MAPPING ACNE

Acne breakouts are normal, however, they are not a sight anyone wants to see when they look in the mirror. Understanding the cause of your breakouts can help give you insight on how to better manage your skin. The location of breakouts on the face usually depends largely on the age and hormonal influence of the patient. Adolescents---teenagers in particular-and adult women are the most prone to acne flare-ups. These breakouts occur primarily in two places : the T-Zone and the V-Zone. 

Adolescents breakouts often occur in the T-Zone. this area is found by making a "T" across your forehead and down the nose to the chin. Skin in that area will be oily, shiny and clogged due to the surge of hormones that stimulate the oil glands slightly before and during puberty. These breakouts will display more blackheads and whiteheads. the scalp also produces excess oil during puberty, so natural oils from the hair can cause breakouts as well.

As a person ages, the location of the acne migrates downward, especially for women. Adult women tend to have more of the breakouts on the lower half of the face, which is referred to as the V-Zone. This area covers the lower cheeks, jawline, chin and neck. The lower part of the face has more hormonal receptivity, which is the primary cause for this shift in location. For instance, women will often get a cyst on their menstrual cycle. Post-adolescent women tend to have an inflammed type of acne consisting of pink and white bumps rather than the oily, shiny face you would see in a teenager. the skin is often more normal, or it may even be dry.

- Prathyusha Talluri