The face is our letter of introduction to others and to ourselves. It is an expression of who we are inside, of the lifestyle we lead and even of our daily diet.
Despite the fact that acne is a very common disease during adolescence, it often goes beyond what is normal, generating pimples of pus that, in addition to being painful, leave marks on the skin.
Dehydration due to lack of water promotes the accumulation of toxins and this can lead to the appearance of acne breakouts. In turn, drinking water prevents premature aging of the skin and helps maintain firmness and collagen. When the skin is well hydrated, it looks radiant, youthful and much brighter.
Dr. Whitney Bowe (New York-based, Ayurveda-based dermatologist) breaks down the possible causes, and solutions, of those pesky breakouts on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, among others.
Front
If the person frequently wears hats, the friction of the fabric could be the culprit. “Acne can also result from the use of hair care products like heavy conditioners or leave-in treatments that can clog pores around the hairline,” says Dr. Bowe.
Another possible culprit here is stress. If you have exams coming up, for example, it might be a good idea to incorporate acne treatments like salicylic acid into your routine to help control potential breakouts. And to keep it from getting worse you could prepare to say goodbye to chips and candy for the most part. “Your forehead is tied to your digestive system, says Blondin. “Reducing the amount of fat in your diet and intensifying your water intake may help.”
Cheeks
If you’re experiencing breakouts in this area, it might be time to give makeup brushes a good cleaning, especially for women, says Dr. Bowe.
Because this area also corresponds to the respiratory system, smoking cigarettes is not advisable, for many more reasons besides the pimples it causes.
chin and jaw
“This could be a sign that the acne is due to a hormonal imbalance,” says Dr. Bowe. Birth control or spironolactone (which lowers testosterone levels) are two effective treatment options.
While hormonal changes may be unavoidable, “you can lessen the effect of getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy greens, and keeping your skin clean.”
Nose
The nose is linked to the heart, and according to Bowe, cutting back on meat and spicy foods could reduce flare-ups here. It is advisable to swap these for foods that contain “good fats” such as nuts, avocados, fish or flaxseed. “Also, since this area is full of enlarged pores, check that your makeup hasn’t passed its expiration date or that the pores weren’t clogged by those ingredients.”
between the eyebrows
This is the area where food allergies first appear. Lactose intolerance is a possible factor, as is a diet rich in foods that are difficult to digest such as fast food.
If you have waxed brows, one possible area treatment would be salicylic acid to prevent the ingrown hairs that cause it, advises Dr. Bowe.
Ears
Because this area is associated with the kidneys, breakouts here could be a direct result of dehydration. “Drink plenty of water and avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages.”
If you had acne and didn’t treat your skin correctly at the time, you can have scars on your face that don’t fade over time. These marks, sometimes dark, other times with the appearance of small spots, cannot be completely removed, but they can be treated progressively until they become almost imperceptible.
It is important to keep in mind that not all forms of acne can be cured just by giving up bad habits; Consulting with a dermatologist can help you determine the best form of treatment.