If you struggle with acne breakouts, you may notice an increase in severity during stressful times. But does stress or anxiety truly cause acne? To better protect the health of your skin, it’s important to understand the relationship between stress, acne, and skincare treatments.

How Is Stress Related to Acne Breakouts?

Those who experience increased stress know that it can manifest in various physical ways.

Stress can lead to hair loss, weight gain, and trouble sleeping, but can it cause acne
breakouts as well? The reality is that stress does not directly cause acne in people who have
generally clear skin.

With that said, stress can increase the severity of acne in people who already struggle with
blemishes and breakouts. Blemishes may appear more inflamed than usual and be found in a
greater quantity across the face.

Stress can also cause existing blemishes to resolve much more slowly than during a nonstressful period, which can lead to acne scarring.

The exact reason why stress exacerbates acne is unknown. It may be due to the way stress
affects your hormone levels. It could also be due to poor hygiene habits and dietary choices that some people experience during times of intense stress.

Skincare Treatments for Acne Blemishes

When you see an increase in your acne breakouts that coincides with stress or any other factor,
you may need dermatologist-approved skin care products.

Some skincare products that are dermatologist-approved can be found over-the-counter, but
most are prescribed and provided directly from your doctor. This includes medicated face
washes, topical solutions, and moisturizing creams.

Skincare treatments for acne aim to control oil production, reduce inflammation, and create
smoother texture.