Causes of acne in different areas of the face: 8 face acne zones that reveal health issues

According to many skincare surveys, over 80% of people have experienced acne but are unaware of the causes of acne in different areas of the face. Some suffer from persistent forehead acne, while others repeatedly experience it on their chin or cheeks without understanding why. In reality, each area of skin on the face can reflect different issues within the body and daily habits.

The face mapping method – originating from traditional Eastern medicine – helps you "read" your skin by area. By simply observing the location of acne, you can somewhat deduce the cause: from hormones, digestion, and liver function to diet and stress.

This article will help you understand the causes of acne in different areas of the face, how to quickly identify them, and practical, easy-to-apply solutions in daily life. By correctly understanding your skin's "signals," you can not only treat acne more effectively but also improve your overall health.

Face Mapping According to Oriental Medicine

What is face mapping?

• It is a way of explaining the connection between the location of acne on the face and the internal condition of the body.
• This method is also known as face mapping or Oriental medicine acne map, and is sought after by many who wish to understand the causes of acne in different areas of the face.

Origin from Traditional Medicine

• Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the body is viewed as a closely interconnected system.
• The belief is that organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, and digestive system all "manifest" externally through the skin.

How face mapping works

• The body operates based on the flow of vital energy called "qi."
• When this flow of qi is blocked or imbalanced, the body can react with signs such as acne, dull skin, or excess oil.
• Therefore, identifying what acne in each area of the face indicates can help you understand the root cause instead of just treating the surface.

Practical application in skincare

• Observe acne on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose to identify related issues such as hormonal imbalances, digestion, or stress.
• Combine with adjusting daily habits: getting enough sleep, eating healthy, reducing stress.
• One should not rely solely on face mapping, but combine it with scientific knowledge and dermatological consultation to accurately determine the causes of acne in different areas of the face.

Part 1: What is Face Mapping? Decoding Health Through the Face

What is face mapping?

• It is a method that links different areas of the face to specific organs in the body.
• It is often used to explain the causes of acne in different areas of the face such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, or nose.
• It helps you understand why acne repeatedly appears in a specific area instead of randomly.

What is face mapping used for?

• It is considered a tool for "reading the body's signals" through the skin.
• According to expert Dr. Tamsin Lee, this method can:
  • Suggest internal health conditions.
  • Partially reflect personality, habits, and emotional state.
  • Relate to genetic factors and the body's foundation from family.

Origins of face mapping

• Originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Appeared approximately 3,000–5,000 years ago and has been developed through many generations.
• Based on the concept that the body is an interconnected system, where each organ can "manifest" on the skin.

Relevant experts in this field

• Dr. Tamsin Lee: Taoist metaphysical expert, with a background in East Asian medicine and public health research.
• Lorraine Kline: skincare expert with over 25 years of experience, often applying face mapping in acne treatment.

Should you fully trust face mapping?

• Face mapping helps to identify the causes, especially when you want to deeply understand what acne in each area of the face indicates.
• However, this is not a precise medical diagnosis.
• To correctly identify the causes of acne in different areas of the face, you should combine:
  • Lifestyle habits (diet, sleep, stress)
  • Modern dermatological knowledge
  • Consultation from a doctor or skincare specialist

Simply put, face mapping is like a "suggestive map" – it helps you in the right direction, but to reach your destination, you still need more data and appropriate care.

Part 2: Face Map and Corresponding Organs

Area 1: What does forehead acne indicate?

What organ is the forehead area related to?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the forehead area is connected to:
  • Small intestine
  • Bladder
  • Heart and circulation
• Therefore, when acne appears here, many people often try to understand the causes of acne in specific facial areas, especially the forehead.

