Acne Face Mapping: What Your Breakouts Mean

Have you ever noticed that your breakouts seem to pop up in the same spot every time? Like, why is your chin always ground zero for painful pimples, while your forehead gets random little bumps? If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “why do I always break out on my jawline,” you’re not alone — and that’s where acne face mapping comes in.

So, What Is Acne Face Mapping?

Acne face mapping is the idea that different areas of your face are connected to specific internal organs or systems in the body — and that the location of your breakouts can actually offer clues about what’s going on underneath the surface. It’s like your face is dropping hints, and we just need to know how to read them.

The roots of face mapping go waaaay back to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as one big, interconnected ecosystem. In TCM, your skin — especially your face — is seen as a reflection of your internal health. According to this philosophy, if there’s imbalance in a specific organ system (think liver, lungs, digestive system), it might show up in a corresponding zone on your face.

So a pimple isn’t just a pimple — it could be your body’s way of waving a red flag and saying, “Hey! Something’s off in here.”

We Love Ancient Wisdom… And We Made It Modern

Over in The Clear Skin Solution, we love the foundation that Traditional Chinese Medicine offers. After working with thousands of acne clients, we’ve learned that modern skin health calls for a modern twist. Over the years, we’ve taken the traditional TCM face map and evolved it to reflect what we see in real life, day in and day out.

Our updated acne face map isn’t just about organ systems — it’s a powerful tool we use alongside your symptoms, health history, and functional medicine lab testing to help us understand what’s really going on. That persistent chin acne might be hormonal, or it could be a gut issue, stress-related, or something totally unexpected. That’s why we never look at the face map in isolation — we use it as one piece of the bigger picture.

It’s a blend of ancient insights, modern science, and years of clinical experience — all coming together to help us get to the root of your breakouts (and finally kick them to the curb).

Middle of the Forehead – Small Intestine

If you keep getting small, stubborn breakouts smack in the middle of your forehead, your gut might be calling for backup. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this area is linked to the small intestine, and in our clinical experience, it’s often one of the first zones to react when digestion is off or your microbiome is out of balance.

What might be going on:

• Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy).
• Candida or bacterial overgrowths like SIBO.
• Poor digestive breakdown (low stomach acid or enzymes).

How to support this area:

• Chew thoroughly and limit water while eating.
• Reduce inflammatory foods (sugar, gluten, conventional dairy).

Use digestive bitters or enzymes before meals (download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet for our favs!).

Recommended Podcast: S01 E20 – Acne and Candida: The Hidden Breakout Culprit

Sides of the Forehead – Bladder

Breakouts on the sides of your forehead often signal sluggish detox. In face mapping, this zone is linked to the bladder, which helps your body eliminate waste. If toxins can’t exit efficiently, your skin may step in as a backup detox organ — cue the breakouts.

What might be going on:

• Dehydration or low mineral intake.
• Overuse of caffeine or alcohol.
• Poor drainage or toxin buildup.

How to support this area:

• Drink filtered water with a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol (especially if you feel “wired and tired”).
• Support elimination with gentle movement and fiber.

Recommended Podcast: S01 E27 – Cheers to Clear Skin: Unveiling Alcohol’s Impact on Acne

Above the Eyebrows – Heart

Pimples popping up above your brows? This area is connected to the heart in TCM, and while it sounds poetic, it’s often a mix of physical and emotional signals. Think: blood sugar crashes, poor circulation, and even feelings of stress or anxiety — all of which can throw this zone out of balance.

What might be going on:

• Blood sugar imbalances.
• Poor nutrient circulation.
• Emotional stress, especially anxiety.
• Low mitochondrial function (aka energy).

How to support this area:

• Build balanced meals with protein, fiber, and fats.
• Move your body daily to boost blood and nutrient flow.
• Keep caffeine in check and add calming rituals to your routine.

Recommended Podcast: S01 E24 – Stress Acne: Why It Happens & How to Get Rid of It

Between the Eyebrows – Liver

Those pesky “unibrow” pimples? They’re a classic sign your liver might be under stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the area between the brows is closely linked to the liver, which plays a big role in hormone detox and toxin clearance. We often see this zone flare up in clients going through hormonal shifts, dealing with toxin buildup, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Fun fact: the liver is considered the “seat of anger” in TCM—so repressed emotions can absolutely show up on your skin.

