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Mumbai: In today’s age of hyper-personalised skincare, understanding your face goes far beyond what’s on the surface. Breakouts and skin issues are not random; they’re often signals from within. Celebrity dermatologist and founder of Skin Smart Solutions, Dr Bindu Sthalekar, introduces us to the science-meets-tradition approach of face mapping, a technique that interprets facial breakouts based on their location to uncover underlying causes like stress, diet, hormones, or gut health.

Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophies, face mapping is now being revisited by modern dermatology to provide a holistic and highly targeted skincare approach. If you’re tired of generic solutions and want to get to the root of recurring pimples or inflammation, this zone-by-zone guide is your ultimate roadmap.

Acne face map and solutions: Your guide to clearer skin

If you’re done with one-size-fits-all fixes and want to truly understand what your breakouts are telling you, this guide offers the clarity you’ve been searching for.

1. Forehead (Digestive health and scalp hygiene)

Those tiny bumps or breakouts scattered across your forehead and hairline may not just be due to oily skin. According to Dr. Bindu, they could be caused by fungal overgrowthespecially when humidity levels rise or stress throws off your skin’s natural balance.

• Use: Anti-dandruff shampoo (2–3 times a week) to manage fungal activity on the scalp.

• Avoid: Heavy hair serums or oils that can seep onto the forehead and clog pores.

2. Between the brows (Liver and sugar overload)

Persistent pimples between the eyebrows often point toward high sugar intake and unmanaged stress. That extra sugary latte or processed snack may be a bigger culprit than you think.

• To do: Daily stress-relief practices like yoga, breathing exercises, or mindful walks.

• Avoid: Processed sugar, candy, and even syrups hiding in your “healthy” smoothies.

3. Nose (Stomach acidity and rosacea triggers)

Redness or bumps across the nose and cheeks could indicate early signs of rosacea, often linked to stomach acidity and food sensitivities.

• Use: Mild, non-irritating face cleansers and SPF daily; consider metronidazole or azelaic acid (dermatologist-prescribed).

• Avoid: Triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and stress.

4. Cheeks (Comedogenic products and pollution)

Blackheads or whiteheads on your cheeks? Your skincare and makeup might be to blame. These areas are often exposed to pollution and heavy formulations.

• Use: Products labelled non-comedogenic and lightweight.

• Avoid: Ingredients like mineral oils and silicones that clog pores.

5. Chin and jawline (Hormonal imbalance)

Breakouts along the jawline are a red flag for hormonal fluctuations, including conditions like PCOS.

• To do: Consult your gynaecologist for hormone testing. Treatments may include birth control pills, hormonal therapy, or lifestyle changes.

• Avoid: Relying solely on topical products without addressing the root hormonal cause.

6. Around the mouth (Perioral dermatitis and gut health)

Pimples or rashes near the lips? This could be perioral dermatitis, linked to bacterial imbalances or heavy, greasy cosmetics.

• Use: Gentle cleansers and, if necessary, a dermatologist-prescribed treatment.

• Avoid: Oily foods, sugary treats, and thick lip balms that may block pores.

Face mapping allows you to read the clues your skin is sending. Rather than masking symptoms, it encourages a deeper understanding of how internal health influences your external appearance. With this map in hand, you can shift from reactive skincare to proactive skin wellness.

Ultimately, clear, glowing skin isn’t just about the right products—it’s about listening to your body, adjusting your habits, and being mindful of what you consume. By aligning ancient wisdom with modern dermatology, face mapping helps you build a skincare regimen that’s personal, powerful, and truly transformative.