Let’s go back in time. About 3000 years ago the practice of ‘face mapping’ found its foundation in China. The practice is based on the idea that your skin, and its condition, is a reflection of your own inner health. When it comes to your face, this practice divides your face into different areas that correspond to a variety of functions of your body. You may think; how is this relevant to me? At Nourished we believe in a holistic approach to skincare. Of course, our main focus is benefitting the skin in an external manner with clean products, but in this article, we also want to highlight the importance of nourishing from within. At the end of the day, this is where clear, healthy skin starts: from within.
Facial skin as a reflection of internal health
In holistic health, the skin is seen as a reflection of what’s going on inside the body. The face, in particular, can act like a map, connecting specific areas to different organs and body systems. When certain areas break out, become irritated, or change in texture, it’s often your body asking for attention. Below, we’ll walk you through the main zones and share how to support each area with elements such as nutrition, lifestyle choices and skincare.
+ Forehead: bladder & intestines
Noticing dryness or breakouts here? It could signal your body needs more hydration or digestive support. Aim for 35 ml of water per kg of body weight and try adding a pinch of sea salt to improve absorption. For your gut, fermented greens like sauerkraut and kimchi support digestion and gut flora. And if your skin needs some love on the outside, Weleda’s Skin Food collection is a great go-to for dry patches.
+ Between the eyebrows: liver
Breakouts in this area can be a sign your liver is asking for extra support. Help it out by adding more bitter greens like arugula and artichoke to your meals. Hydration is key here too. Try to start your morning with a big glass of lukewarm water, adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon for extra support. B vitamins and glutathione, naturally found in foods like broccoli, asparagus, and leafy greens, also support your liver’s natural detox pathways.
+ Nose: heart & circulation
Redness or congestion around the nose can link to circulation and cardiovascular stress. This is because the blood vessels in that area may not function properly due to inflammation or increased pressure in the blood circulation. Omega-3 fats from fatty fish or walnuts help calm inflammation, while vitamin C from berries and citrus supports healthy blood vessels.
+ Cheeks: lungs
Your cheeks reflect lung health and can react to pollution or allergies. Vitamin C, which can be found in for example kiwi, oranges and red bell pepper, supports the immune system and tissue repair, while quercetin, found in for example onions, berries and garlic, helps calm allergic reactions. Deep breathing exercises can also do wonders. An extra boost from the outside can be given with the Superdose Luminosity Masque by Sans [ceuticals] which combines lactic acid, vitamin C and hyalorunic acid in order to give your skin that intense boost.
+ Under eyes & ears: kidneys
Puffiness under your eyes or dark circles, as well as flaky or red ears, might be signaling that your kidneys need some extra attention. Focus on foods that support kidney function, such as coconut water for electrolytes, avocado and (sweet) potatoes for potassium and vitamin A. Herbal teas like nettle or dandelion can also be gentle supporters of kidney health.
+ Chin: hormones & digestion
The chin is closely tied to hormones and digestion, especially around your cycle. Zinc (nuts and seeds, red meat, oysters, eggs), B6 (leafy greens), and omega-3s (cod liver, chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds) all support balanced hormones and healthy digestion. Also, fermented foods, which we’ve mentioned before, contribute to healthy digestion.
+ Jawline: hormones
Jawline breakouts? These often point to hormonal imbalances. Magnesium, found in dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, plays a key role in managing cortisol, your main stress hormone. When stress levels rise, cortisol can throw other hormones out of balance, leading to breakouts. A fun tip: magnesium foot baths are an easy way to top up your levels, your skin absorbs it quickly so your body can use it right away.
+ Temples: gallbladder
Feeling tension around your temples? That could be your gallbladder asking for a little help. The gallbladder helps break down fats, so support it with choline-rich foods like eggs and beets, which help with bile production. Add in some vitamin C from citrus fruits, and you’re supporting healthy bile flow and digestion, keeping things running smoothly!
One last tip for radiant skin
It may feel like a lot to take in, but don’t worry, every small step you take helps to nurture your skin. In the end, these small changes can lead to big results. With consistent care, you’ll start to notice the difference.
One tip we really want to leave you with: look into collagen. As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, which can contribute to fine lines, loss of firmness, and a dull complexion. Collagen plays a key role in keeping your skin strong, smooth, and hydrated, making it an essential for long-term skin health.
You can easily add collagen to your routine through sources like bone broth or a high-quality supplement. A brand we personally love is Vida Glow, known for its sustainably sourced marine collagen. It’s a simple addition that can make a real difference.
Remember: small adjustments in your daily habits have the power to transform your skin’s health and glow over time. And if you ever need advice or product recommendations, our team is always happy to help via hello@nourished.nl, Instagram DM, or our web chat.
