Zits, Pimples, & Breakouts: Acne- What's Happening?

Send us Fan MailAcne literally means- “Something  Coming to the Surface”- this definition alone tells you right away that acne is not random- its expressive!Eastern Medicine says that acne is a modern expression of OVERLOAD- which means the body has more coming in than it can handle- AND  when this happens- the skin steps in and helps release it. In Eastern Medicine -Acne is NOT a skin problem- it’s a communication problem- your skin is a mirror- it reflects what’s happening inside your body.Your skin reflects digestion, circulation, hormones, stress levels, it reflects Inflammation and heat-  and how well your body can process and clear what it takes in-/ When communication inside the body gets noisy from overload- the skin can act as a release valve-and that release shows up acne.With that being said – think of Acne Not as a problem with your skin, BUT as a “pattern” your body is communicating. Just like sleep patterns, digestion patterns, & stress patterns- acne actually follows patterns too- and when we learn to read them- your skin will stop needing to speak so loudly to get your attention. Eastern medicine views Acne in ‘patterns’.- Acne patterns are the repeating ways acne shows up  on the body that gives clues about what’s happening  internally.  Acne patterns tell us why it’s happening- and Acne mapping shows us where the body is expressing it – together they help us listen instead of guessing. Here are 4 common acne patterns:1.Congestion pattern- this looks like…Whiteheads and blackheads-Small bumpsDull or thick looking skinCommon locations for this pattern are the: forehead cheeks and around the mouthThe Eastern Medicines takeaway is  your food is not being fully broken down so waste builds up- then your skin steps in to help the release2-Heat and inflammation Pattern:Red, angry inflamed pimplesTenderWarm to the touchThese come on really quick- like sudden flare ups- and their common locations are your:CheeksNoseChestBack The eastern take away is your body is overheated and trying to release it through your skin. In other words- Heat rises- and when your body cant cool itself internally, it VENTS thru your skin   3-  Hormonal & Stress PatternsLooks like:DeepCystic PainfulLingers along time- so slow to healAnd will often leave scarringCommon locations:ChinJawline& neckEastern takeaway is – When hormones don’t clear efficiently  the imbalance settles deeper- and the body pushes that imbalance out through the skin And the last acne pattern is..4-Reactive/ patternThis looks like:Sudden breakoutsTiny clusters of pimplesItchy or irritated skinBut it will clear when a trigger (a product or food) is removed.Common locations:ChinHairlineChest and BackTemples Eastern takeaway-  This is all sensitivity- not dirty skin- your body is reacting to something it doesn’t tolerate.Acne isn’t something your body is doing TO you- it’s something your body is doing FOR you. Bottom line - In Eastern Medicine Acne shows up when heat builds, digestion slows, elimination weakens, stress gets stuck, and the body needs another way to communicate this. Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask Podcast949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask