However, some research does suggest that specific factors can relate to acne on certain areas of the face. We look at the evidence in this article.

There is little scientific evidence to support the theory that health issues with organs in the body relate to where acne breaks out on the face.

Face mapping comes from ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The traditional method links specific locations of acne on the face to health issues affecting organs or systems elsewhere in the body.

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Acne develops when the pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. The result is whiteheads and blackheads.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes also play a role in the inflammation, which results in the red bumps that characterize acne.

Certain areas of the face may be more prone to acne breakouts for various reasons.

Hairline and temples

Acne around the hairline and temples, called forehead acne, may be due to the use of certain hair products. When this is the case, it is called pomade acne. This can affect both males and females with any skin type.

When oily or waxy hair products spread to the nearby skin of the face, they can block the pores. This can cause acne breakouts.

Certain ingredients in cosmetic products, particularly in products for smoothing the hair, may cause acne. These ingredients include:

cyclopentasiloxane

dimethicone

PVP/DMAPA

acrylates

panthenol

silicone

quaternium-70

oils

petrolatum

Using simpler formulations, or avoiding these ingredients in hair care products, may help prevent acne from forming around the hairline.

It is especially important to prevent oily hair products from coming into contact with the face.

T-zone: Forehead, nose, and chin

The sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin. Excess sebum production can cause acne.

Extra oil production can mean that breakouts may occur more often in these areas than other parts of the face.

One study looked at 914 people with acne. The researchers found a link between sebum production and the amount of acne in the T-zone, which covers the forehead and nose.

Younger people with acne had more acne around the U-zone, which covers the cheeks and chin, than in the T-zone.

Cheeks

Share on Pinterest Friction or rubbing of the skin may cause acne on the cheeks.

Breakouts on the cheeks can occur as a result of acne mechanica, which develops due to friction or rubbing of the skin.

For example, this may occur when a person holds a cell phone against their face, when they move against the pillow in their sleep, and when they wear a piece of equipment or clothing that has a chin strap.

Acne mechanica is not restricted to the cheeks, however. It can occur in different areas of the body depending on the specific occlusive clothing or activity. It is most commonly recognized in athletes.

Addressing the cause of friction against the skin usually results in the improvement of the acne.

Jawline

Scientists have tended to link acne around the jawline to fluctuations in hormones. However, other researchers have challenged and refuted this notion.

There is no evidence to suggest that acne around the jaw and chin will accurately predict if a person has a hormonal disturbance.

In both males and females, the adrenal glands produce a hormone called DHEA-S. One study found that females with adult acne had mild to moderately elevated levels of this hormone.

Research has also found that 39–85% of females with acne have worse acne in the days before menstruation.

Since many people with acne do not have hormone abnormalities, however, other factors — such as increased sensitivity of oil glands to hormones — may be the cause.