Does Stress Cause Acne?

Stress does not cause acne, but it can worsen acne by affecting your hormonal balance. It happens because when you’re stressed, your body produces more hormones, like cortisol, which can increase oil (sebum) production in the skin. If you are a person with acne, this excess oil can clog pores, leading to more severe breakouts and you may call this as stress pimples.

A stressed lady
Image source: TARABLISS

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin problem caused by blocked pores. Hair follicles, which are tiny tubes that contain your hair strands, can become clogged. Several glands discharge into these follicles, and when an excessive amount of material accumulates inside, it causes a blockage. Your pores may become obstructed by:

  • Sebum: An oily substance produced by the skin. 
  • Bacteria: An overgrowth of bacteria can lead to clogged pores.
  • Dead Skin Cells: Dead cells can sometimes become trapped in your hair follicles.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, causing worry or mental tension. Stress can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and sleep problems, and may lead to changes in appetite or increased substance use. Chronic stress can worsen existing health issues and contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which may require medical attention if they disrupt daily life and functioning. Having more acne or face pimples can increase your stress level because it affects your self-esteem and appearance.

How are stress and acne related? 

Stress does not cause acne, but it can worsen acne by affecting your hormonal balance, which can cause hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is associated with excessive sebum production due to hormonal changes. When you’re stressed, your body produces more hormones, like cortisol, which can increase oil (sebum) production in the skin. If you are a person with acne, this excess oil can clog pores, leading to more severe breakouts. 

A lady with acne on face due to stress
 Image source: TRABLISS

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne, often referred to as adult acne, impacts individuals aged 20 to 50. It leads to the appearance of various types of bumps on the face, shoulders, chest, and back, including:

  • Pimples
  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Cysts

Hormonal acne arises when fluctuations in hormones lead to increased oil production in the skin. 

Difference between bacterial acne and hormonal acne

People often get confused between bacterial acne and hormonal acne. Bacterial acne develops due to an overgrowth of yeast, while hormonal acne is triggered by excess sebum production. Bacterial acne is caused by the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, which normally lives harmlessly on our skin. However, when excess oil and clogged pores create favorable conditions, P. acnes multiply rapidly, leading to pimples. Bacterial acne can lead to whiteheads, itching, and often becomes red, irritated, and inflamed.

Causes of hormonal acne

Hormonal acne arises when fluctuations in hormones lead to increased oil production in the skin. This excess oil interacts with bacteria in the hair follicles (the pores where hair grows), leading to acne.

Controllable Causes of Hormonal Acne:

  • Stress, which increases the hormone cortisol level
  • Insufficient sleep
  • Using hair and skincare products that are not oil-free or that contain pore-clogging ingredients (non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic)

Uncontrollable Causes of Hormonal Acne:

  • Fluctuating hormone levels in women, such as during menstruation, irregular periods, pregnancy, menopause, or after stopping birth control
  • Men undergoing testosterone therapy
  • Genetic predisposition (family history of acne)
  • Side effects from medications (such as steroids)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions

Symptoms of hormonal acne

Acne can cause lesions, which are damaged areas of skin that may become inflamed and appear red, painful, or sore. Typically, these breakouts are seen on the cheeks but may also occur in other areas such as

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Chest

Hormonal acne may present as various types of lesions, including:

  • Whiteheads
  • Blackheads
  • Papules
  • Pustules (bumps on the skin containing pus, 2-5 mm in diameter)
  • Cysts (fluid-filled pockets under the skin)

How to get rid of stress related acne?

Identifying whether stress is affecting your acne is crucial for managing it. The initial approach to managing acne involves reducing stress.Stress pimples can also be reduced by doing stress-relief activities such as:

  • Practising breathing exercises
  • Ensuring adequate sleep
  • Listening to music
  • Meditating
  • Reading
  • Engaging in yoga or tai chi
  • Taking walks

Treatment for stress pimples

If someone with mild acne is looking for a more potent solution, they might consider using these cleansers:

  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Glycolic acid
  • Salicylic acid

While stress and acne are not directly linked, it can exacerbate acne, and severe acne can, in turn, increase your stress levels. To manage this cycle, it’s important to avoid stress-inducing situations and engage in stress-relief activities. 

Focus keywords: Stress, Acne, Pimples, Stress pimples, Hormonal acne. 

Written by Liya Sunny

Source

Hormonal Acne: What Is It, Treatment, Causes & Prevention

ACNE: WHO GETS ACNE AND CAUSES

How to get rid of stress pimples

What is stress – World Health Organization

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