The location of acne isn’t always a coincidence.

Acne maps can help guide you to the right treatment.

We asked a dermatologist about how face mapping works and whatbreakoutsin certain spots may mean.

Illustration showing closeup of a woman’s face labeled with acne face mapping

Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong

What Is Acne Face Mapping?

However, you should take the practice with a grain of salt.

Rather, we need to take the patient as a whole into consideration.

Genetics, hormones, diet, lifestyle, and environmental triggers also play a key role."

There are six main sections within an acne face map.

This includes the forehead, temples, cheeks, chin/jawline, hairline, and nose.

However, you could break out anywhere on the face, from your forehead to your chin and cheeks.

To help flush out toxins and aid digestion, swap caffeinated and overly processed drinks with some H2O.

Wearing caps or hats that cover your head can also trap bacteria in the area, triggering breakouts.

Temples

According to ancient Chinese mapping, the temples correspond to the kidneys and bladder.

Infections or inflammation in these areas can present themselves as acne, as well.

Your acne fix:Watch your alcohol consumption to attempt to quell acne here.

Your acne fix:You may want to focus on improving the quality of the air you’re breathing.

Try employing anair purifieror some air-purifying plants in your home.

Chin/Jawline

Chin acne indicates the biggest blemish instigator we know all too well: hormonal imbalance.

Excess androgens stimulate more oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts."

Hairline acne can sometimes be called “pomade acne.”

Pomades are thick, oil-based products that clog the pores and cause acne breakouts.

Nose

Ah, the pesky nose zit.

Your acne fix:see to it to cleanse thoroughly and use skincare that works to unclog pores.

Try atopical retinoid, which helps normalize skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Choose alight moisturizerthat won’t clog the pores.

It’s important to avoidover-exfoliating.

Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin skills and buildup on the skin and in the pores.

But over-exfoliating or using an exfoliator that’s too rough on the skin can do more harm than good.

Touching your face can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your face, which can cause breakouts.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of waterto help your skin stay healthy and clear.

Water is important for clearing the skin and keeping it well moisturized from the inside out.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eat a nutritious diet that can help keep your skin healthy.

This means avoiding high-sugar and high-fat foods that can trigger breakouts.

Stress is a major cause of some breakouts.

Seek Professional Help

Consult a dermatologist if you experience persistent or severe acne.

An expert can create a personalized treatment plan for you, which may include prescription products.