THAT LINE BETWEEN your eyebrows could mean you're drinking too much alcohol. And the spot on your forehead might be a sign of digestive problems. This is the kind of advice you might get from what's called face mapping - a form of skin analysis that combines science with ancient Chinese diagnosis.
'It's east meets west,' says Sally Penford of the International Dermal Institute in London. 'You have to tackle it from both sides.'
She uses face maps from cosmetics company Dermalogica, which divide the skin into 14 zones, each of which is examined individually. It's more than a quick glance at your pores. The process begins with an extensive consultation. Clients fill in a card, answering questions about health, habits and skincare.
The face is then examined through a magnifying glass. But some skin problems - like congestion and oiliness - are difficult to see. So, the therapist runs a thumb and fingers over every bit of skin.
A series of questions aimed at uncovering the source of any problems follows.
All the information is jotted down on a prescription sheet showing a map of the face divided into its various zones.
