Your external health is a sign of your internal health.

I can’t say this enough. One of the best indicators of what’s going on inside your body, is what’s going on outside of your body. 

Acne is one of those signs! And while it’s not always related to your internal health, it’s always an important factor to consider.

And lucky for you – I’ve got our resident skincare expert, holistic facialist Emmaline Tsui, back again to help you understand what your breakouts mean.

GUEST BLOG: EMMALINE TSUI, HOLISTIC FACIALIST

For years now, I have used Chinese Face Mapping as a way to pinpoint problems within the body – via the skin.

Traditional Chinese Face Mapping is a way of seeing what is going on inside our bodies, as it is believed that everything on the outside is a direct reflection of what is going on inside.

It obviously has a lot more depth to it than just the points below, but here are some common things that I look out for and potential internal and external causes…

FOREHEAD

This area tends to be diet related. Breakouts and inflammation around here can be linked to the stomach and small intestine.

Possible internal causes: Dehydration, too many high processed foods, and over consumption of sugar.

Possible external causes: Spots around the hairline could be caused by not cleansing the area properly after working out, a build up of makeup products or an irritation to shampoo or conditioner.

Deep lines can be caused from facial expression.

IN BETWEEN BROWS

Generally liver related.

Possible internal causes: Too much alcohol or binge drinking alcohol.

Possible external causes: Reaction to, or bacteria from, waxing or threading after hair removal.

EYES

They say eyes are a window to the soul. Problems around the eyes can be dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and dryness.

Possible internal causes: Lack of sleep, dehydration, consuming too much alcohol or salt.

Possible external causes: Applying too much eye cream too close to the eyes or a reaction to skincare products (I see some clients with very sensitive skin who react with dry patches around the eyes only). Regular squinting can cause fine lines and wrinkles. Poor sun protection and not wearing sunglasses in the sunshine can also cause lines.

NOSE

Maybe heart related.

Possible internal causes: High blood pressure and also stress or emotional issues.

Possible external causes: Blackheads can be caused from enlarged pores that get blocked from using incorrect skincare products (such as makeup primers and face washes). Bacteria from the rim of glasses.

CHEEKS

Can be related to the stomach and digestion.

Possible internal causes: Poor diet which includes high levels of processed foods and fizzy drinks. Food allergies can tend to cause inflammation across the cheeks such as gluten and dairy intolerances.

Possible external causes: Skincare products that are too rich for the skin can cause milk spots. Not cleansing makeup brushes regularly. Mobile phones that are not cleaned regularly can lead to breakouts on the sides of the cheeks where the phone is held.

SIDES OF MOUTH AND MOUTH

Can be linked to stomach issues and the small intestine.

Possible internal causes: Toxins in the gut and a lack of good bacteria (e.g. probiotics). Dry lips can be caused by a lack of omegas (especially people on low fat diets) and also stress.

Possible external causes: Dry lips can be caused by cold weather or dry environments. Matte lipsticks and rich lip balms can cause dryness and also blocked pores around the lip line.

MIDDLE OF CHIN

This area tends to be linked to hormones and the reproductive system.

Possible internal causes: Menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Possible external causes: Resting chin in hands when working or reading, etc..

PLEASE NOTE: The above is only my opinion and what I have seen over my 15 years of treating clients. If you are struggling with your skin, I would always recommend seeing a skin specialist or dermatologist to get the best result.

ABOUT EMMALINE
Emmaline Tsui is a Holistic Facialist with her own skin health clinic based in Cheshire. She has been healing faces for more than 14 years through the use of natural skincare products and lifestyle advice.

Emmaline is a clinical Aromatherapist and an expert in skincare. Please visit her website to read more about her own natural skincare line, bespoke holistic facials in her clinic and also skincare and lifestyle advice on her blog: www.tsui.life