Common causes of forehead acne

• Digestive disorders (small intestine)
  • Eating too much oily, spicy food
  • Drinking too little water, chronic constipation
• Toxin accumulation, insufficient body detoxification (bladder)
  • Drinking too little water daily
  • Habit of holding urine or irregular lifestyle
• Stress, pressure (heart and mental state)
  • Prolonged stress, lack of sleep
  • Unstable lifestyle rhythm

Daily habits that easily cause forehead acne

• Hair bangs covering the forehead, causing skin congestion
• Using hair products (gel, oil) that get on the skin
• Not cleaning sweat after exercise

Effective ways to improve forehead acne

1. Drink enough water daily (1.5–2 liters) to aid detoxification
2. Eat more green vegetables, reduce fried foods and sugar
3. Go to bed early, avoid staying up late to reduce stress
4. Keep the forehead clean, avoid hair touching the skin
5. Cleanse skin thoroughly after sweating

Understanding what causes forehead acne will help you not only treat the surface but also make internal adjustments, leading to more sustainable skin improvement.

Area 2: What do acne on the temples and between the eyebrows indicate?

What organ is this area related to?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the temples and the area between the eyebrows are closely linked to the liver.
• Therefore, when acne appears here, many consider it a sign related to liver function when trying to understand the causes of acne in different areas of the face.

Causes of acne on the temples and between the eyebrows

• Overburdened liver
  • Eating too many fried foods, fast food
  • Drinking alcohol or alcoholic beverages
• Toxin accumulation in the body
  • Insufficient water intake
  • Diet lacking green vegetables, fiber
• Prolonged stress, negative emotions
  • Stress affects liver function according to oriental medicine
  • Staying up late, irregular lifestyle

Habits that easily cause acne in this area

• Not thoroughly removing makeup from the eyebrow area
• Using cosmetics, sunscreen that clogs pores
• Wearing glasses or frequently touching the temple area

Effective ways to improve acne

1. Limit oily foods, alcohol, and processed foods
2. Increase intake of green vegetables and fruits to help "cool" the body
3. Drink enough water daily to support detoxification
4. Go to bed early, reduce stress to balance the body
5. Thoroughly clean the eyebrow area and both temples

Understanding what causes acne on the temples and between the eyebrows helps you make internal habit adjustments, rather than just external skin care.

Area 3: What do acne and dark circles under the eyes indicate?

What organ is the under-eye area related to?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the under-eye area is connected to the kidneys.
• This is a thin skin area, easily reflecting the body's condition when you are trying to understand the causes of acne in different areas of the face.

Common signs in the under-eye area

• Dark circles, puffy eyes
• Dry, dull skin
• Rarely large acne breakouts, but small pimples or milia may appear

Causes related to kidneys and lifestyle

• Lack of sleep, restless sleep
  • Prolonged late nights clearly darken the eye area
• Body dehydration
  • Insufficient water intake dries out the skin under the eyes, making dark circles more prominent
• Overwork, prolonged stress
  • Affects overall energy according to Eastern medicine concepts
• High-salt diet
  • Easily causes water retention and puffy eyes

Habits that worsen the under-eye area

• Using electronic devices late at night
• Not thoroughly removing eye makeup
• Frequent eye rubbing

Effective and easy-to-apply improvement methods

1. Sleep 7–8 hours daily, prioritize sleeping before 11 PM
2. Drink enough water (1.5–2 liters/day)
3. Reduce salt in your diet
4. Moisturize the eye area with appropriate products
5. Limit screen time before bed

Understanding what the under-eye area reflects helps you adjust your daily habits, improving both your skin and overall health.

Position 4: What causes acne on the upper cheeks and philtrum?

Which organs are related to this area?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the upper cheeks and philtrum (above the lip) are linked to the stomach.
• This is an area often considered when investigating the causes of acne in specific facial areas.

Causes of acne on the upper cheeks and above the lip

• Poorly functioning or overloaded stomach
  • Irregular eating, skipping meals, or overeating
  • Consuming too many spicy, hot, or oily foods
• Digestive disorders
  • Bloating, indigestion, unbalanced diet
  • Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks or coffee
• Internal heat (according to Eastern medicine)
  • Eating too many fried foods, not enough green vegetables
  • Insufficient water intake

Lifestyle habits that easily cause acne in this area

• Touching cheeks or around the mouth frequently
• Unclean face masks, pillows, or washcloths
• Using lipstick or cosmetics that clog pores in the philtrum area

Effective acne improvement methods

1. Eat on time, limit spicy, hot, and oily foods
2. Supplement with green vegetables and fruits to aid digestion
3. Drink enough water daily
4. Keep face masks, pillowcases, and washcloths clean
5. Thoroughly clean the area around the mouth after eating and drinking

Properly understanding what causes acne on the upper cheeks and around the mouth will help you adjust your dietary habits – a fundamental factor for long-term skin improvement.

