While breakouts are definitely an annoyance, popping up at the most inopportune times to haunt us, these frustrating skin conditions may actually be a sign of a bigger problem. This is especially true if you notice that you are regularly experiencing breakouts in the same spot on your face despite routine washing or the use of acne specific products in an attempt to fight back.

Start by assessing any potential underlying conditions such as a skin infection or daily activities that may promote acne. There are many day to day habits that we don’t consider, such as the use of pillowcases repetitively as they hold onto the toxins and oils from the face, exposing yourself to them once again each time that you lay down.

If you have eliminated all potential causes, it is time to look to the ancient Chinese practice of face mapping. Dating back thousands of years. the idea is that the location of your breakout is actually a reflection of something that is occurring elsewhere in your body, surfacing in the face as the body is all interconnected.

Chinese scholar and co-founder of the skincare line Baszicare, Chapman Lee, explains, “Face mapping is the ability to see the reflection of the body’s organs on each part of the face by observing the face’s complexion – such as luster, dullness, and color [and breakouts!] – as well as the tongue and face expression.”

Organic skincare company Mukti recently published an article to assist their client base in using this technique to focus on their overall physical health. They created this great graphic illustration of the various areas of the face and what a breakout in that area would mean. Keep reading to learn how to put this technique to work in your own life.

 

Forehead

Breakouts located in the upper part of the forehead are connected with the bladder and the lower part of the digestive tract including the intestines. If you notice that this area is starting to show redness or areas of puffiness this may indicate that you are each too much sugary or fatty foods. In order to counteract the stress on this area of your digestive tract by limiting ‘junk food,’ getting a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated.

 

Ears and Temples

Discoloration or breakouts in this area mean one of two things – either you are burning yourself out by not getting enough sleep, or you are denying your kidneys the necessary water intake resulting in dehydration. Taking steps to improve your kidney health will help to eliminate these breakouts including drinking more water, removing table salt from your diet, eliminating processed foods, and limiting caffeinated beverages.

 

Between the Brows

The area between the brows is associated with both the liver and the stomach. For this reason, a break out in this area may indicate a number of serious liver diseases including jaundice, hepatitis and gallbladder problems, as well as dehydration. This may also be a result of eating too much meat, a food that requires more time and effort for the body to break down and digest. Eat lighter foods, limiting your red meat intake, avoid nighttime snacking and limit fatty foods.

 

Nose and Upper Cheek

If you are noticing breakouts in the area of the nose and upper area of the cheeks you should seek out medical advice for potential heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, circulation issues or high cholesterol. This may also be the body’s response to stagnant air or high levels of air pollution. Limit your salt intake, drink green tea and make a point of spending more time outdoors in the fresh air.

 

Right Cheek

Each of your cheeks carries their own individual messages. Breakouts or discoloration on the right cheek is associated with the respiratory system, specifically the lungs. In order to get these breakouts under control spend more time outside in the fresh air, eliminate highly scented products from your life such as scented cologne or perfume, and ensure that you are including cardio in your regular workout routine.

 

Left Cheek

The left cheek is specifically associated with your overall oral and dental health. A breakout in this area could indicate that you have been neglecting your oral care and should be focusing on taking steps to promote healthy teeth and gums such as flossing regularly and brushing your teeth after each meal. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a significant period of time, this is your reminder to make an appointment.

 

Mouth and Lip Area

Breakouts in the are of the mouth are often harder to manage as they are associated with the hormone balance within the body, a balance that is sometimes challenging to maintain. For women, this may occur leading up to your menstrual cycle as your body begins to go through significant hormonal changes, and it is incredibly common in pregnant women. Select natural products over those that are chemically based to avoid welcoming toxins into the body.

 

Jawline and Chin

If you find that you are experiencing pimples in the middle of the chin this is likely the result of a digestive problem. While this may be associated with a larger problem with the stomach and digestive tract, in most cases this is directly caused by the foods that you are consuming. Limit high fat and sugary foods, increase the number of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, drink peppermint tea and eliminate the habit of eating before bed.

 

Neck

A break out in the area of the neck is directly connected with your body’s thyroid function and the hormones that it produces. In order to reduce these breakouts, you must take steps to promote a healthy hormone balance in the body. Avoid artificial lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, spend more time outdoors, increase your water intake, and pay attention to the fats, sugars, and chemicals in the foods that you are eating.

Image via Ballin’ On a Budget