Why mapping out your acne is important

Did you know, according to the NIH, more than 85 per cent of adolescents and almost two-thirds of adults aged 18 years and above suffer from acne? Evidently, acne is one of the most common skin concerns, and anyone dealing with it can assure you that it isn’t an easy fight. More often than not, even the right skincare products, diet changes, and lifestyle tweaks are not enough to treat the condition. From hormonal imbalances, to stress and environmental aggressors, there could be several reasons for flare-ups, and the first step to fixing it lies in identifying where it manifests and why. 

The Significance Of Mapping Out Your Acne

A lot of the time, understanding your acne and where it commonly crops up plays an essential role in treating it. Think of it as your body’s way of communicating what’s happening internally. “Mapping acne means identifying specific breakout areas on the face and correlating them with possible related health issues,” explains Dr Sagar Gujjar, MD and founder, Skinwood. 

There are several factors involved in triggering acne—hormonal changes, diet, genetics, skincare, stress, and your body’s circadian rhythm—therefore mapping your acne and seeking a proper diagnosis is required for effective treatment. “Consulting a dermatologist is essential to avoid permanent scarring and to prevent the condition from worsening,” Gujjar adds.

Mapping Out Your Acne - What It Could Mean

Forehead: Breakouts in this area have often been linked to stress, sleep deprivation, or any sort of digestive issues.

Cheeks: Breakout on your cheeks often? It can be related to environmental pollutants or bacteria from phone screens and pillowcases.

Chin & Jawline: This area is usually associated with hormonal fluctuations or imbalances, such as during menstrual cycles or PCOS.

Nose: Acne on your nose is indicative of excessive oil production or can also be related to cardiovascular health.

Hairline: Breaking out around the hairline is often referred to as pomade acne and can be caused by pore-clogging hair products.

Around the mouth: Look into your diet—spicy, oily foods can cause you to breakout around the mouth too. Even any sort of toothpaste irritation can result in acne in the area.

While there may be several causes of acne that are common across the globe, one can’t help but address the elephant in the room—why is this skin condition so prevalent in India? Addressing this issue, Dr Gujjar says, “The combination of humid climate, oily skin tendencies, and genetic predisposition makes acne common. Indian diets too, while diverse, can include triggers such as dairy, spicy foods, and high glycemic index items.” 

Teen Vs Adult Acne

“Acne is more than just teenage trouble,” explains Dr Sonali Kohli, consultant dermatologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. “Studies show that about 50-80 per cent of Indians aged 13-25 experience acne, with a significant number continuing to battle it well into their 30s. But, here's the interesting part—our Indian skin type and environmental factors create a unique acne profile that deserves special attention.”

While it may seem so, unfortunately, acne isn’t age-bound. As a matter of fact, although it presents itself in a similar manner, teen and adult acne vary drastically. Teen acne is often caused by hormonal surges during puberty and is concentrated on the t-zone. According to Dr Gujjar, it is easy to treat with basic over-the-counter products. 

Adult acne, however, is often linked with chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations or lifestyle factors. It appears on the u-zone—jawline, chin, and neck. This may be accompanied by sensitive or dry skin, which experts believe requires special care. 

When To Seek Professional Help? 

When it comes to acne and Indian skin, Dr Kohli suggests that a holistic approach is better suited due to our unique genetic, dietary, and environmental factors. “While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, combining scientific skincare with lifestyle modifications can help achieve clear, healthy skin.”

Seek professional help if you experience:

•⁠  ⁠Persistent deep, painful cysts
•⁠  ⁠Significant psychological distress
•⁠  ⁠Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
•⁠  ⁠No improvement after 8-12 weeks of consistent care

Lead image: Pexels

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