When faced with the trouble of stress acne, stress management and acne treatment are solutions worth exploring. Stress acne, also known as stress-induced acne, is a condition where existing acne worsens due to personal stress.
Although stress is not considered the direct cause of acne, there is a connection between them. The following will introduce in detail the relevant information about stress acne, covering its symptoms, treatment methods, prevention measures, and when to seek medical attention.
Studies have shown that there is no significant difference in appearance between stress acne and ordinary acne. It may present in the following forms:
Blackheads: Pores enlarge due to the accumulation of oil or dead skin, and a reaction occurs between oxygen and the buildup, forming black dots.
Nodules or Cysts: Skin rashes with swelling in the deep layers due to the accumulation of oil, dead skin, and bacteria.
Papules: Small red bumps that appear when bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil penetrate the skin.
Comedones: Bacterial accumulation in pores leads to skin swelling.
Pustules: A rash similar to papules, with a yellow or white center and a pale yellow liquid inside.
Whiteheads: Raised white or flesh-colored spots formed by the accumulation of oil and dead skin.
As Dr. Allison K. Truong, a researcher of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and a dermatologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told "Health", stress acne is a manifestation of the outbreak or worsening of existing acne under psychological stress. For example, someone who usually has only one or two pimples may suddenly have 10, 20, or 30 pimples during periods of high stress.
Although stress is not the real cause of acne, there is a connection between the severity of acne and stress. A review that analyzed several acne studies found that emotional stress can worsen acne in 50% to 80% of people.
Dr. Angela Lamb, an associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told "Health" that people with skin more prone to acne, such as those with larger pores or oilier skin, are more sensitive to stress acne. Some researchers have proposed several theories to explain the connection between stress and acne. For example, the increase in specific hormones is one of the most commonly accepted reasons. One of these hormones is cortisol, the "fight or flight" hormone. The body also increases the production of androgens (male sex hormones) in response to stress. These hormones can stimulate the skin's oil glands and hair follicles, leading to acne.
The specific cause of acne is still unclear, but the following situations in pores may lead to acne:
Bacterial Growth: Bacteria multiply in pores.
Dead Skin Buildup: Dead skin cells accumulate in pores.
Excessive or High Oil Production: The skin secretes too much oil.
Recognizing whether and when stress leads to the formation of acne is crucial for controlling acne. The first step in eliminating acne is to try to relieve stress. This can be achieved through the following stress-relieving activities:
Do Breathing Exercises: Relax the body and mind through deep breathing.
Get Adequate Sleep: Ensure the body gets sufficient rest.
Listen to Music: Soothing music helps relieve tension.
Meditate: Concentrate, eliminate distractions, and reduce psychological stress.
Read: Immerse in the world of books and divert attention.
Try Yoga or Tai Chi: Regulate the physical and mental state through body stretching and movement.
Walk: Appropriate exercise promotes blood circulation and relieves stress.
Other treatment methods vary from person to person. People with mild acne who want more effective treatment can try the following cleansers:
Benzoyl Peroxide: Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Glycolic Acid: Helps improve skin texture.
Salicylic Acid: Can exfoliate and unclog pores.
People with mild acne can also use mild cleansers and topical antibiotic therapies, such as topical azelaic acid, dapsone, or clindamycin. In this case, Dr. Truong suggests adding a low-strength topical retinoid, such as the over-the-counter (OTC) adapalene gel (such as Differin) or a prescription tretinoin cream.
The treatment method may also depend on how quickly the patient wants the acne to subside. Regardless of the product used to treat acne, Dr. Truong emphasizes: "The most important thing is to treat the cause. If we have a way to treat stress, that would be to treat stress."
Although it is not always possible, avoiding or limiting stress as much as possible can prevent stress acne. Whether your acne is related to stress or not, the following measures can be taken to help prevent and control acne:
Clean the Skin Gently: Avoid scrubbing the skin hard and use soap that does not dry out the skin.
Don't Let Your Hair Cover Your Face and Limit the Number of Times You Touch Your Face: Reduce the stimulation and pollution of the facial skin by hair and hands.
Limit Any Picking, Rubbing, Scratching, or Squeezing of Acne: Prevent infection and inflammation from getting worse.
Remove Dirt or Cosmetics from the Face, Especially Before Going to Bed at Night: Keep the face clean and avoid clogged pores.
Stick to Your Acne Treatment Plan: Continuously carry out effective treatment.
Wash Your Face Twice a Day and Also After Exercise: Clean the dirt and sweat on the skin surface in a timely manner.
Stress can also trigger or worsen other skin diseases, including:
Atopic Dermatitis: A subtype of eczema, a skin disease characterized by itchy, scaly rashes.
Psoriasis: A disease that causes skin inflammation, with the skin possibly turning red and having silver-white scales.
Rosacea: A skin disease where the patient's face may turn red or have swelling and acne-like sores.
If any of the following situations occur, you need to contact a healthcare provider or a dermatologist:
Scars Appear When Acne Subsides: Professional treatment may be needed to improve the scar condition.
Feeling Stressed Due to Acne: The doctor can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan, including psychological counseling.
Acne Worsens or Causes Pain: The treatment plan may need to be adjusted or further examination may be required.
Self-Care or Over-the-Counter Medications Have Been Used to Treat Acne, but These Medications Have No Effect or Are No Longer Effective: Professional diagnosis and more effective treatment suggestions are needed.
If acne suddenly appears and the cause is uncertain, you should also see a doctor. Suddenly appearing acne may be caused by an infection or a rash, such as folliculitis (bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles) or allergic contact dermatitis (a rash caused by an allergy).
If it is found that acne is caused by stress, consulting a mental health expert may also be helpful. They can provide guidance on stress relief or stress management techniques.
In conclusion, stress factors can aggravate stress acne. Although stress is not the root cause of acne, there is a connection between them. The best strategy to prevent stress acne is to avoid stress that causes acne as much as possible and try different treatment methods to eliminate acne. Stress acne usually fades over time and with treatment. However, if acne persists or worsens, seek medical attention promptly and consult a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist.
