As an adult woman in my 30’s I still suffer from occasional acne, which I thought was a done deal after the age of 15 – especially seeing as though my Mother has amazing skin. Each month during my menstruation it is a given that a few critters will appear on my face, but I often ask myself, “What about the break-outs throughout the rest of the month? And more importantly, why do they always seem to appear before a big meeting, party or event when I need to look my best? As I embark on my quest for better health and prepare for my pending nuptials next May, I have learned through mediocre Internet research that stress or medications could be the cause of the break-outs. After trying a plethora of high-end, expensive skin care products such as La Prairie, Dermalogica and Arbonne, I have literally become obsessed with the idea that there must be other pieces to the puzzle. My “ah ha, Oprah moment” came last night when I started looking into face mapping. How the heck did I not know about this old science which is the key to unlocking the mysteries behind problem skin?

For those individuals who have been consulting dermatologists and skin clinics for years would probably giggle at my lack of skin knowledge. But for those ladies, who like me, know nothing apparently, face mapping has been prominent for quite some time now and combines Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine with leading dermatologist’s prescriptions to explain how certain parts of your face are connected to organs in your body. So in essence, our face is essentially a map and the blemishes are simply the X’s on that landscape.The spots in different zones/areas correspond to different problems. Therefore, if one was to use this so-called map as a guide, sufferers of acne can get down to the nitty-gritty of the cause behind the problem and not only make the acne disappear but also correct the underlying health issue at the same time.

Here is how to decipher the code to radiant, blemish free skin:

1 & 2: Digestive System

Check your diet! Reduce the amount of junk or processed food intake, reduce the amount of fat in your diet,  and significantly increase water intake.

3: Liver

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear of liver is alcohol – so cut this out if problem area three is your issue. Moreover, greasy foods and dairy can also be the culprit. This is the zone where primarily food allergies show up first so ensure to read the ingredients of your food prior to purchasing. In addition to these changes, it is recommended to do 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise each day and ensure you get 8 hours of sleep so the liver can rest.

4 & 5: Kidney

For those that fall under this category…water, water, water is the cure. Almost always, anything surrounding the eyes, even dark circles, point to dehydration

6: Heart

You may want to get your blood pressure and Vitamin B levels assessed. Decrease the amount of spicy foods, eat less meat and get outside more for fresh air. Try to find ways to also lower your cholesterol which would entail replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” like Omega 3 and 6 which can be found in avocados, flax seed, fish and nuts. It may also be wise to check to make sure that your make-up is not past its expiry date or is skin clogging, as this area is prone for dilated pores.

7 & 8: Kidney

Yes, this is not a typo or a mistake, you have read the word “kidney” correctly. Again, increase water intake as much as possible. Eliminate carbonated beverages, coffee/caffeinated drinks and alcohol as these will perpetuate the dehydration.

9 & 10: Respiratory System

If you have allergies or smoke tobacco products, they would be the culprit for these areas. If by chance this is a trouble area for you and you don’t smoke or have allergies, then don’t allow your body to overheat, try eating more cooling foods such as cucumbers, decrease sugar intake and get more fresh air. Another useful tip, try keeping your body more alkaline by steering clear of foods that can make the body more acidic – meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar; and add more alkalizing foods such as; wheatgrass shots and dark leafy veggies. Last but certainly not to be forgotten, the two largest culprits of acne, especially in these zones, are dirty pillow cases and cell phones.

11 & 12: Hormones

This is one that we could have all guessed on our own…zones 11 & 12 are prime araes for stress and hormonal changes – which as women we know that the latter is unavoidable. Ways to combat it; increase water intake, ensure to get enough rest, keep skin clean and eat tons of dark leafy veggies. For those you want to take face mapping to a whole new level; breakouts in this area indicate when you are ovulating and on which side.

13: Stomach

Digestion issues would be the apparent reason in addition to increased toxin levels in the body. Increase fiber intake, drink herbal teas and try to reduce toxin overload.

14: Illness

Our bodies are very sophisticated and intelligent machines. Acne in this area could be due to your body warding off bacteria to avoid illness. It is critical to relax, partake in meditation/yoga, and drink plenty of water.

So there you have it, the next time you experience a breakout, like I am having right now, you now know that your skin is trying to notify you that something may not be right in your body. Think of the skin as a mirror to your insides. Whatever disruption is occuring internally, will show up on your face. Please note, I am not a dermatologist nor am I an MD, this is just a guide that may put you in the right direction to solving your skin issues. It is always best to consult to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

XO.

S