From stress to heart disease – what your SPOTS say about your health
Sometimes just giving your phone and face a really good clear is all you need. Other times, spots can be indicative of more serious issues
JUST when you think that your spotty days have been consigned to the past, a brand new eruption of adult acne happens.
It's a sad fact of life, but most of us get spots semi-regularly even after we've left school.
Acne is more common in winter too, thanks to the fact that cold weather makes us produce more acne.
But according to one nutritional therapist, if you're repeatedly getting breakouts in the same places, then it could be an indication that something's going on with your health.
Eve Kalinik is an ambassador for , and she's been revealing what could be causing you to break out in certain parts of your face.
Forehead
When you go to touch a spot on your forehead, you usually find that your fingers get a fine shine of grease.
And that's because spots up top tend to be caused by an imbalance of oil production - and that can be caused by what you're eating.
The reports that Eve cites traditional Chinese medicine determining some of the root causes of spots, and she says that when it comes to forehead spots, digestive issues are often the problem.
Eve's recommendations:
- eat more zinc-rich foods like sunflower seeds, shellfish and grass-fed red meat
- avoid sugar and refined foods
- try more fibrous or fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and yoghurts
According to consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto, spots on your forehead could also be down to your makeup choices.
She said: “Spots on the forehead may be related to heavy waxes or sprays being applied to the hair when styling – known as 'pomade acne'…
“And use of heavy, oil-based foundations can lead to blocked pores, otherwise known as 'acne cosmetica'.
Nose
Nose spots are all about clogged up pores, and they're often linked to your overall skin hygiene.
But Eve also says that in traditional Chinese medicine, this area is linked to the cardiovascular system, so it's important to protect your heart health.
Eve's recommendations:
- eat more leafy greens
- increase your omega 3 fatty acid consumption through oily fish and walnuts
- keep your makeup brushes clean
Cheeks
Red pimples on your cheeks could be caused by rosacea, which in turn could be a result of a bacterial imbalance in your gut.
According to Chinese medicine, it may also be linked to respiratory issues - so it's not a bad idea to look at how well you're breathing.
If your spots are only on one cheek, however, your phone could be to blame says Dr Mahto.
Eve's recommendations:
- include more fibre into your diet - whole grains, fruits and veg
- quit smoking if you're a smoker
- make sure your phone is super clean
Jawline
This is where your hormones take over.
Whether it's stress or PMT, jawline spots are often the most annoying because there's not a whole lot you can do...apart from trying to relax.
Eve's recommendations:
- eat foods that help balance hormones, such as broccoli and cabbage
- try adding turmeric to your day, as well as garlic - both of which are supposed to offer hormonal support
- get some rest
Overall, Eve says that clear skin is best achieved and maintained by drinking as much water as possible, eating a healthy, balanced diet and making sure that you get enough shut-eye.
You can also find eight of the best blemish treatments here.
Try to make sure that anything and everything which comes into contact with your skin is clean.
MORE ON ACNE
Our phones often carry loads of bacteria, as do makeup brushes and hands.
Wash your hands before touching your face after a day tapping at a keyboard at work or after you've been on public transport.
If you're dealing with full-blown cystic acne, then you're much better off going to see a dermatologist who can give you professional, taylored help.
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