Acne is more than a skin issue—it may reflect your internal health. This guide from HBIO Clinic decodes different acne locations on the face and reveals acne locations and related health signs, helping you understand the deeper causes of breakouts and their connection to internal organs.
Acne Locations on the Face: What Do They Mean?
Acne doesn’t just appear randomly—it can be your body’s way of communicating an internal imbalance. By observing where pimples appear on the face, we may uncover hidden signals about our health. Let’s explore how different acne locations on the face correspond to various bodily functions, and what you can do about it.

Dermatologists and traditional medicine practitioners alike have long observed the correlation between specific facial zones and internal organs. Known as “face mapping,” this approach helps identify underlying issues based on where acne develops—whether it’s on the cheeks, forehead, chin, nose, or around the mouth.
For example:
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Cheek acne may be related to lung or stomach imbalances.
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Forehead pimples could signal issues with the liver or digestive tract.
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Chin breakouts often stem from hormonal or kidney-related disturbances.
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Nose acne might reflect cardiovascular or pulmonary concerns.
Understanding these signs enables a more targeted treatment approach that combines skincare with lifestyle and dietary changes.
Causes of acne in different facial zones
Cheeks: Stomach or Lung Health Issues
Cheek acne is common, often caused by environmental factors or poor hygiene habits like touching your face or not wearing a mask outdoors.
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Left cheek breakouts may signal liver overload or toxins.
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Right cheek acne may point to lung stress, especially in smokers.
What to do:
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Cut back on alcohol and caffeine; opt for liver-detoxifying foods like bitter melon and cucumber.
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For lung health, eat tomatoes, apples, and garlic; avoid sugary snacks and quit smoking.

Chin: Hormonal Imbalance or Kidney Dysfunction
Deep, cystic pimples on the chin are often linked to hormonal fluctuations or kidney issues. Frequent hand contact with the chin can also aggravate breakouts.
Recommendations:
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Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to support kidney detox.
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Avoid resting your hands on your chin.
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Eat cleansing foods like winter melon, amaranth greens, and bitter gourd.

Around the Mouth: Digestive Troubles
Pimples in this area may be caused by poor digestion and liver or colon imbalances, particularly when consuming spicy, greasy, or processed foods.
Improve digestion by:
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Cooking with fresh ingredients; limit instant or packaged foods.
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Choose steaming or boiling over frying.
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Incorporate more fruits and vegetables.
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Avoid overeating or late-night meals.

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Forehead: Liver Detox and Stress
Acne on the forehead can indicate internal heat, poor liver detoxification, or prolonged stress. Other signs may include canker sores, red tongue, and insomnia.
Tips:
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Replace regular water with cooling drinks like corn silk tea or lotus seed water.
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Avoid refined sugar and alcohol.
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Eat dark leafy greens like spinach and broccoli to aid digestion.

Upper Cheeks (Cheekbones): Intestinal Health
Breakouts in this area may reflect a sluggish digestive system. If your gut can’t eliminate toxins efficiently, skin eruptions and symptoms like bloating may occur.
Suggestions:
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Avoid raw onions, beans, fried food, soda, and alcohol.
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Add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables.
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Eat gut-friendly fruits such as apples and bananas.

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Nose: Cardiovascular and Lung Function
The nose is highly susceptible to blackheads and inflamed pimples due to oil buildup. According to facial reflexology, this zone reflects heart and lung performance.
If red, swollen pimples appear on your nose tip:
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Increase intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies.
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Eat omega-3-rich foods like fish and flaxseeds.
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Avoid spicy or fermented foods (kimchi, pickles).
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Get regular health checkups, especially blood pressure and heart health.

Which Acne Locations on the Face Are Most Concerning?
Not all breakouts are equal. Pimples on the nose, mouth area, temples, and between the eyebrows could signal deeper health issues involving your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or digestive system. Ignoring severe inflammation or improperly treating it could harm both your skin and internal health.

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Warning Signs to Watch For
Seek medical attention if:
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Pimples are painful, pus-filled, and persist without improvement.
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Acne spreads rapidly to other facial areas.
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You experience fever, jaundice, chest pain, eye discoloration, or urinary issues—these may suggest serious liver, kidney, or metabolic dysfunction.

our skin is a reflection of your inner well-being. Understanding the root causes behind different acne locations on the face allows for holistic care—combining effective skincare with proper nutrition, hydration, and stress management.
If you’re seeking personalized diagnosis and deep-skin analysis, HBIO Clinic offers expert consultations and science-backed treatments that target the origin of your acne, while supporting your overall health from the inside out.
Hbio Clinic - Facial Skincare & Spa
Phone: 0947 697 795
Địa chỉ: 24 Trương Hán Siêu, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội