7 Things Your Pimples Are Trying To Tell You

Everyone can agree that pimples are just the absolute worst. However, they're more than just painful annoyances to cover up — your pimples can give you a lot of insight as to what's going on in your b dy. If you find yourself with recurring break outs in the same spot or being a consistent size, it's time to step back and consider the things your pimples are trying to tell you. Thanks to a technique called face mapping, you'll be able to better understand the root cause your break outs.

Chinese scholar and co-founder of the skincare line Baszicare, Chapman Lee, explained the details of what face mapping is and how it works to Refinery29. He shared, "Face mapping is the ability to see the reflection of the body's organs on each part of the face by observing the face's complexion — such as luster, dullness, and color [and breakouts!] ... The history of face mapping dates back several thousands of years to the days of ancient Chinese medicine." In simple terms, face mapping helps you realize your stubborn lower cheek pimple could actually mean your diet needs a little revamping.

Below I've broken down the most common causes for pimples on various locations throughout your face according to face mapping, so you can hopefully figure out how to become break out-free! Of course, if you can't manage your pimples on your own, always reach out to a dermatologist.

1. Forehead

Ann Marie Skincare explained that forehead pimples "are usually linked to the digestive system, and may indicate that you’re having a hard time breaking down certain foods. It may also indicate liver problems (too many toxins), stress, or an irregular sleep schedule." To get everything back in balance, start drinking more water, make sure you're finding time in the day to de-stress (yoga, anyone?), and try to go to bed at a consistent hour.

2. T-Zone

According to Dr. Lee, T-Zone pimples are often caused by "an imbalance in the kidney, stomach, or spleen." He suggests solving the t-zone breakout struggle by upping your intake of fruits and veggies, drinking less alcohol, and not smoking.

3. Nose

Your nose is intrinsically connected to your circulatory system, so a breakout here could mean a deeper blood pressure issue. MindBodyGreen recommends cutting back on spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee (ugh). On the bright side, upping your consumption of healthy essential fatty acids in your diet (hello guacamole!) can help.

4. Cheeks

If you think your cheek pimple problems are deeper than constantly shoving a dirty phone up to your face, your respiratory system could be to blame. To clear pimples here, Dr. Dan Hsu, an NYC doctor who specializes in Eastern medicine, advised "doing aerobic and breathing exercises early in the morning to strengthen your lungs."

5. Ears

Ever get deep pimples right by your inner ear? They could signal that your liver isn't super happy and you might be dehydrated. Start chugging water to help calm things down and clear your skin.

6. Chin

Feeling stressed out? Lower lip and chin pimples often reflect all the jitters you might be encountering lately. If the pimples don't clear after you've chilled out, though, you might have a deeper hormonal imbalance that needs to get checked out by a doc.

7. Jaw Line

Been eating not so healthy meals lately? Dr. Lee shared, "These flare-ups are usually due to an imbalance in the large intestine or colon, which can be easily assuaged by eating your fruits and vegetables." Additionally, stress and hormones could play a role so, again, chat with your doc if you're unsure.

Images: Unsplash; Pedro Ribeiro Simões, Peter Clark, Ivan Turkouski, martinak15, Bold Content, @LIQUIDBONEZ