Breakouts can be hard to figure out, one day your skin is clear and the next it’s a war-zone. Did you know that your acne could be linked to other health issues? According to traditional Eastern Medicine, internal imbalances in our body can show up on our face. These issues can show up in the form of acne, dark circles or rashes. When you are trying product after product and still not achieving clear skin, the truth is, it might be your insides that are causing the problem. Here’s how the ancient Chinese practice of face mapping may help.

Forehead: Forehead zits are affected by your liver and gall bladder. If you’re experiencing forehead breakouts, it’s time to throw out your junk food and fill your fridge with fruits and veggies. You may be eating too much fat, sugar or diary, or your body may not be processing these things like it should in your digestive system.

T-Zone: According to face mapping, breakouts on your t-zone are the result of an unbalanced kidney, stomach or spleen. To get rid of them start hitting the juice bar with friends instead of the actual bar. Eliminating binge-drinking and smoking will do wonders for your skin. Plus, not only will your insides thank you, but you’ll wake up feeling much better than you would after a night on the town.

Nose: Dirty, dilated pores are the most common culprits of nose pimples, but if you wash your face every night and still get awful red bumps, it might be because of your heart. Improve your heart health by lowering your cholesterol and consuming less salt and sodium-based products. You might also want to up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, so buy more nuts, fish and flaxseed.

Mouth: If blemishes around your mouth are keeping you quieter than usual, your liver and stomach may be to blame. If you’ve been eating too many unhealthy foods or drinking too often, the toxins from those habits start building up and the results aren’t pretty when reflected on your face. Try cleansing your body by cutting down on alcohol and adding alkaline foods such as asparagus, broccoli and potatoes into your daily diet.

Cheeks: Poor respiratory health is a common cause of cheek acne. Smokers or people suffering from allergies will often find that they are more prone to break out in this area. Fresh air and exercise can help keep these areas clear. Another major culprit could be a dirty cell phone screen. Wipe down your phone every night. Avoid caffeine, fatty foods and alcohol. Stop smoking. Fresh air will do wonders for your lungs, so try to make a habit out of morning walks.

Jawline: This area is a hot spot for “hormonal” acne. Women may notice it at certain times of the month, and men may find that their spots wax and wane depending on their testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor about regulating your hormones. For example, you might change birth control pills or take testosterone supplements to improve your body’s internal processes.

These are just a few ways to use a face map to your advantage while treating acne. Keep in mind that this system may only help you discover how to treat your acne more effectively and is not a cure. An acne face map is more effective for occasional acne breakouts and not for severe or consistent breakouts. If you would like to schedule a skin evaluation and discuss your acne or other skin issues, contact Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today. Dr. Holy would be happy to help you achieve the clear, beautiful skin you deserve.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers. Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It most often develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun’s rays. Skin cancer affects people of all colors and races, although those with lighter skin who sunburn easily have a higher risk.

There are three major types of skin cancers:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer.

• BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet they can occur in people with darker skin.
• BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
• BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.
• BCCs are common on the head, neck and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
• Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCCs can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer.

• People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC, yet they can develop in darker-skinned people also.
• SCCs often look like a red firm bump, scaly patch or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
• SCCs tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest and back. SCCs can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.

3. Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

• Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Skin cancer is almost always cured when it is found early and treated properly. It is very important to see your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy can diagnose and treat many skin conditions and cancers. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com for more information or to schedule an evaluation.

With age, the skin suffers natural wear-and-tear, just like the rest of our bodies. But much of what we think of as natural aging is in fact due to sun exposure and other factors. That means it can be avoided — and it’s never too late to start. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy provides comprehensive care for a variety of skin-related conditions. Below are some tips to prevent unnecessary aging and they will keep your skin as healthy as possible.

Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to keep your aging skin healthy is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade: Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider special sun-protective clothing which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

Don’t smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Dr. Holy can provide tips to help you stop smoking.

Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time: Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
• Avoid strong soaps: Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully: To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry: After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin: If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Your skin may change with age, but remember, there are things you can do to help. For more information on how to keep your aging skin healthy contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or www.mddermsolutions.com.