Position 5: What causes lower lip acne?

Which organs are related to this area?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lower lip is linked to the small intestine.
• Therefore, when acne appears around this area, many consider it a sign related to digestion when researching the causes of acne in specific facial areas.

Common causes of lower lip acne

• Digestive disorders (small intestine)
  • Irregular eating, poor absorption
  • Frequent bloating, indigestion
• Diet high in hot – oily foods
  • Fried, spicy foods make the body "hotter" (according to Eastern medicine)
• Lack of water and fiber
  • Insufficient water intake, low green vegetable consumption causing constipation

Habits that easily cause acne to appear

• Touching lips or chin frequently
• Not cleaning the mouth area after eating
• Using lip balm or cosmetics that clog pores

Effective methods to improve lower lip acne

1. Eat on time, prioritize easily digestible foods
2. Increase green vegetables, fruits, and fiber
3. Drink enough water daily (1.5–2 liters)
4. Maintain mouth hygiene, wash face after eating
5. Limit touching your face

Understanding what causes lower lip acne will help you adjust from within, especially your digestive system, for sustainable skin improvement.

Position 6: What causes mid-cheek and lower-cheek acne?

Which organs are related to this area?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mid-cheek and lower-cheek areas are linked to the lungs.
• This area is prone to acne when many people research the causes of acne in specific facial areas.

Common causes of cheek acne

• Weak lungs or environmental influence
  • Inhaling dust, air pollution
  • Frequently in air-conditioned environments, lacking fresh air
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Deprives skin of oxygen, easily leading to acne and dullness
• Accumulated internal heat (according to Eastern medicine)
  • Eating many spicy, hot foods, not enough green vegetables
  • Insufficient water intake

Lifestyle habits that easily cause cheek acne

• Dirty face masks, not changed frequently
• Pillowcases and washcloths accumulating bacteria
• Using a phone pressed against the cheek during calls
• Touching face many times a day

Effective methods to improve cheek acne

1. Keep face masks, pillowcases, and phones clean
2. Limit exposure to dust and smoke, wear a clean mask outdoors
3. Drink enough water, supplement with green vegetables and fruits
4. Avoid unnecessary touching of the face
5. Engage in light exercise to support respiration and circulation

Understanding what causes cheek acne helps you not only care for your skin better but also improve your living environment and daily habits – crucial factors for long-term healthy skin.

Position 7: What causes nasolabial fold acne?

Which organs are related to this area?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the nasolabial fold (from both sides of the nose down near the jaw) is linked to the large intestine.
• This is an important area when analyzing the causes of acne in specific facial areas.

Common causes of nasolabial fold acne

• Large intestine dysfunction
  • Constipation, poor digestion
  • Unstable excretory system function
• Diet lacking fiber
  • Low in green vegetables, fruits
  • Eating many processed foods
• Prolonged dehydration
  • Makes it difficult for the body to eliminate toxins

Habits that easily cause acne to appear in the nasolabial folds

• Not thoroughly cleaning the area around both sides of the nose
• Accumulated excess oil, easily clogged pores
• Wearing a mask for a long time without cleaning it

Effective methods to improve nasolabial fold acne

1. Supplement with fiber from green vegetables and fruits daily
2. Drink enough water (1.5–2 liters/day) to support digestion
3. Maintain regular bowel habits
4. Thoroughly clean the sides of the nose when washing your face
5. Change masks frequently to avoid bacterial buildup

Understanding what causes acne in the nasal crease helps you adjust your digestive system and lifestyle habits – crucial factors for improving skin from within.

Location 8: What causes chin acne?

Which organs are related to this area?

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the chin is linked to the kidneys and bladder.
• This is also an area where hormonal acne often appears when researching what causes acne in different areas of the face.

