What your breakouts say about your health

Do you suffer from pesky pimples that always appear in the exact same spot? According to Ayurveda teaching and Chinese medicine, your skin issues could be a sign that there’s underlying issues in other parts of the body. From poor gut health to hormonal imbalances, a breakout can send a pretty clear message about your health and hygiene.
Intrigued? We were too, which is why we consulted nutritionist Bannie Williams and FacePlus Medispa skin specialist Yvonne Culhane to give us the lowdown on what your breakouts are saying about your health.

What your breakouts say about your health

 

1. Chin and jawline

The possible culprit: Your hormones. “Anything along your chin and neck line is related to your hormones. This is your skin telling you, you have a hormonal imbalance. You may often get breakouts right before or during your monthly cycle,” explains Yvonne.
The solution: “Try including turmeric and macs in your diet to assist with hormone regulation and control,” says Bannie.

2. Cheeks

The possible culprit: Your gut health. “Issues with lungs and stomach will show as breakouts in this area. For example, smokers will often breakout in this area as they may have respiratory issues. If a breakout is visible along your cheek bone you may also be showing signs of poor gut health,” says Yvonne.
The solution: “Ensure the gut is as healthy as possible by taking a probiotic and eliminating refined sugar from the diet,” suggests Bannie.

3. T-Zone

The possible culprit: Your diet. “Breakouts in these area will be visible if you have been making your liver work harder than usual, either from alcohol or bad food consumption,” says Yvonne.
The solution: “Ensure your diet is as well balanced as possible, with a wide variety of antioxidant-rich foods and low GI carbohydrates to avoid blood sugar spikes,” advises Bannie.

4. Hairline

The possible culprit: Your sweat. “People that exercise a lot should pay extra attention to these areas post-work out,” says Yvonne.
The solution: Make sure you’re removing your make-up or tan properly and follow a good skincare regime.

5. Chest and back

The possible culprit: Your environment. Bannie says these breakouts could be a result of inflammation and bacteria. It could also be humidity that causes you to see pimples on your chest and back, adds Yvonne.
The solution: “Consume a diet rich in foods which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body including turmeric and omega fatty acids. Anti-bacterial foods including ginger, raw honey and pepper can also assist with limiting the growth of bacteria,” says Bannie.

What’s the best treatment for breakouts?

At home

1. Organic apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for nasty pimples. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties work to not only remove bacteria and detoxify the skin, but also reduce redness, swelling, and pain.

Shop Barnes Naturals Organic Apple Cider Vinegar $6.95

2. Dream Dots are an innovative overnight patch treatment, which promise to calm and treat unwanted breakouts. Simply apply the patch before bed and let the magic happen.

In clinic

Yvonne suggests:
“Sebaceous gland ablation (SGA) – this treatment uses radio frequency to selectively heat up the oil gland, forcing the sebaceous gland to expel the contents and shrinking enlarged gland. This is a drug-free, permanent way to deal with breakouts.
LED light therapy – red and blue LED lights can be helpful in controlling bacteria build-up and stimulate the healing process. This is a pain free, therapeutic procedure that can be completed in just 20minutes.
Enzyme peels – it would also be beneficial for the patient to have a series of Enzyme peels, six would be recommended. These help to rebuild the acid mantel, ensuring optimum skin health.
Desincrustation – this is a deep cleansing treatment that softens sebum and is the ideal treatment for oily or congested skins preparing the skin for extractions. It is ideal for back and body treatments.”