manifest here
Jawline and chin
Hormonal fluctuations cause zits around your chin and jawline. “While acne around the jawline is typically caused by hormonal fluctuations and is frequently found in PCOS patients, not all jawline acne is caused by hormonal imbalance,” cautions Dr. Shirolikar. “These bothersome pimples are usually more painful and might be cystic.” Choose over-the-counter salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide-based spot treatments.
If they do not react, consult a dermatologist for prescription drugs.” Hormones are also affected by gut health, thus it is advised to avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten, and dairy. Avoid alcohol and coffee since they can induce dehydration, which is a cause of chin acne.
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The hairline and the forehead
Acne on your forehead and hairline is caused by your hair products. Conditioners and hairsprays, for example, might drip over your brow and clog pores, causing acne. “Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to minimise buildup,” Dr. Shirolikar recommends. “Make washing your face after applying hair oils or products a habit.” Look for non-comedogenic haircare or use a face shield when applying haircare products.”
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Acne in these places is associated with the bladder and the digestive system; limit your consumption of junk and processed foods.
Browline
Are you experiencing browline breakouts? It’s time to retire your go-to brow gels and pencils. “Seek for non-comedogenic gels and remove them as soon as feasible.” “Use a cleaning balm, oil, or micellar water to remove any residue,” advises Dr. Shirolikar. “To exfoliate and unclog pores, look for products containing BHAs such as salicylic acid.” Additionally, acne in this region might form as a result of irritation. “Bumps might arise here as a result of brow tweezing, plucking, or threading,” she explains.
Between the brows and the nose
Your forehead and nose are densely packed with oil glands and are frequently home to blackheads and whiteheads. “This is part of your T-zone, which has the largest density of oil glands,” Dr. Shirolikar adds. “Stress, food, and hormones can all promote acne by increasing oil production.” She recommends looking for “products containing niacinamide to maintain oil balance.” You may also use a BHA-based cleanser to unclog and clean your pores.”
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