What might be going on:

• Hormonal congestion (like excess estrogen).
• Sluggish bile or poor fat digestion.
• Past or current use of hormonal birth control.
• Repressed emotions resulting in underlying anger .

How to support this area:

• Eat liver-supportive foods like beets, greens, and lemon water.
• Support daily elimination (aim for one solid bowel movement).
• Cut back on toxins — go clean with skincare and household products.
• Work through unresolved emotional upsets.

Recommended Podcast: S01 E03 – The Detox Organs Wreaking Havoc On Your Skin

Around the Eyes – Stomach, Liver & Kidneys

This delicate area around the eyes speaks volumes. Dark circles, puffiness, or little bumps here often point to dehydration, high stress, or sluggish digestion and detox. In TCM, this zone reflects the kidneys, liver, and stomach—making it one of the most dynamic (and reactive) areas on the face. Over years of clinical practice, we’ve also seen clues here that can hint at possible thyroid imbalances or even histamine issues.

What might be going on:

• Dehydration or low mineral levels.
• Poor fat digestion or sluggish bile.
• Weak digestion or nutrient absorption.
• Sluggish thyroid.
• Histamine intoleranceses.

How to support this area:

• Hydrate with minerals (trace drops, sea salt, coconut water).
• Support digestion with bitters and slow, mindful eating.
• Prioritize rest and sleep for deep body repair.

Recommended Podcast: S02 E35 – Detox for Your Skin Part 3: Adrenals & Kidneys – The Balancing Act for Clear Skin

Temples – Gallbladder

Breakouts on the temples — or small, bumpy congestion in this area — often traced back to fat digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the gallbladder is responsible for storing and releasing bile, which helps your body break down fats and clear hormones like estrogen. If it’s sluggish, this zone can light up.

What might be going on:

• Poor fat digestion (feeling heavy or bloated after eating).
• Sluggish bile flow or gallbladder removal.
• Hormonal congestion (especially estrogen buildup).

How to support this area:

• Add bitter foods before meals (arugula, dandelion, radish).
• Support fat digestion with healthy fats and bile-moving foods.
• Consider digestive support if you’ve had your gallbladder removed.

Recommended Podcast: S02 E32 – Detox for Your Skin Part 1: Gallbladder & Liver’s Role in Acne Clearing

Nose – Heart & Pancreas

The nose might seem like a random spot for breakouts—it’s actually full of insight into both your physical and emotional health. This area is often connected to the heart, including circulation, blood pressure, and stress levels. We also see signs of pancreatic strain here, especially when breakouts come with oily skin or strong sugar cravings. It can be a subtle clue that blood sugar levels are out of balance or that insulin production is a bit off.

What might be going on:

• Blood sugar highs and crashes.
• Oily skin or blackheads from sebum overproduction.
• Emotional stress or overuse of stimulants.

How to support this area:

• Build blood sugar-friendly meals (protein, fiber, healthy fats).
• Cut back on refined sugar and processed snacks.
• Support circulation and stress relief with daily movement.

Recommended Podcast: S02 E04 – Mastering Blood Sugar for Clearer Skin and Better Health

Cheeks & Upper Lip – Stomach

Deep, inflamed breakouts or congestion on the cheeks? This is one of the most digestion-linked zones we see. It reflects the stomach’s ability to break down and absorb nutrients, especially protein and fat. If your stomach acid is low or food sensitivities are flaring, your cheeks might show it.

What might be going on:

• Low stomach acid or sluggish digestion.
• SIBO, Candida, or food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, soy).
• Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins).

How to support this area:

• Slow down at meals — chew thoroughly and avoid multitasking.
• Support digestion with apple cider vinegar or bitters.
• Eat gut-healing foods like bone broth and fermented veggies.

