Come on. We’re not teenagers anymore. Enough with the skin woes! But did you know that your breakouts can actually tell you a lot about what’s happening inside your body? Start solving your skin problems with a little something called face mapping: exactly where, when, and what kind of blemishes pop up can tell you what the root problem is and help you fix it! Here are our friends at Food Matters with more…
You know how to grin and bear it. You probably know how to cover it up. You may even know what you need to do to get your skin back on the healthy track. 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 up a bit. We’ve heard that if you listen, your breakouts will tell you what you need to know to stop them from coming back. Map your own breakouts with the below guide.
First, where Are The 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 (too many toxins), stress, or an irregular sleep schedule. Try using 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/toxin 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. 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, and shield your skin with natural antioxidants like those in all of Annmarie Gianni’s Skin Care products. 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. 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.
Next, when Did They Show Up?
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 period, 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. This will help deter evening acne.
To read more about what each specific kind of breakout can tell you, plus tons of other skin-saving info, visit Food Matters by clicking through here!
