First used in ancient Chinese medicine, skin mapping, or skin reading, sees blemishes and breakouts as an indicator of underlying issues within the body. Skin mapping is a supportive tool used to analyse skin and identify imbalances and stressed areas in the corresponding internal organs or body systems.
As the skin is the biggest organ, it is believed if there is some unbalance in the body it will manifest in the skin as different problems and one of them is acne. The acne face map is divided in different areas, and each will signal an underlying issue that can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
FOREHEAD: LINKED TO DIGESTION
The upper forehead is linked to the bladder and the lower forehead links to the intestines, sides of the forehead the spleen, with the temples relating to the adrenals. Issues relating to water intake, poor digestion, or adrenal stress could be indicated by congestion under the skin's surface or along the hairline and eyebrows, breakouts, dehydration and horizontal lines. Sometimes we can see dryness, red or itchy skin at the top of the forehead.
EYES: LINKED WITH THE KIDNEYS
The eyes are associated with the kidneys and urinary system. Dark circles and puffiness can be a sign of dehydration, poor lymphatic drainage or kidney problems. Small white crystalline nodules under the eyes relate to high levels of uric acid in the blood, as the kidneys are unable to eliminate this efficiently from the body via urine when levels are too high. This is also the cause of gout in the feet. Visible signs of this crystallised form of uric acid can also be seen under the skin and around fingers and toes.
NOSE AND BETWEEN THE EYES: LINKED WITH THE PANCREAS, HEART AND LIVER
The centre of the face can indicate a lot of areas of concern, with the pancreas often linked with the bridge of the nose, the heart linked with the tip and the space between the eyes reflective of the liver. The area between the eyes is commonly known as the ‘wine and dine’ area, potential dairy intolerance. Redness, swelling or papules on the nose can be a sign of high blood pressure or poor blood circulation.
CHEEKS: LINKED WITH LUNGS, LOWER CHEEKS, GUMS AND TEETH
Sensitisation, hot spots, breakouts, milia, hyperpigmentation, vertical lines, rashes, and dryness on the cheeks could indication issues with the respiratory system, such as allergies or sinus problems. Breakouts on the lower cheek area could indicate issues related to gum and oral health. Persistent breakouts in the region of where the teeth are along the jaw bones (lower cheek area) relate to dental problems. If you cannot fix breakouts with your skincare treatments and products, then recommend getting teeth and gums checked.
CHIN AND MOUTH: LINKED TO REPRODUCTION, STOMACH AND COLON
Surface congestion, breakouts, pigmentation or increased hair growth on the top lip could all be linked to issues with your client’s reproductive system, especially around the chin. Breakouts on the chin can indicate hormonal imbalances or menstrual issues. Breakouts on or immediately surrounding the lips, could be linked to issues with the stomach or colon.
NECK AND LOWER JAW: LINKED TO THE ADRENAL GLANDS
Breakouts, hyperpigmentation, sensitisation and premature signs of ageing on the neck and lower jaw links to the adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, which are attached to the kidneys.
