Does Having a Pimple on Your Nose Mean Love Is in the Air?

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Plus, the underlying meaning of pimples on different parts of your face

Co-authored by Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD Reviewed by Jason Zuk

Last Updated: April 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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Nose Pimple Meaning

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Love Pimple Origins

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Scientific Evidence

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Pimple Locations & Meanings

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We’ve all been there: one morning, you wake up, look in the mirror, and there’s a giant pimple on your nose glaring back at you. Aside from the wicked witch and Rudolph associations, some people believe that a nose pimple is a sign that someone likes you, but what truth is there to this? Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to pimple superstitions and what they could mean for your love life.

Meaning of a Pimple on the Nose

In some cultures, a pimple on the nose is believed to mean that someone likes you, and the number of pimples reflects the number of romantic prospects. However, this superstition has no scientific backing, although the stress caused by a crush could result in a nose pimple.

Section 1 of 4:

What does a nose pimple mean?

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1
A nose pimple is believed to mean that someone has a crush on you. In places like India, people believe that nose pimples are a direct reflection of your love life. Pimples on the nose could mean that either you have a crush on someone or that someone has a crush on you. Either way, it means big things for your love life! Teenagers, in particular, are known to perpetuate this myth, as it serves to spice up their love life on a fun, social level and helps them manage the stress related to acne breakouts.^{[1]
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- If they believe a new zit on their nose means that the cute boy in math class is into them, then it may make their breakout easier to endure.
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Contrary to popular superstitions, “love pimples” are likely a myth. There is no scientific explanation for love pimples, but they could be partially explained by using the holistic practice of face mapping. Face mapping aims to determine what causes acne depending on where it appears on the face. Pimples in the t-zone of the face, or the forehead and nose, are believed to be a result of either stomach issues or hormones. When someone develops a crush or falls in love, stress hormones can flood the body as the person’s emotions continue to run high, which may, in turn, cause pimples.^{[2]
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- In essence, the blossoming feelings of love are more likely to cause the pimple from a hormonal standpoint– not the other way around.

Section 2 of 4:

Origins of the Love Pimple Superstition

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The myth of the love pimple has roots in ancient medicinal practices. The idea of love pimples is linked to face mapping, which dates back thousands of years to the rise of ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Similar to acupuncture, this practice focuses on the natural flow of energy in the body, along with ways to harness it and cure resulting ailments. Face mapping consists of assigning different areas of the face to specific organs and their related functions.
- Depending on where the pimple pops up, its location is believed to reflect an underlying condition in the body.
- For example, a pimple on the nose is associated with heart problems, which could be where the love pimple superstition came to be.^{[3]
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- According to practitioners of Chinese medicine, the body is made up of several systems, including hormonal, digestive, and lymphatic.
- These systems are entangled. Therefore, it’s hard to separate them, which is why Chinese medicine takes a holistic, full-body approach.
- Recently, an interest in the ancient practice of face mapping coupled with modern causes of acne has resulted in a face mapping trend in the world of skincare and dermatology.

Section 3 of 4:

Are love pimples supported by science?

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No, the idea of love pimples is not supported by scientific research. Although there’s no science that supports a relationship between the appearance of pimples and a surge in romantic prospects, “love” pimples are synonymous with adult acne, which certainly can be explained by science. Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people per year, and is defined as the buildup of oil and bacteria in the pores and around hair follicles. This ultimately causes pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne can be caused by several factors, such as hormones, diet, hygiene, and cosmetics.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
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- A 2017 study confirmed the correlation between increased stress and increased breakouts, which could propose a connection between the stress of having a "crush" one someone and getting a pimple.^{[5]
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- Face mapping offers one option when it comes to explaining the causes of acne depending on where it appears, although it’s not a foolproof method.
- Dermatologists recommend treating acne in various ways, from skincare products to lifestyle changes.
- For example, washing your face with a salicylic acid cleanser can help dry out pimples and minimize breakouts. Cleaning up your diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can also help.^{[6]
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Section 4 of 4:

What Pimples in Other Areas Mean

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Pimples on the cheek, chin, and forehead can indicate certain conditions. In face mapping, every area of the face corresponds with an organ and its related functions, offering specific explanations behind different kinds of acne. Knowing what internal issues are responsible for your breakouts is key to managing them. Here are a few other common causes of pimples based on their location:^{[7]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Forehead: Causes of forehead acne and acne between the eyes include stress, digestion issues, and decreased liver function.
- Cheeks: Causes of pimples on cheeks include a high-sugar and high-fat diet, along with environmental and respiratory concerns.
- Chin and jaw: Pimples on the jawline and chin are largely linked to hormonal issues and menstruation (for those who menstruate).
- T-zone: Consisting of the T-shaped area spanning the eyebrows and nose, pimples here are usually a result of excess oil and potential heart conditions.