Last Updated on July 28th, 2020
By Dr. Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC, Double board-certified dermatologist
An acne face map can be an important clue in helping you to determine what is causing your outbreaks. Depending on where your acne is located, you may be able to narrow down what’s bringing it on and how to help eliminate it, as well as prevent more of it. The more you can learn about what may be leading to acne outbreaks, the better position you will be in to clear up your skin. Once the acne is gone, you can turn your focus to having smooth, beautiful skin that you will love.
Article Table of Contents
When you look at your face, there are different regions, which is what makes up the acne face mask, including your hairline, cheeks, nose, and mouth and chin area. In this article we will take a look at the face map, exploring each of these areas, to make sense of what could be causing blemishes in those particular areas. We’ll also look at the T-Zone and U-Zone areas to see what we can learn about our acne in those areas, and how to clear it up.
At times it may feel as though you are alone in having acne, but that’s far from the case. It’s so common, in fact, that the National Institutes of Health reports that around 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne at some point. It’s a skin disorder that most people will have to address at some point, although some people have it much worse than others.
With an acne face map, you can begin to make sense of the patterns in where you get your acne, so that you can try to prevent more of it, and clear up your skin.
Acne may be frustrating to deal with and can be embarrassing. There is no one clear reason why someone gets acne. It can be caused by numerous reasons, which the face map will help identify, including hormonal changes, bacteria, clogged pores and follicles, wearing greasy makeup, some prescription medications, and also genetics. No matter what reason you have the acne, there are treatment solutions to help you determine how to clear it up, as well as how to prevent it from coming back.
When looking at the acne face map it’s easy to see there could be a connection between some of the acne on one’s face and their cellphone. Keep this information in mind as you consider the location of your acne. 🧑🏻🤝🧑🏻📳 The Pew Research Center reports that around 95% of all those ages 18 and up in America now own a cellphone. That’s a lot of people who have a cellphone in their hand each day, but that’s not the worst part of it. The worst part is how often they are touching it and what’s on it when they do. If you are like most people, you don’t even realize how many times throughout the day you touch or use your cellphone. Research conducted on it shows that the typical cellphone user touches their phone over 2,600 times per day, which is huge.
There have been several studies conducted that shed light on the bacteria that is typically found on a cellphone. Considering many people take it into the restroom, never sanitize it, and share it with others, it’s a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria. In fact, in one study in the journal Advanced Neonatal Care, researchers shared their findings from testing cellphones that parents and staff brought into a neonatal intensive care unit. They reported that microbial surface contamination was found on every phone they tested. Additional studies have confirmed this information. The bottom line is that our cellphones are filled with bacteria, some of it potentially harmful.
Why should this information concern you when you are considering an acne face map? You should pay attention and take action because your cellphone, like most people’s, is filled with bacteria that could lead to acne. When you hold your cellphone up to your face to speak, you are most likely putting that bacteria right in the cheek, mouth, and chin area. If you have acne in those areas, it could be brought on from the bacteria that are coming from your cellphone. ⏰ There is no better time than now to start making changes in how you use your cellphone so that you keep that harmful bacteria to a minimum, and ultimately help to clear up the acne.
Takeaway: Cellphones are notorious for having a lot of bacteria on them, some of which could lead to acne on your face. To change this, avoid taking your cellphone into the restroom, and disinfect it regularly. You can either purchase cellphone disinfectant wipes, or use a microfiber cloth with diluted alcohol mixed with water. Do not put a lot of liquid on your phone, but simply put a small squirt of the alcohol mixture on a microfiber cloth and wipe it down regularly.
By evaluating each area of the face that has acne, you may begin to see patterns and problems that are leading to the outbreaks. This is one of the best ways to be able to address the issue successfully. Consider each of the areas below that are within the acne face map to determine if you can gain useful information that will lead to ways that you can help clear it up, as well as prevent getting more of it in the future.