Common causes of chin acne

• Hormonal imbalance
  • Common during puberty, before menstruation
  • Changing hormones cause sebaceous glands to overproduce oil
• Unstable kidney-bladder function (according to Eastern medicine)
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Irregular lifestyle habits
• Prolonged stress
  • Stress affects hormones and overall health

Habits that worsen chin acne

• Resting your chin on your hand, touching the area frequently
• Wearing masks for a long time without proper cleaning
• Not cleaning thoroughly after eating and drinking

Effective ways to improve chin acne

1. Drink enough water daily to aid detoxification
2. Get enough sleep, reduce stress
3. Keep the chin area and mask clean
4. Avoid touching your face
5. Balance diet, limit sweets and oily foods

Understanding what causes chin acne helps you identify hormonal issues early and adjust your habits accordingly, thereby improving your skin sustainably.

Part 3: How Face Mapping Works

The core principle of face mapping

• This method uses different areas of the face to infer the internal condition of the body.
• When acne, redness, inflammation, or irritation appears in a specific area, you can cross-reference it to understand what causes acne in different areas of the face.

How to "read" signals from your skin

• Observe the area where the problem appears: forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, etc.
• Cross-reference with the corresponding organ according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
• From there, infer underlying causes such as digestion, hormones, stress, or lifestyle habits

The role of "qi" in the body

• Face mapping is based on the concept of "qi" – the life energy flow that connects the entire body
• When qi flows well → the body is balanced, skin is healthy
• When qi is blocked or disturbed → acne, inflammation, or skin problems are likely to appear

Easy-to-understand examples in practice

• Acne on the chin → may be related to kidneys, bladder, or hormones
• Acne on the forehead → often suggests digestive issues or stress
• Acne on the cheeks → may be related to environment, respiration, or lifestyle habits

How to apply face mapping effectively

1. Clearly identify where on the face the acne is located
2. Cross-reference the causes by area
3. Adjust habits: diet, sleep, stress reduction
4. Combine with proper skincare

Important notes to avoid misinterpretations

• Face mapping is for guidance only, not a medical diagnosis
• To accurately identify what causes acne in different areas of the face, it should be combined with modern dermatological knowledge
• If acne persists or is severe, consult a specialist doctor

Simply put, face mapping is like a "body map" reflected through the skin – helping you go in the right direction when looking for causes, but requiring more real-world data to fully resolve the issue.

Part 4: The Truth About Face Mapping: Is it accurate?

No clear scientific evidence yet

• To date, there isn't enough research to definitively prove that face mapping can accurately identify what causes acne in different areas of the face.
• This method is primarily based on the experience and concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Perspective from modern science

• Many experts consider face mapping a form of "pseudoscience."
• Because there is no strong medical evidence to directly link acne locations to specific internal organs.

Why do so many people still use it?

• Face mapping helps users better understand what acne in different areas of the face indicates.
• Motivates lifestyle changes: healthy eating, sufficient sleep, stress reduction.
• Some cases show skin improvement due to lifestyle adjustments, not due to the "map" mechanism itself.

The correct and safe approach

1. View face mapping as a reference tool, not a diagnosis
2. Combine with scientific skincare: cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection
3. Monitor lifestyle habits: diet, sleep, stress
4. Consult a dermatologist if acne is persistent or severe

Practical conclusion

• Face mapping is like a "directional hint" to help you understand your body better.
• However, to accurately determine what causes acne in different areas of the face, you still need to rely on modern medicine and professional advice.

Understand it correctly to use it correctly – that's how you can leverage the benefits of face mapping without falling into misunderstandings.

Part 5: Unexpected Benefits of Understanding Face Mapping

Helps detect health problems early

• Face mapping helps you observe acne in different areas of the face to recognize unusual signs of your body.
• It can suggest factors such as digestion, hormones, stress – thereby allowing early adjustments before problems become more severe.
• This is how many people approach understanding what causes acne in different areas of the face from a holistic perspective.

