The skin on your face has a unique set of characteristics that are different than any other areas of skin on the body. Dermatologists have found that distinctions in blood flow, pH level, temperature, moisture, oil content and other characteristics reveal information about the health of other regions of the body (1).
The location of blemishes and other changes on your face’s skin is a result of a distinct relationship with distant tissues or organs. This practice is known as face mapping and has been traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to identify health complications and treat chronic disease before it develops (2).
Although common in childhood and adolescence, acne breakouts can occur at any age due to the various factors that cause this dermatologic condition. Acne affects the skin of over 45 million people in the United States alone (7). If you are experiencing breakouts or abnormal skin changes in any of the following 10 regions of the face, here is insight into what the teachings of face mapping suggests about your health.
This area can have some of the more stubborn acne that is painful, larger and often fluid-filled. Candida overgrowth may be to blame for the development of acne in this area and food “enemies” such as sugar, flour, wine and dairy can aggravate the problem.
This type of acne is associated with an imbalance of hormones. In women, disturbances here may arise around the time of one’s menstrual cycle but it may also indicate a more severe problem such as polycystic ovary syndrome (10).
The abnormal color of your lips may be a sign that you are experiencing complications of the digestive tract related to intestinal and kidney function. Acne around the mouth or lip area may be a sign that you are experiencing constipation and may also indicate the overconsumption of fatty foods.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often manifested in skin tissue and may cause the hardened splitting of the lower lip (14). The appearance of pale lips or the lack of red color can be one of many facial signs that an individual may be experiencing coronary heart disease or a related cardiovascular complication (15).
White tongue or spots: The consistency may appear as cottage cheese and indicate a possible yeast infection known as oral thrush. Not often, leukoplakia appears as white and thick patches on your tongue that may be an early sign of cancer associated with tobacco use.
Abrasions: Ridges on the outward edges of the tongue can indicate poor nutrient absorption from the overconsumption of too many processed foods or the lack of whole foods with key nutrients.
Red tongue or spots: Traditional Chinese Medical practitioners often say that “the tongue is a window to the heart” because of the number of blood vessels present.
A deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate can cause a reddening appearance. This change accompanied by pain to the tongue may indicate a more serious problem such as infection, nerve damage, coronary heart disease, and anemia. Symptoms may be the result of the inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients.
Thyroid hormones can play a direct influence on the appearance of skin tissue on your face. Specifically, a slow metabolism associated with people who have hypothyroidism exhibit the appearance of thin cheeks that may also be coarse and scale-like (16).
The upper parts of the cheeks are linked to the health of your lungs which means that any change in color or loss of color can indicate lung toxicity or obstructions from breathing. Experiencing acne on your face is also associated with environmental contaminants from inhaling poor air quality and also from objects you allow on your face. Red, small and fluid filled acne that spans from one cheek to the other across the nose can indicate a symptom of rosacea (22).
Pillowcases hold dirt and oil that is transferred back to your skin during sleep possibly causing your breakouts. They also contain harsh chemicals from manufacturing. Similarly, harmful bacteria can make their way from your phone to your skin increasing clogged pores, inflammation and risk of bacterial infection.
A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment. Other problematic foods that promote high blood pressure include energy drinks, processed foods, too much meat consumption and not enough whole food fruits and vegetables.
The puffy or swollen appearance of the lower eyelids can be a sign of poor kidney function. Systemic diseases can also contribute to the abnormal appearance of skin beneath the eyes including thyroid dysfunction and even renal disease (18).
Severe drooping of the eyelids is associated with polycystic kidney disease (17).
Research has shown that chronic acne can appear around the eyes as a result of systemic inflammation in various organs and lymph tissue (7). Acne around the eyes may be no less severe than swelling of eyelids and can be a symptom of poor liver function. Eye color itself may appear yellow indicating a weak liver.
Other abnormalities associated with eyes and your health include taking a look at the eye itself. Poor joint health can be reflected in small irises as well as an increased amount of white coloring. An opaque ring around the iris may be an indication of intestinal issues due to nutrient malabsorption and possibly excessive sugar and salt intake. A hazy blue colored ring however may be a sign of poor oxygen flow (23).
Problems with the liver or gallbladder from the overconsumption of alcohol, processed foods, high omega 6 and/or trans fats may manifest itself on this portion of the face. An unhealthy diet can contribute to indigestion and stress to the digestive tract causing toxins to accumulate and increase oxidative damage to the body.
