You may be able to find out how to stop breakouts by doing some detective work and face mapping.
Argh, those nasty breakouts. You scrub and you wash and you tone and you moisturize, and still they show up just when you least need them, like right before a big interview, presentation, or meeting with your new in-laws.
You know how to grin and bear it. You probably know how to cover it up. You may even know how to control your hormonal acne. If you want to say goodbye to your acne for good, however, the next time it shows up, you may want to perk your ears a bit. After all, we’ve heard that if you listen, your breakouts will tell you what you need to know to stop them from coming back.
Where are You Breaking Out?
Look carefully at where you’re breaking out. There is a theory called
“face mapping” that suggests the location of your acne could present
clues about what’s causing it. Traditional Chinese medicine, for
example, maintains that a weakness or toxicity in a certain organ or
gland in the body can result in acne showing up in certain areas of the
skin. You can use this theory to do some detective work on your
breakouts.
Forehead
Pimples here are usually linked to the digestive system, and may
indicate that you’re having a hard time breaking down certain foods. It
may also indicate liver problems, stress, or an irregular sleep
schedule. Try using bitter herbs or digestive enzymes like bromelain and
papaya before each meal to help break down foods, and make sure you’re
getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you suspect liver issues, try
some dandelion tea or some extra garlic and onions. Drinking hot water
with lemon in the morning may also help.
Between the brows
Did you have to break down and get fast food yesterday? Greasy, fatty
foods may be connected to acne here. Stick with healthy choices as much
as you can! Another possible cause—too much alcohol. If you find pimples
here after a night out where you consumed a few drinks, that may be
your issue.
Cheeks
If you spent time in the city, had to sit in traffic for hours, or
otherwise came into contact with polluted air, that may explain pimples
showing up here. And unfortunately, the air in our homes can be just as
bad, or worse! Consider adding plants that clean the air to your home.
Allergies that affect the respiratory system may also be to blame, or if
you pressed your cell phone against your skin while talking, germs may
have been transferred to your face. Always wash skin thoroughly before
bed to try to get rid of trace contaminants. Sometimes, acne here can be
a symptom of too much sugar in your diet—cut back for a few days and
see if that helps.
Chin
Did these show up around that time of the month? Chin pimples often come
around because of changes in your hormones. In the days before your
period, try to pay extra attention to your skin care. Consider eating
foods that help regulate our natural hormonal cycles. Also be sure
you’re not resting your chin in your hands when bored or tired, as this
can transfer oils from your fingers onto your chin, which can cause
pimples.
When Did Your Breakouts Show Up?
Tracking just when your breakouts show up can also help you determine what may be causing them. Here are some tips to help:
First thing in the morning
If you’re finding pimples in the morning that weren’t there the night
before, there could be a couple things at work. First, you may have
forgotten to wash your face before bed (always a must!). Second, you may
have eaten something for dinner or dessert that didn’t digest well,
causing changes in your skin. Eating too close to bedtime may also
encourage the formation of pimples.
Afternoon
This may be caused by hormones, if you’re getting close to your
menstrual cylce, or it could be that your makeup or moisturizer is to
blame. If you start out with a fresh face and then by afternoon see
pimples and blackheads showing up, check the ingredients in your makeup
and moisturizing products. Things like mineral oil, propylene glycol,
dimethicone, and others can actually create a barrier on skin that traps
bacteria underneath, increasing your chances of a breakout.
Evening
Did you wash your face after work? Before your exercise routine? Before
cooking? Remember that all day, your skin is subjected to pollution and
contaminants in the air. Makeup, as well, can sit on your skin all day
long. The second you walk in the door, wash your face and put on a fresh
moisturizer.
What kind are you?
Look more closely at your breakouts. Do you have just one or two
inflamed pimples, or a cluster of blackheads? This information can give
you more clues as to what may be going on:
Blackheads and clogged pores
These are those tiny black spots that like to dot your skin like pencil
pricks. Your skin may be dry in the area of the breakout. This may
indicate a congested liver, in which case you may want to try a short
detox-diet to flush out your system. Drink extra water, and try the
liver-cleansing foods listed on Renegade Health.
Cystic acne
These pimples like to sit underneath the surface of skin, forming
swollen bumps. They can take weeks to heal. Oily or dry skin—doesn’t
matter. All skin types can suffer this type of acne. It may be connected
to hormonal issues, including PMS, menopause, pre-menopause,
childbirth, and breastfeeding. It may also be related to digestive
issues. Consider getting more probiotics in your diet (from things like
yogurt and kefir).
Frequent acne
This usually comes with whiteheads and blackheads, though they are
usually small. The key here is “frequent”—this type of breakout comes
around a lot. If this is your acne, look at your products, as it’s
likely to be related to some ingredients that your skin doesn’t like.
Occasional
This is the acne that shows up out of the blue. You thought your skin
was fine, and then wham, the pimples show up. Most likely, this type of
acne is related to stress. Have things been difficult in your life
lately? Have you been worried about something? You may need to take some
time out.