Recommended Podcast: S03E09. Gut Health Mastery: Transform Your Skin and Energy Through Digestive Wellness

Nasolabial Folds & Lower Lip – Large Intestine

Breakouts around the smile lines or lower lip are often a clue your bowels aren’t keeping up. The large intestine is all about waste elimination. If you’re constipated or your microbiome is imbalanced, toxins and hormones can recirculate — and your skin gets the brunt of it.

What might be going on:

• Constipation or incomplete bowel movements.
• Dysbiosis, Candida, or bacterial overgrowths.
• Low fiber or poor hydration.

How to support this area:

• Aim for one full bowel movement daily — non-negotiable! Regular elimination is key for clearing hormones and toxins.
• Boost your fiber intake with chia seeds, ground flax, and plenty of leafy greens to keep things flowing smoothly.
• Support your microbiome with a mix of fermented and prebiotic-rich foods. (If fermented foods leave you feeling off, it might be a sign of histamine intolerance or a deeper immune imbalance.)

Recommended Podcast: S02 E43 – Flushing Out Acne: The Poop Factor

Under the Nose – Spleen

That little space between your nose and upper lip doesn’t get talked about much—and it definitely deserves more attention. This area reflects the spleen, which plays a key role in digestion, immune function, and converting food into energy. When it flares up, it’s often a sign of overwork, undernourishment, or frequent energy crashes.

What might be going on:

• Blood sugar instability or energy dips.
• Weak digestion and poor carb breakdown.
• Overthinking, worry, or mental burnout.

How to support this area:

• Eat regular, grounding meals — think warming things like soups, stews, and root veggies.
• Balance blood sugar with protein, fat, and fiber combos.
• Slow down and rest — even just 5 minutes of mindful breathing helps.

Recommended Podcast: S02 E33 – Detox for Your Skin Part 2: Lymphatics’ Role in Combating Acne

Lower Cheeks & Jawline – Lungs

Breakouts along the lower cheeks (just above the jaw) often point to lung imbalances. It might sound a little abstract—yet the lungs are closely tied to both your immune system and the health of your skin barrier. When the lungs are compromised, the skin can become more reactive, dry, or inflamed. We often see this area flare in clients who are overusing strong skincare actives like acids or retinoids, which can strip the skin and weaken its protective barrier. Add in allergens or emotional heaviness (grief is also linked to the lungs), and this zone becomes even more sensitive.

What might be going on:

• Allergies or respiratory stress.
• Skin barrier damage from over-exfoliation.
• Suppressed grief or emotional heaviness.

How to support this area:

• Switch to gentle, barrier-supportive skincare.
• Breathe deeply, get fresh air, and move gently.
• Support your gut-lung connection with probiotic-rich foods and regular bowel movements.
• Consider limiting dairy as it can be mucous forming.

Recommended Podcast: S02 E25 – Histamine’s Hidden Role in Health & Acne with Tracey Reed

Chin & Jawline – Pelvic Organs & Hormones

Cystic breakouts around the chin and jawline are one of the clearest signs of hormonal imbalance. This zone reflects the ovaries, uterus, and overall hormonal health. Whether you’re navigating post-pill acne, PCOS, or your period’s around the corner—this area tends to flare up first and calm down last, especially when your hormones need extra support. We also keep an eye on this zone when assessing stress, since cortisol (your main stress hormone) often plays a role here. And remember—hormones aren’t just about your cycle. They include stress hormones, thyroid hormones, and even blood sugar regulators, all of which can impact your skin.

What might be going on:

• Estrogen dominance or low progesterone.
• Androgen spikes (hello, deep cystic pimples).
• Hormonal shifts from birth control, stress, or PCOS.

How to support this area:

• Balance blood sugar — no skipping meals.
• Eat cruciferous veggies and fiber to support hormone detox.
• Ditch endocrine disruptors in skincare, plastics, and products.
• Ensure healthy, regular bowel movements.

Recommended Podcast: S01 E04 – Is Your Acne Hormonal?

Acne Face Mapping: A Tool in the Acne-Clearing Toolbox

Inside The Clear Skin Solution, face mapping is more than just a skin trend — it’s a tool we use daily to decode what’s happening beneath the breakouts alongside functional testing. When you understand what your skin is trying to say, you can finally give it the support it’s been craving — from digestion to hormones and everything in between.