From your forehead to chin – what your SPOTS reveal about your health and when to see a doctor
Although it might seem like a minor frustration in the grand scheme of life, facial spots can still get you down.
Sometimes a red monstrous zit can crop up when you least expect it or you may suffer a patch of lingering pimples that don’t seem to budge.
Spots can often make us feel self conscious. After all, our face is always on show.
However, there are ways that these little blighters can be dealt with, depending on the type where they are located.
The location of your spot can reveal what the cause is, or so some experts say.
Pimples can be triggered by hormone imbalances, diet, smoking and some beauty products, the NHS says.
Read more about health clues
A spot develops when oil glands become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, red lesions filled with pus.
One theory is that your face and its blemishes reflect your inner health, called ‘Face Mapping’.
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, it says that if there is a bodily imbalance, it is reflected on the outside via pimples, blemishes, and redness.
For example, spots on the temples are linked to the liver, while spots on the forehead are related to the small intestine.
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Veronica Long, an aesthetic practitioner at , says: “It sees your face as a map that is divided into different zones and each specific zone corresponds to a particular internal organ.”
Veronica says the evidence behind face mapping is weak - but there are other potential causes related to lifestyle habits, for example.
Here’s what your spots might mean…
Spots on the forehead
Veronica says that breakouts in this area could be a result of using oil-based products on your hair, causing the pores to become clogged.
It could also be a result of hair getting in your face, especially if it’s sweaty or has product in.
Face Mapping suggests that the forehead spots are linked to the digestive system including the small intestines and bladder.
Constipated? It might start to show on your forehead via spots.
Veronica says: “Breakouts can also be due to an unsettled digestive system caused by a poor diet, stress, excessive alcohol intake, and lack of sleep.”
To try and clear your forehead of pesky pimples, aim to have a healthy balanced diet filled with lean proteins, healthy fats (such as oily fish, nuts and seeds) and wholegrain, fibre-filled carbs like brown rice, wholegrain bread and quinoa.
Veronica recommends making time for self-care to help relieve stress and settle a stressed out digestive system.
Spots between the eyebrows
“The eyebrows, temple, and eyes are thought to be linked to the liver and gallbladder system,” says Veronica.
“Breakouts could be due to indulging in rich foods such as dairy products, meat and alcohol.
“Or, they could be due to foods that you may be sensitive or allergic to.”
You could see if reducing your intake of these foods improves your skin.
The area between the eyebrows can also fit into what’s known as the T-zone, which stretches over the forehead and down the nose.
Excess oil can lead to a blockage of pores, which you may be able to manage with cosmetic skin products.
Spots on the nose
Veronica says: “The nose has several oil-producing glands in this area and these glands can become overactive and fill up what looks like blackheads and breakouts.
“The best way to reduce and keep the nose clear is exfoliation.”
Use an exfoliating cleanser a few times a week, and try an exfoliating mitt, gently rubbing it across your nose.
According to Face Mapping, spots on the nose are related to issues in the gut and heart.
But don’t worry - spots on the nose are not an indicator your heart is in trouble.
However, “cut out smoking, exercise, and have a healthy diet” to see if it helps improve your skin, Veronica says.
Spots on the cheeks
Breakouts here are thought to occur due to a build-up of bacteria.
Veronica says: “Many phones harbour a great deal of bacteria so keep your phone clean and clean makeup brushes regularly.”
You can also make sure to wash your pillowcases regularly.
Face Mapping says the upper half of the cheeks are linked to the stomach, “so the breakout may be due to indulging in rich sugary foods”, Veronica says.
Meanwhile, the lower half of the cheeks are linked to the spleen, lungs, and respiratory system.
Therefore, spots here could be due to pollution, which is hard to avoid if you live in a city.
However, there are pollution-shielding products on the market.
Veronica recommends regular exercise and fresh air, such as going for lunchtime walks in a greenspace.
Spots on the chin
Notice that you seem to have an eruption of spots before your period? It’s just another great part of having a menstrual cycle.
Veronica explains: “The chin and jawline are linked to the reproductive organs, hormones, and endocrine system.
“The majority of spots on the chin and along the jawline are linked to hormonal issues and the menstrual cycle.”
Other times of hormonal change include pregnancy or the menopause.
It’s not always possible to prevent spots appearing as a result of hormones.
But you can keep the area clean and free of bacteria and minimise stress to potentially prevent exacerbating spots - and don’t pick them!
When to see a doctor
If spots are giving you serious grief and are more widespread, it's worth seeing you GP to see if medication is right for you.
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Try not to blame yourself for spots. The NHS says there is no evidence that poor hygiene plays a role in acne, nor eating badly.
However, eating a healthy diet is recommended because it’s good for your health in general, and skin may benefit as a bonus.
What is adult acne?
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19.
But in some cases, acne can continue into adult life. About three per cent of adults have acne over the age of 35, according to the NHS.
Acne ocurrs when oil glands, which supply the hair follicle and skin with moisture, produce too much oil.
The hair follicle becomes blocked with the excess oil, which has mixed with dead skin cells.
What causes the glands to produce more oil?
Examples of potential triggers include:
- Testosterone increases during puberty
- Family histroy
- Changes in hormones in women, including during periods, pregnancy and due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Medications
- Smoking