We all get spots on our faces from time to time, and while your first instinct might be to have a thorough wash and use whichever go-to blemish-busting products you have in your bathroom cupboard, it turns out there might actually be lifestyle changes you can make to stop you getting so many spots.
According to one aesthetic practitioner, a theory known as “face mapping” – which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine – claims that your face and its blemishes reflect your inner health, and when there’s a bodily imbalance, you’ll see evidence of it on your face. For example, spots on the temples are said to be linked to the liver, while those on your forehead are believed to be closely related to the small intestine.
Veronica Long, an aesthetic practitioner at OMNI Wellness, said: “It sees your face as a map that is divided into different zones and each specific zone corresponds to a particular internal organ.” The expert did admit that evidence behind face mapping is weak, but there are some lifestyle changes you can make that might reduce the amount of breakouts you get.
So what do your spots mean, and how can you get rid of them? From spots on your forehead to those on your chin, here’s a look at what each of them supposedly means for your body’s health.
On your forehead
According to Veronica, having spots on your forehead can be caused by something as simple as using oil-based products on your hair, which can then cause the pores on your forehead to become clogged – especially if you have a fringe. But where face mapping is concerned, forehead spots are linked to the digestive system, including the small intestines and bladder.
What’s more, you might start seeing forehead spots if you’re constipated or have other “unsettled digestive system” issues caused by poor diet, stress, excessive alcohol intake, or lack of sleep. If your forehead spots keep coming back, try following a healthy, balanced diet full of fibre-filled carbs and lean protein to see if that helps keep your skin clear.
Between the eyebrows
Have you ever noticed a gathering of spots just above your nose, between your eyebrows? Veronica told The Sun that this could be linked to the liver and gallbladder, as can spots on the temples or around the eyes. This could signify that you’ve been indulging in too many rich foods, or have been tucking into treats that you’re sensitive to.
She said: “Breakouts could be due to indulging in rich foods such as dairy products, meat and alcohol. Or, they could be due to foods that you may be sensitive or allergic to.” If you find yourself prone to these spots, then try to reduce your intake of rich foods and see if that makes any difference to your skin.
On the nose
Spots on your nose are incredibly common, and this is because the nose has several oil-producing glands that can become overactive. The best way to keep the nose clear of spots is through regular exfoliation, and Veronica recommends using an exfoliating cleanser a few times a week, and trying an exfoliating mitt, gently rubbing it across your nose.
When it comes to face mapping, the nose is associated with issues in the gut and heart, but you don’t need to worry too much – spots on the nose are not an indicator your heart is in trouble. However, if you do notice spots on your nose and want to try a lifestyle change to clear them up, Veronica recommends cutting out smoking as well as exercising more regularly, and following a healthy diet.
You might notice spots appearing on your cheeks if you’ve spent a lot of time chatting on the phone, as the bacteria on your phone screen can transfer onto your skin when you make a phone call. Keeping your phone clean, as well as cleaning your make-up brushes regularly and changing your pillowcases can all help to reduce spots in these areas.
Face mapping dictates the upper half of the cheeks is linked to the stomach, while the lower half is related to the spleen, lungs, and respiratory system. This means that cutting down on sugary foods could help reduce spots on your upper cheeks, but your lower cheeks could be harder to keep spot-free – as your blemishes could be caused by pollution.
Pollution is hard to avoid, especially if you live in a city, but Veronica suggests regular exercise and fresh air, such as going for lunchtime walks in a green space, as well as looking into buying pollution-shielding skincare products.
On your chin
Finally, if you’ve got a spotty chin, it’s most likely related to your hormones. People who experience periods are more likely to get spots on their chin during their period, while you might also experience spots at other times of hormonal change such as during pregnancy or menopause.
Veronica said: “The chin and jawline are linked to the reproductive organs, hormones, and endocrine system. The majority of spots on the chin and along the jawline are linked to hormonal issues and the menstrual cycle.” It’s not always possible to prevent spots that are caused by hormone fluctuations, but keeping the area clean and free of bacteria can help.
According to the NHS, pimples can be triggered by many factors including hormone imbalances, diet, smoking, and some beauty products. It’s important to note that you are not to blame for your spots, and the NHS has said there is no evidence that poor hygiene plays a role in acne.
