AS a skin-care professional, I perform a skin analysis using a magnifying lamp to survey the skin for moisture loss, dehydration, fine lines, elasticity, macules, papules, hyperpigmentation, telangiectasia, couperose, puffiness, dark circles, and anything that should be avoided during treatment.

This information provides extrinsic data, which is the basis to begin an intrinsic analysis.

FACE MAPPING

Face mapping is the intrinsic analysis of some of the underlying, internal issues that are outwardly reflected on the skin. By looking at the colour of someone’s skin, it can be determined that someone with a yellow hue might have a slight case of jaundice. This example is just one of the correlations that can be made when the skin tone changes.

However, face mapping is more detailed and consists of looking at the client’s skin and analysing why a particular placement on the skin exists. Facial mapping gives me the opportunity to understand the client’s behaviours without having to ask.

1. Forehead

This might mean gallbladder and liver issues.

According to Ayurveda, the forehead relates to the nervous system and digestive system, which means stress and internal stagnation are probably causing breakouts here.

Try reducing the amount of processed foods and fat in your diet, while incorporating meditation and yoga to lower stress.

2. Between eyebrows, right side

This might mean emotion repression in the liver.

If you have a vertical line between your eyebrows on the right side, it indicates you’re repressing emotions — especially anger — in your liver.

3. Between eyebrows, left side

?This might mean emotion repression in the spleen.

A line on the left side indicates that emotions are likely penned up in the spleen.

4. Eyes

This might mean joint problems, intestinal issues, thyroid problems.

Eyes can be particularly telling because a yellowish colour in the eyes can indicate a weak liver.

5. Below eyes

This might mean impaired kidney function.

Puffiness and swollen lower eyelids indicate impaired kidney function. Increasing water intake will help.

6. Cheeks

This might mean slow metabolism, low absorption of nutrients, lung issues.

Patchiness or discolouration on the cheeks can indicate poor metabolism and low absorption of nutrients, such as folic acid and iron. Additionally, cheeks are linked to lung function (think about how red your face gets during a strenuous workout that has you breathing hard), so pay attention to the quality of your breath and consider breathing exercises.

It’s important to note that acne on the cheeks might be caused by a dirty cellphone and pillowcases, or a tendency to touch your face a lot. Make sure to keep your hands away from your face, and accessories and sheets clean.

7. Nose

This might mean blood and heart issues.

It’s no surprise that breakouts here indicate an internal flare-up. The nose is closely related to your circulatory system, so if you find yourself breaking out there, it might indicate a blood pressure issue. Up the amounts of essential fatty acids in your diet (avocado, flax, olive oil), and avoid alcohol, coffee and spicy foods.

8. Lower lip

This might mean intestines, digestion issues.

Your lower lip can provide key insights into the functioning of your intestines. Brown spots can mean you may be suffering from indigestion and poor enzyme function, as well as a possibility of parasites or worms in the lower intestine. Adding more probiotics to your diet may help.

Pale lips are often the first sign of anaemic onset, so increase your intake of leafy greens and other iron-rich foods. If you’re noticing a distinct bluish tinge on your lips, it may indicate poor oxygen absorption — possibly even a heart condition — and if you’re experiencing breathlessness with it, you definitely want to follow up with your doctor.

Finally, discolouration on the lower lip could indicate a possible disorder in the intestines, while discolouration on the edges of your lips may indicate a kidney issue.

9. Tongue

This might mean toxin build-up, lung issues.

Your tongue is the first place many internal disorders will show up, so you’ll want to inspect it every day (preferably in the mornings).

Circular, white residue in the middle or the back of the tongue indicates a build-up of toxins in the intestines or colon, meaning it might be time for a detox.

Frothiness or abrasions at the edges of your tongue indicate a possible issue with the lungs, meaning aerobic exercise and meditation are especially important for you. If you find the outer edge of your tongue looking ridged or uneven, that would indicate poor absorption of nutrients into your bloodstream. This could be happening because you’re eating too many processed foods, and sometimes even due to the overuse of vitamins. Focus on clean, whole foods high in vitamins, iron and folic acids.

10. Chin

This might mean hormonal imbalance.

Your chin is most likely where hormonal imbalances and stress will make themselves known, which means you’re more likely to break out there around your menstrual cycle. Reducing stress as much as possible, getting adequate sleep and exercising will help heal blemishes around this area.

Skin-care professionals should attempt to incorporate face mapping into every skin-care analysis, as it will allow them to know how to treat the skin, what products to treat the skin with, and what form of massage to perform on the skin during the facial.

Face mapping is one of the oldest techniques used in understanding the skin and the body it protects. Knowing which protrusions are related to certain organs allow for the best treatment possible for the client because the professional is able to be in tune with their overall well-being.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare establishment, located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800, Instagram @bodystudioskincare , Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com