The area along the top of your head, where it meets your hair, is your hairline. 👱🏽👩🏻🦱 Many people get acne along this area. While we put a lot of focus on keeping our hair clean, we often don’t realize that some products that we use on our hair can lead to acne along the hairline. Referred to by some people as “pomade acne,” this type of acne occurs along the hairline as a result of the ingredients in your hair products. Hair products that have pore-clogging ingredients, such as those that are thick or may have minerals in them, can tend to create a build-up that clogs the pores and follicles, and leads to hairline acne.
Using non-comedogenic hair products will help to address the situation. These products do not contain ingredients that will clog your pores or lead to acne. Also, in addition to using hair products that will not lead to acne breakouts, it is important to make sure you are rinsing your hair thoroughly, so that no shampoo or conditioner is left to build up in it.
If you like to wear a hat, especially if it is sunny outside, pay attention to whether or not the inside of the hat rim is clean.
If the inside rim is dirty, it can also lead to your hairline and forehead having acne breakouts. Keep your hat washed regularly.
Takeaway: The hairline is the first area of the acne face map to consider. If you have acne along the hairline, it could be from the types of products you are using in your hair, including your shampoo, conditioner, gels, styling products, etc. Choose ones that will not create a buildup that leads to clogged pores to help clear up the skin and prevent new acne from forming.
Like the hairline, this part of the face map is susceptible to getting blemishes from your hair care products. Be sure to have a close look at the types you are using and if you can make some simple changes that will help clear up the skin. Picture a T on your face, with it going across your forehead and down your nose to your chin. This is what is referred to as the T-zone, and the forehead is part of it. Acne in this area is common and can be caused by hormonal changes. If you feel it could be hormonal changes, speak to your doctor about hormone therapy options that can help clear it up.
Stress is another culprit in causing acne, making it important to find ways to manage it. In a study published in the journal Dove Press, researchers shed light on the topic of stress and acne. They looked at stress and acne in female medical students, to see what connection there may be. The researchers concluded that stress plays an important role in the pathogens of acne and that stress and acne strongly correlate. 🧘🏼♂️🧘🏽♀️ To help manage stress, engage in relaxing activities that you enjoy, such as hiking, yoga, meditation, or doing breathing exercises.
Takeaway: On the acne face map, if you have blemishes on your forehead they can be caused by hormonal changes, as well as by stress. If you suspect hormonal changes you may be a candidate for hormone therapy. Acne brought on by stress can be controlled by finding ways to relax and de-stress on a regular basis.
Acne on the cheeks, like that in other areas of the acne face map, can be caused by numerous things. One important aspect to consider if you suffer from acne on your cheeks is whether or not your cellphone is bacteria-filled, as discussed above. With the phone being put up to your cheek, there is good chance you may be putting acne-causing bacteria on your cheek with each call you make. Additionally, many people touch their cheeks a lot, including resting their face on their hand. If your hands are dirty or have bacteria on them, you will transfer that to your face and again you may be putting oils, dirt, and acne-causing bacteria on your cheeks.
Wearing oily makeup can also lead to acne on your cheeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that makeup itself doesn’t necessarily cause acne, but there are some guidelines that you should follow. They recommend you use oil-free makeup and you should gently clean your face each day. This will help keep your pores from clogging, which can lead to acne. Another thing to make sure you are keeping clean if you have cheek acne is your pillowcase.
Takeaway: On the acne face map, if you have blemishes on your cheeks it could be caused from bacteria on your cellphone, touching your face too much with unclean hands, or from the makeup you are wearing (or not properly cleaning off each day).
You can help address cheek acne by disinfecting your phone regularly, wearing oil-free makeup, and gently cleaning your face each day.
The nose is part of the face map that is in the T-zone, as described above. People often get acne, especially blackheads, on their nose. There can be multiple reasons, including sweat, bacteria from their glasses, touching the face, oily makeup, etc. Acne in this area can also be caused by certain foods. There has been plenty of research to support the idea that some foods contribute to acne. 🍨🍫 These foods include full-fat dairy products, chocolate, and unhealthy fats. Making some dietary changes may be all you need to do to clear up the acne. Opt for low-fat dairy products or dairy alternatives, and replace unhealthy fats with healthy ones.
According to the National Institutes of Health blackheads are tiny dark spots that are caused by a small plug in the pore. They are also referred to as open comedones. It’s common for those blemishes in this area of the acne face map to have blackheads. They can be treated with effective creams and acne treatment systems, especially those that contain tretinoin and salicylic acid. Many people are tempted to squeeze the blackheads or to pick at them, but doing so can cause irritation and make them worse.
Takeaway: It is common in this area of the face map for people to have blemishes. If you want to address these, start by addressing bacteria concerns, keeping your face gently cleaned each day, and use a product that will treat the acne that is already there.
This final area of the acne face map is another common spot that people get blemishes. Having acne in this area could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. They can also be brought on by stress. If you are experiencing acne in this area, you can address it by seeing if you are a candidate for hormone therapy, such as birth control pills. ✍🏻 You can also engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, journal writing, or doing breathing exercises.
The area around our moth and our chin is an area of the acne face map that we tend to touch a lot with our hands. The problem with that is our hands often have bacteria on them, even though we can’t see it.
Touching the face with bacteria-filled hands can help lead to more acne problems.
It is a important to minimize touching the face and make sure that you have clean hands when you do. In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers looked at what you need to do to have clean hands. They concluded that hand washing with non-antibacterial soap and water reduced the presence of bacteria to only 8 percent, regardless of what type of bacteria it was.
Takeaway: This area of the face is prone to us frequently putting our hands on it. It’s also an area that can get blemishes due to hormonal imbalances and stress. Identify which of these contributing factors could be giving you mouth and chin area acne and make some changes to help clear it up and prevent it in the future.
While it’s a good idea to be familiar with the acne face map so you can help to identify areas where you may need to make some changes, don’t stress if you don’t see yourself in these issues. Perhaps you feel you are already taking steps to avoid acne in each of these areas, and this may be so. It’s important to realize that heredity plays a big role in acne, no matter where it is on the face. In fact, in a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers reported that there is evidence of a major genetic influence on acne. 🧬 The bottom line is that you may not be doing anything to cause the acne. You could just be genetically predisposed to it. The good news is that there are things you can do to clear it up.
Whether you see yourself in some of the issues above or not, you may want to consider using some of the top-rated acne treatment products. They have been touted by those who have used the as being effective in helping to address acne face map concerns. Consider the products and find the one that will work best for your unique conditions.
Exposed. The Exposed Skin Care treatment system offers everything you need to clear up acne prevent future outbreaks, and to have clear, beautiful skin. In fact, 98% of users have reported that within 30 days they saw results. This complete acne treatment system comes with a probiotic, to help put good bacteria into your gut, as well as a microfiber cloth for gentle exfoliating. The system has everything you need to clean, treat, and moisturize your skin, saving you money, and putting you on the right path to great skin.
Keeva. Tea tree oil is one of the most effective acne treatment ingredients you can use. This simple topical cream will help clear up acne, prevent future outbreaks, and will help to minimize acne scars. Reviewers believe it’s magic in a jar and report that it works great. Made from all-organic ingredients, it also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
Replenix. These acne face pads contain the powerful ingredients glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Working together they are able to clear up acne quickly. 😊 They unclog pores, eliminate dead skin, and provide a gentle exfoliating. Those who have used these cleansing pads report that they also helped with acne scarring.
Q. What is the acne face map?
A. It’s a map that has been created to designated particular areas of the face where you may get acne. These include the hairline, forehead, cheeks, nose, and mouth and chin area.
Q. How can knowing the face map help me clear up acne?
A. You may be able to use the map to identify particular areas and patterns where you are getting acne. Some areas are more prone to particular types of acne than others, making it easier to address those areas.
Q. What causes so much acne on the cheeks?
A. There is no one reasons you may be getting acne on the cheeks. It can be caused from bacteria, genes, oily makeup, and more.
Q. Does touching may face lead to acne?
A. Touching your face may lead to acne if your hands are dirty and/or you have acne-causing bacteria on your hands. 🖐️
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