- When the sebaceous (oil) glands are stimulated to secrete more sebum (oil), the result is acne formation. According to the Acne Resource Center, stress can cause a person's adrenal glands to produce more hormones, which leads to stimulation of the sebaceous glands and, ultimately, the formation of acne.
- According to dermatologist Richard G. Fried (quoted in "Medical News Today"), the connection between emotions and acne is powerful: "When patients are going through a rough period in their lives, negative emotions can wreak havoc on their appearance."
- A Wake Forest University School of Medicine study in 2007 revealed that teens with high levels of stress were 23 percent more likely to have increased acne severity. A 2002 study by the Stanford University School of Medicine demonstrated that acne worsened for students experiencing the greatest stress during exam periods.
- The development of acne often leads to self-consciousness, depression and anxiety. These psychological conditions, in turn, may cause acne to worsen.
- The connection between skin conditions and emotions has spawned a new medical field, psychodermatology. The goal of psychodermatology is to treat the skin and the stress simultaneously.
- Techniques used in psychodermatology include relaxation therapy, stress management, counseling and antidepressants, as well as the promotion of healthy eating habits.
previous post