Bacterial infection may also contribute to inflammation, clogged pores and acne outbreaks from poor hygiene practices in much the same way acne can develop on your cheeks.
The right side of your face between the eyebrows may have a vertical line. This line is linked to individuals with emotional health problems including anger and increased anxiety.
The combination of exposure to toxins and stress creates a domino effect of stressors to the body causing inflammation, hormonal imbalances, poor detoxification pathways and consequently the appearance of blemishes. As a result, the liver is forced to work overtime to remove toxins and pollutants the skin is exposed to regularly.
Individuals with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth will often develop acne in the center of the forehead while the sides tend to be more related to dehydration and the far corners are due to stress and poor cardiovascular function.
It is common for people to avoid applying moisturizer to the forehead because of oily skin but this may cause skin dehydration and irritation leading to acne. Moisturizers contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne even in oily skin types.
Major causes of acne are hormonal changes, bacterial imbalances, excessive sebum or oil production and the over production of follicular cells in the skin (5). However, a complete understanding of the pathology of acne remains uncharted territory. Keep common disruptions to your health at a minimum by practicing the below strategies to improve your acne.
Hydration is SO IMPORTANT for reducing and eliminating acne. Water improves the health and functioning of the digestive system, lymphatic system and circulation system aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. Water helps to moisturize the skin from the inside out avoiding the irritation that comes from dehydration and accumulation of toxins beneath the skin.
Most of our society is chronically dehydrated but typically do not even feel thirst. To prevent acne, I recommend consuming a minimum of half your body weight in ounces but for the best results consume your full body weight in ounces. I weigh 160 lbs, so I would drink 160 oz of water, herbal teas, green drinks, fermented drinks, broth, etc each day. Doing this keeps me super hydrated and helps my skin look great!
In fact, cleansing the face has been shown to cause irritation depending on an individual’s type of skin and age resulting in no benefit to reduce breakouts. Researchers have shown that certain antibacterial agents found in soaps such as hexachlorophene actually clog pores and cause blackheads (9).
A healthy diet has been shown for years to directly influence the occurrence of acne breakouts. For instance, studies have shown that dairy, skim milk in particular, may directly contribute to an increase acne possibly as a result of added hormones and steroids to cows. A large group Nurses’ Health Study of almost 50,000 participants found that found acne outbreaks were more common in individuals who drank milk (21).
Other researchers have found that a Western diet high in processed foods, starches, and other foods that increase the glycemic load creates hormonal imbalances and contributes to acne problems (4). Common food allergens such as dairy, gluten, corn, soy, eggs, nuts and legumes cause inflammation and have been associated with acne due to a food intolerance or allergy (6).
If you are uncertain if a common food allergen is triggering your acne problems, consider an elimination diet. You will methodically remove and reintroduce foods into your diet to determine if your acne is a symptom of a problematic food.
The “gut-skin” connection has received a considerable amount of attention over the last decade. We now understand that the internal environment of our organ’s secretions and the health of our gut directly impacts the health of our skin.
Increase fermented vegetables into your diet such as kimchi and homemade pickles and ginger.
Adding ginger in any way into your diet is one of the best digestive aids. Add a variety of carminative herbs to your meals and herbal teas including caraway seeds, peppermint tea, cinnamon, rosemary and fennel seeds.
Optimal hydration is key to reducing acne. Drinking plenty of purified fluids outside a 30 minute window of consuming a meal prevents its ability to dilute gastric juices.
Especially if consuming a high protein meal, drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or juice from half lemon in less than ¼ cup water to stimulate the release of stomach acid.
Stress adversely affects the body in every way and increasing the occurrence of breakouts is no different. Research shows that the severity of acne is directly correlated with the level of oxidative stress in individuals with acne and directly contributes to inflammation (3).
Participate in exercise regularly to lower stress hormones that contributes to hormonal imbalances and the occurrence of acne. Practicing stress reduction exercises such as meditation and yoga can help lower circulating stress hormones like cortisol. Exercise and yoga can also improve lymphatic drainage supporting the removal of toxins from the body.
Zinc has been used in various forms for its therapeutic effects on improving health. In dermatology, zinc has antioxidant activity useful to preventing skin damage. It is also vital to bodily functions of the immune system and reproductive system.