What It Means When Acne Is on Certain Areas of Your Face

Face Mapping: Separating Fact from Fiction

Hairline and Temples

Chinese face mapping attributes acne along your hairline to problems with your liver and digestive system. These issues can include problems related to diet or intestinal disorders. However, there is no scientific evidence linking hairline or temple acne to conditions of the liver or gastrointestinal tract.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne along your hairline and temples is often caused by hair care products, especially those that contain oil. Oil clogs your pores and can lead to an acne breakout. When this happens, the solution is to stop using the acne-causing products.

Forehead and Nose

According to Chinese face mapping, forehead acne is linked to your digestive system and liver. However, no scientific evidence supports these links. Science-backed advice from dermatologists explains that there are other causes for acne on your nose and forehead, known as the T-zone. This area tends to have larger pores and a higher number of sebaceous glands, which are glands that produce sebum (oil). As a result, this area is more susceptible to comedonal acne, a combination of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads).

Cheeks

Having acne on your cheeks is relatively common. Chinese face mapping says that this occurs because of problems within your stomach, such as inflammation. However, no scientific evidence supports these links. Modern medicine attributes cheek acne to behaviors that increase the amount of oil in your cheeks, making them more susceptible to acne. Cheek acne can occur as a result of using dirty makeup brushes or pore-clogging skin care products and makeup.

Chin and Jawline

Chinese face mapping links acne on the chin and jawline with problems caused by the reproductive organs. These would include the ovaries and testes, which produce sex hormones. However, this association is not supported by scientific evidence.

Topical Acne Treatments

The general principles of acne treatment involve a stepwise approach. Treatment typically begins with topical (on the skin) acne treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products are used based on the severity of your condition.

Ways to Prevent Face Acne

While there’s no guaranteed strategy for preventing face acne, you can reduce your risk of pimples and breakouts with the following procedures:

• Establish a twice-daily face-washing routine, once in the morning and once in the evening. Avoid scrubbing your face when washing.
• Choose products labeled alcohol-free. Avoid using alcohol-based astringents, toners, or exfoliants that can dry your skin and make acne look worse.
• Use facial sunscreens and moisturizers also formulated for your face since heavier body creams can clog your pores.
• Shampoo daily to reduce oils in your hair, especially if you have oily hair.
• Keep hair off your face to avoid the transfer of oil from your hair to your face.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. While tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer, it also damages your skin and can make existing acne worse.
• Follow your treatment plan closely and maintain regular checkups to catch breakouts early when they are easier to control.

Summary

Acne face mapping is an alternative health practice that uses traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to define the causes of breakouts. The process divides your face into sections, with each part linked to the organs or body systems that affect them. While certain health problems may increase your risk of acne, science contends that it’s unlikely to occur in limited areas. Instead, research shows that acne results from factors that include family history, hormone imbalances, hair and skin products, drug side effects, and certain behaviors, such as touching your face.

If you have acne-prone skin, change behaviors that increase your risk of breakouts. Contact a dermatologist for a complete evaluation of your symptoms and a treatment plan based on your condition.