Skin Health Signals: What Your Breakouts Are Really Telling You

Your skin isn’t just a surface to be polished, it’s an active messenger. Breakouts, dryness, and redness are signals from within, offering clues about your hormones, digestion, stress levels, and overall health. Learning to read these skin health signals can help you address root causes instead of covering them up.

Jawline and Chin Breakouts: Hormonal Imbalance

Breakouts along the chin and jawline are often tied to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in androgens like testosterone. These hormones can increase oil production, clog pores, and trigger deeper cystic acne¹.

Potential internal causes:

• Menstrual cycle changes

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Coming off or changing birth control

• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol

What to do:

• Support liver detoxification with leafy greens and fiber

• Reduce dairy and refined sugar, both linked to hormonal acne²

• Consider adaptogens like ashwagandha (consult your healthcare provider)

Forehead Breakouts: Gut and Liver Stress

Acne on the forehead may indicate poor digestion or liver congestion. Alcohol, stress, and nutrient-poor diets can worsen these issues.

Potential internal causes:

• Slow digestion or constipation

• Gut dysbiosis²

• Liver strain from medications or alcohol

What to do:

• Add probiotics and fermented foods

• Drink lemon water in the morning

• Eat cruciferous vegetables for liver support

Cheek Breakouts: Respiratory and Environmental Stress

Cheek acne often connects to the lungs and environmental exposure. Irritants like smoke, allergens, or dirty surfaces can trigger inflammation.

Potential internal or external causes:

• Smoking or secondhand smoke

• Seasonal allergies or sinus congestion

• Dirty phone screens or pillowcases

What to do:

• Change pillowcases 2–3 times per week

• Clean your phone daily

• Try lymphatic drainage or facial massage for detox support

Dry, Flaky Skin: Dehydration and Nutrient Deficiency

Rough, tight, or flaky skin may signal dehydration or a lack of healthy fats and micronutrients³.

Potential internal causes:

• Not drinking enough water

• Low omega-3 intake from fish, flax, or chia

• Deficiencies in vitamins A, D, and E

What to do:

• Increase water and mineral-rich fluids such as coconut water or herbal teas

• Supplement with omega-3s if needed³

• Eat avocado, olive oil, and wild-caught fish regularly

Inflamed or Sensitive Skin: Immune or Stress Response

Redness, reactivity, and inflammation can signal an overstimulated immune system or chronic stress. A weakened skin barrier is often more sensitive to environmental and dietary triggers.

Potential internal causes:

• Chronic stress

• Food sensitivities such as gluten, dairy, or eggs

• Leaky gut or histamine intolerance

What to do:

• Consider functional testing for food sensitivities

• Practice daily stress-reducing rituals like breathwork or gentle movement

• Use calming skincare ingredients such as aloe, oat, or calendula

Treat Skin from the Inside Out

Topical products and in-office treatments like chemical peels, PRP microneedling, or infrared therapy can help. But lasting results come from internal support. When you nurture your body from within, you create the strongest foundation for healthy, radiant skin.

Your skin is a storyteller. Listen closely and give it the holistic care it deserves.

References

1. Dreno, B., et al. (2018). Understanding the pathophysiology of acne. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 32(12), 2036–2045. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15049

2. Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. (2010). Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut–brain–skin axis. Gut Pathogens, 3(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-4749-3-1

3. Yoon, J. Y., et al. (2015). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory acne. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 95(6), 703–710. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2061