What spots, dark patches and lines say about your health

Dr. Gary Goldfaden breaks down each zone on your face to reveal what each skin concern reveals about your health and wellbeing. Photo / 123RF

It's no secret that your skin is a reflection of your inner health, and those who stick to a virtuous diet tend to have a glowing complexion as a result.

But what does your own skin say about your health? While you may put the odd spot down to that junk food binge, one dermatologist maintains that your skin contains far more messages about hidden wellness concerns than breakouts.

Indeed, skin professionals can use your face as a map to detect a plethora of issues - from dehydration, to stress, to breathing problems, to hormonal fluctuations and more, reports Daily Mail.

Here, dermatologist Dr Gary Goldfaden breaks down each zone of the skin, what it reveals, and how to treat it...

Forehead breakouts

Acne or breakouts on the forehead can be caused by all sorts of issues, but are most directly related to hormones and stress.

When stress levels rise the body produces more stress hormones, which cause over production of oil and thus a higher chance of a breakout. Lifestyle choices like exercising and sweating may help to get circulation and blood flow going.

Dark spots

Hyperpigmentation (dark spots), can be linked to pollution, smoking and sun damage.

Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, dehydration, dryness, dark spots, expedited aging, wrinkles, sagging and a deterioration of collagen. Pollution releases microscopic particles or free radicals that can go deep into the skin and cause damage to otherwise healthy cells.

As the experts at Effortlessskin.com explain: "These spots are the result of UV damage, although they can pop up years after the actual exposure. They never fade on their own and will get darker are a sign you've had a lot of UV exposure and have damaged skin.

"It's important to know skin cancers can develop from benign sunspots, and it can be hard to tell the difference, if you notice any areas that's changed in size, shape or colour should be checked out by your GP or a dermatologist."

Wrinkles and sagging

Overall signs of loss of elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging may be caused by Glycation.

The Glycation process (sugars from food and alcohol, that break down the collagen fibers in the skin) speeds up the aging process.

Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol.

Chin/jaw breakouts

Chin or jawline breakouts are typically hormonal acne. Try exfoliating more and always clean your cell phone anything that may touch your chin. Clean all makeup brushes as to not spread bacteria.