All About Face Mapping

You've tried everything: scrubbing, washing, toning, and moisturizing! Still, those nasty breakouts keep recurring. You might even be at the point of giving up. Don't despair. Today we introduce to you a new way of arresting breakouts: face mapping.  Face mapping is one of a wide range of techniques designed to help keep your complexion as clear and healthy as can be.  It stems from an ancient Chinese belief that a person's skin is a reflection of their inner health.

Recently, new face mapping techniques have been introduced.  They tend to rely on dermatology, rather than traditional wisdom, but they're still based on the idea that a blemish on your face is an indication of a deeper issue. Research on face mapping is limited and is yet to result in a proof of the concept.  That said, many beauty experts strongly believe in the process.  Read on to learn more:

Where Are the Breakouts Occurring?

Traditional Chinese medicine states that when internal organs or glands experience weakness or toxicity, acne shows up in specific areas of the skin. This is what face mapping is all about- the location of your acne gives insights into what's causing it.

The leading cause of breakouts in this area is greasy food. Cut down on fast food as much as you can. Excessive consumption of alcohol is another contributor to acne here.

Pimples are an indicator that your digestive system is struggling to break down certain foods. Stress, liver problems, or an irregular sleep schedule can also cause pimples. Using bitter herbs or digestive enzymes like papaya and bromelain before meals will improve your digestion. To combat liver issues, try some dandelion tea or some extra garlic and onions. Starting your morning with drinking hot lemon water with lemon may also help.

Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night- -there's a reason it's called beauty sleep.

Pimples on the cheeks are a symptom of contact with polluted air and it's not just from being in the city.  The air in our homes can be just as bad!  Indoor plants help to purify the air in your house. Make sure you research which ones are best, depending on whether you have any allergies, age of house occupants, etc.

Dirty cell phone screens and pillowcases pressed against the face transfer germs, leading to breakouts. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed to get rid of trace contaminants. (We recommend our Rosewater Wellspring Cleanser).

Excess sugar in your diet is another culprit. Reduce the amount of sugar you ingest for several days and note any changes.

Hormonal changes often cause chin pimples. In the week leading up to your period, pay extra attention to your skincare. You may want to consider eating foods that regulate the natural hormonal cycles. Avoid placing your chin in your hands (we tend to do this subconsciously when bored or tired). Doing this transfers oils from your fingers onto your chin, causing pimples.

When Do Your Breakouts Happen?

Keeping tabs on when breakouts occur help you determine what may be causing them. 

FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

It's annoying to find pimples in the morning that weren't there when you went to bed, especially on a big day. These breakouts could mean: 

• You may have skipped washing your face at night 
•  You might have eaten something at dinnertime that didn't digest well
• You ate right before bedtime

AFTERNOON

Breakouts later in the day could indicate that your menstrual cycle is around the corner. Also, your makeup or moisturizer could be the cause. Check the ingredients in your skincare products. If you see ingredients like propylene glycol, mineral oil, or dimethicone, get rid of them. These chemicals create a barrier on the skin that traps bacteria underneath, causing breakouts.

EVENING

After a long day, you might be tempted to just roll into bed. However, your skin is subjected to pollution from other contaminants all day. It's essential to cleanse your face and apply moisturizer as soon as you get home. 

Type of Acne

Are the breakouts a few inflamed pimples, or a cluster of blackheads? This information helps you understand what your skin is experiencing.

BLACKHEADS AND CLOGGED PORES

Blackheads are tiny black spots that occur on the skin. Your skin may be dry where these dots are. What causes this? A congested liver most likely. We recommend trying a short detox-diet to clean your system. Drink extra water while at it.

FREQUENT ACNE

If your acne frequently occurs with small blackheads and whiteheads, look at your products. Your skin may be reacting to some ingredients.

CYSTIC ACNE

These pimples sit beneath the skin surface and form bumps. They can take weeks to heal. All skin types are prone to this type of acne. It may be linked to hormonal issues such as pre-menopause, PMS, childbirth, menopause, and breastfeeding. 

Digestive system issues are another cause. Including probiotics in your diet (from things like yogurt and kefir) can alleviate this.

OCCASIONAL

Sometimes your skin is doing well, then suddenly pimples appear. You're most likely under a lot of stress. Try taking some time off; practice self-care and your skin will thank you.

We Hope we have helped you manage your breakouts.|

With love,

The Sole Toscana Skincare team.