Acne breakout location suggests underlying cause

You may have heard that chin acne is caused by hormones and forehead acne is caused by stress. But is there scientific data to support these claims? And is there anything you can do to promote healthy skin without actually putting anything on your skin?

Read on to learn more about acne face mapping, what acne spots mean, and what to do if you frequently get rashes in a specific area of your face.

Acne Face Mapping and What It Means

Acne face mapping is a practice rooted in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It is based on the theory that health issues in the body are linked to where acne appears on the face. For example, acne on the forehead is associated with poor digestion, while acne on the cheeks is thought to indicate problems with the lungs. Face mapping can also be used to find solutions for psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions.

Although the practice of face mapping dates back at least 3,000 years, there is little scientific evidence to support some of its claims. 1 However, over time, new face mapping techniques have replaced previous speculations and are backed up by dermatological research.

Forehead and Nose

Traditional facial mapping assumes that the forehead and nose (or T-zone) are connected to the gut, bladder, and heart. Previous recommendations have been to change your diet or reduce stress levels, which are known to wreak havoc on digestion and skin.

However, recent studies have linked T-zone acne to hormone fluctuations and stress. 2 Studies have shown that stress can exacerbate acne breakouts by triggering inflammation and delaying wound healing. 3 The T-zone also has more sebaceous glands, making it a common location for frequent breakouts.

Treatment Options for Forehead and Nose Acne

In addition to reducing stress levels, some treatment options to consider for forehead and nose acne include:

Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser.

Use Foundation Skincare Niacinamide Lotion 10% to balance oil production and reduce inflammation.

Hydrate your skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid, which acts like a magnet for water.

Use FS Azelaic Acid 14%, which reduces skin inflammation and redness, removes dead skin cells, opens pores, and eliminates bacteria on the skin to promote healing and prevent breakouts.

Protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30 or higher.

Always wash your face after working out or playing sports.

Chin and jawline

Both traditional facial mapping and modern dermatology agree that acne on the chin and jawline is hormonally related. Androgens such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and DHEA stimulate sebum production on the chin and jawline, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.

These rashes may occur more frequently during periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as puberty, menstruation, and menopause. Women with medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome may also be prone to such breakouts. Men who take anabolic steroids or corticosteroids that affect testosterone levels may experience hormonal acne as a side effect.

Your diet can also indirectly affect your chin and jawline. A poor diet with too much sugar and processed junk food can disrupt gut health and hormones, leading to hormonal acne.

Treatment Options for Chin and Chin Acne

In addition to a healthy diet, there are other options for treating chin and chin acne:

Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser.

Use a vitamin C lotion to remove dead cells and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that applying vitamin C twice daily can reduce acne lesions compared to a placebo. 4

Use a 10% niacinamide lotion to reduce oil and relieve swelling and inflammation in cystic acne.

Use FS Azelaic Acid 14% to further reduce skin inflammation and redness, open pores, and eliminate bacteria on the skin.

Protect your skin from the sun during the day with an SPF 30 or higher.

At night, apply FS Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive Retinoid to minimize inflammation and unclog pores, thereby reducing the appearance of acne.

Some people use oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications to control hormonal acne.

Drink green tea, which is rich in polyphenols that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

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Cheeks

Traditional facial mapping links the cheeks to the respiratory system. Breathing exercises may be recommended to relieve acne on the cheeks.

Aside from poor lung health, the cause of acne is more likely to be friction from pillowcases and cell phones, irritating makeup, or simply touching your face too often. This area of the face is also known as the U-zone. In addition to lifestyle habits, genetics and hormones can also influence acne breakouts on the cheeks.

Treatment Options for Cheek Acne

If lifestyle factors are affecting your cheek acne, there are simple habits you can change. For example, if you talk on your cell phone a lot, use a speakerphone instead. Making sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly and try not to touch your face can also have a positive impact on skin health. Other treatment options for cheeks include:

Wash your face daily with a non-irritating cleanser and pat dry.

Moisturize your skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid.

Layer on products like FS Vitamin C Lotion and FS Niacinamide Lotion 10% to reduce inflammation, redness, and dead skin cells.

Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14% at the end of your routine to eliminate bacteria on your skin.

Protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30 or higher.

At night, apply FS Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive Retinoid to minimize inflammation and unclog pores, which can reduce the appearance of breakouts. Retinoids also help stimulate collagen production to support skin renewal and protect the skin.

Hairline

Hairline acne is most likely caused by hair products like pomade, mousse, or dry shampoo. “Hair products tend to be very waxy and can accumulate at the hairline and cause breakouts,” explains dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD. 5 Tight headwear can also cause breakouts at the hairline, especially if sweat is trapped at the hairline. If you work in an oily environment, such as in the kitchen, you may be prone to this type of breakout.

It’s also possible that fungus can affect your hairline and scalp. As with any other acne, stress, hormones, and genetics can play a role.

Treatment Options for Hairline Acne

Treating hairline acne depends largely on what you think is causing the problem. Managing stress levels is always good for your skin (and your overall health!), as is avoiding products that may be too irritating to the skin. Other treatment options for hairline acne include:

Avoid wearing tight hats, which can exacerbate hairline acne.

Eliminate oily hair products from your daily regimen.

Follow a healthy skin care routine using the products listed above: FS Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C Lotion, FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%, and FS Azelaic Acid 14% as the last step in your daily skin care routine.

Some doctors prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to treat hairline acne, antifungal medications, or even antihistamines if the acne causes itching.

Steps to Prevent Facial Acne

No matter where acne appears on your face, there are steps you can take to prevent it from coming back. In addition to the above tips, you should also adopt the following habits for clearer skin:

Follow a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Drink plenty.

If you feel your diet is lacking in important vitamins and minerals that support skin health, take supplements for further support.

Regular exercise removes toxins from your body, improves circulation, and supports your overall health.

Never scratch your skin.

Get plenty of sleep.

Wash your pillowcase regularly.

Follow a healthy skin care routine.

While traditional face mapping can’t be fully backed by science, the philosophy behind the practice is a positive one. We should approach our skin health holistically and make sure our internal health is as balanced as what we see on the outside.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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