Promotes positive lifestyle changes

• When you understand that your skin reflects your body, you will tend to:
  • Eat healthier
  • Get enough sleep, reduce staying up late
  • Drink enough water and reduce stress
• These changes genuinely benefit both skin and overall health.

Helps perceive beauty from within

• According to Dr. Tamsin Lee, face mapping is not just about skincare but also about shifting perspective from "external beauty" to "internal health."
• Encourages you to pay more attention to your body, emotions, and mind.

Understands yourself and personal habits

• Analyzing acne locations helps you recognize repetitive habits: eating, living, stress.
• From there, it becomes easier to adjust behavior for long-term improvement, instead of just treating symptoms.

A tool for personal and spiritual development

• Some people use face mapping as a way to:
  • Connect with origins, family habits
  • Identify personal strengths and weaknesses
  • Increase proactive self-care

Notes for effective application

1. View face mapping as a reference tool, not a substitute for medical science
2. Combine with scientific skincare and expert consultation
3. Prioritize lifestyle changes – the core factor for skin improvement

Face mapping is like a "mirror" – not for conclusions, but for you to understand yourself better and adjust in the right direction.

Part 6: Acne Location and What it Says About Your Health: How to Read the Acne Map

How is acne face mapping different from Traditional Chinese Medicine face mapping?

• Acne face mapping (dermatological acne map) focuses on actual causes such as oil, bacteria, and hormones.
• Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine, this method is used by dermatologists to analyze what causes acne in different areas of the face based on modern science.
• According to Lorraine Kline, the location of acne can help identify whether it's caused by hormones or dermatitis.

Causes of acne by area (scientific perspective)

• T-zone (forehead, nose)
  • Overactive oil glands
  • Large pores → easily clogged
• Chin and jawline
  • Related to hormones (puberty, menstrual cycle)
  • Often hormonal acne
• Hairline
  • Hair product buildup (gel, conditioner)
  • Clogs pores and causes acne
• Cheek area
  • Bacteria from pillowcases, phones, hands
  • Polluted environment, dirty face masks

Effective at-home acne skin care tips

1. Proper skin cleansing
   • Wash face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
   • Thoroughly remove makeup, even if not wearing any
2. Use targeted acne treatments
   • Prioritize active ingredients such as:
     • Salicylic acid (cleanses pores)
     • Benzoyl peroxide (reduces acne-causing bacteria)
3. Moisturize and balance skin
   • Do not skip moisturizer
   • Helps reduce compensatory oil production
4. Exfoliate regularly
   • 1-2 times/week to prevent clogged pores
   • Do not overuse to avoid irritation
5. Maintain personal hygiene
   • Change pillowcases and face masks frequently
   • Avoid touching your face

When to see a dermatologist?

• Persistent, severe, or recurrent acne
• At-home care has not led to improvement
• A personalized treatment plan is needed

Conclusion

• Acne face mapping helps you better understand what causes acne in specific areas of the face based on real factors like oil, bacteria, and hormones.
• This is a more scientific approach that helps you treat acne effectively and correctly from the start.

References

1. Lee, Tamsin. “Chinese Face Mapping and Internal Health Correlations.” Daoist Metaphysics and East Asian Medicine Publications, 2020.
2. Kline, Lorraine. “Clinical Observations on Acne Face Mapping and Hormonal Patterns.” HAVEN Collective Skin Health Reports, 2021.
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Hormonal Influences on Acne and Sebum Production.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019.
4. Zaenglein, Andrea L., et al. “Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 74, no. 5, 2016.
5. Draelos, Zoe Diana. “Acne and the Role of Sebaceous Gland Activity.” Dermatologic Clinics, vol. 34, no. 2, 2016.
6. Thiboutot, Diane, et al. “Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis of Acne Vulgaris.” UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer Health, 2023.
7. Kligman, Albert M. “An Overview of Acne.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 62, no. 3, 1974.
8. World Health Organization (WHO). “Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023.” World Health Organization, 2013.
9. Bensky, Dan, and Andrew Gamble. “Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.” Eastland Press, 2004.
10. Liu, Jianping, et al. “Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2015.

Content editor: Sidney Bailey Hoang.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Tamsin Lee.