Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Mental Health
Acne is a commonly experienced skin condition. In fact, it’s the most common skin condition in the United States! About 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne at some point--so if you’re currently dealing with acne, know that you’re not the only one. If you need support over acne-related self-consciousness, reaching out to an online therapist is a great way to get help.
What Causes Acne?
A breakout occurs when pores called sebaceous glands (or sometimes hair follicles) are blocked. Whiteheads and blackheads are the most common and least severe forms of acne. Meanwhile, papules, pustules, cystic acne or lesions, acne vulgaris, and nodules are more severe. Acne is commonly referred to as pimples or zits and a doctor can usually diagnose acne just by looking at your skin.
There are several different causes of acne. These include:
Genetics
Hormonal changes (such as puberty and pregnancy)
Excess production in oil glands
Inflammation
Bacteria
A diet with lots of refined sugars and carbohydrates
High stress levels
Certain medications (like birth control and corticosteroids)
Use of oil-based cosmetics
Ineffective skincare
Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
Skin cancer
There are plenty of ways that those little pink bumps can be treated, both at home and by a dermatologist.
How Is Acne Treated?
Most cases of acne can be resolved using over-the-counter treatments and basic lifestyle adjustments.
Over-The-Counter Topical Solutions
Some of the most effective products to treat moderate acne contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You can find all sorts of affordable products with these active ingredients at your local drugstore. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way! If you use a salicylic acid cleanser followed by a salicylic acid toner and then add a salicylic acid gel on top, you’re only going to irritate the surface of the skin more and potentially clog pores, making your acne worse.
Instead, apply topical solutions in a thin layer underneath your moisturizer. Yes, you should be using moisturizer! It might seem counterintuitive to moisturize when your face is oily, but if you don’t use moisturizer, your skin will produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness created by topical solutions like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
If you like to wear makeup, don’t worry; you don’t have to give it up! You can still use cosmetics as long as they are oil-free and non-comedogenic. One helpful resource is cosDNA, a website where you can type in any of your skincare products or cosmetics to check them for acne-causing ingredients. Of course, make sure to remove your makeup every night before bed.
Long hair that touches your face should be shampooed regularly, and you may want to tie it back so that any oils from your hair aren’t transferred to your face. Try to avoid wearing hats and tight headbands, which can trap dirt and oil against your skin and lead to breakouts. It’s also a good idea to avoid touching your face as much as possible, and don’t pop or pick at your pimples. This can slow down the healing process and lead to developing acne scars.
Lifestyle Changes
Aside from skincare, there are some changes you can make to your lifestyle that will make you and your skin healthier overall. Firstly, when you’re dealing with acne, you’ll want to make sure to change your pillowcase once or twice a week. Bacteria and oil build up on pillowcases very quickly, so changing your pillowcase is a simple and easy way to combat any breakouts that are caused by resting your face on a bacteria-filled pillow. It’s also important to clean your phone on a regular basis.
Hydration
Making sure to drink lots of water will not only keep you hydrated, but it also promotes clear skin. Green tea is another great drink that contains antioxidants and reduces inflammation. Plus, it contains caffeine, but not enough to make you feel wired and jittery. Replacing coffee and soda with green tea and water can make a difference in your skin’s health.
Diet
When it comes to the food you eat, try to eat sugary and carbohydrate-dense foods in moderation. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are all great options when you’re in search of a snack. Healthy fats like the ones found in eggs and fatty fish are also awesome additions to your diet.
Exercise
Staying active and getting plenty of exercise can also contribute to better health. You don’t have to do hardcore workouts; just taking a walk, shooting a few hoops, or dancing to your favorite music is enough. Try to get your body moving on a daily basis. However, if you work up a sweat, wash your face immediately afterward so that the sweat doesn’t clog your pores.
Stress Management
Managing stress is very important while dealing with acne. This can definitely be a challenge and can sometimes turn into a vicious cycle: You break out, feel stressed about breaking out, the stress makes your breakout worse, and then you get even more stressed. That’s why it’s essential to take control of your stress by using healthy coping mechanisms. These can range from getting exercise to taking a walk to journaling about your feelings. Meditation and mindfulness are also amazing tools to employ.
Dermatological Solutions
If you feel like you've tried every at-home acne treatment but aren't seeing improvement, there are still options for you! It'll be necessary to see a dermatologist to determine which acne medication is the best choice. Dermatologists will often start off with prescription-strength topical creams like adapalene cream, tretinoin, retinoic acid, and high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide. There are many other topical creams used for treating acne, as well.
Sometimes, dermatologists will also prescribe oral antibiotics to take in addition to using topical solutions for moderate to severe acne. Many of these antibiotics can cause an upset stomach, so it's generally best to take them with food, and it may be best for you to take them at night so that any side effects don't interfere with your daily responsibilities. Always speak to your dermatologist regarding medications and side effects.
Depending on your age, dermatologists may recommend birth control pills or spironolactone for girls with acne. These acne treatments control the hormones that can develop acne.
A final option is isotretinoin, which is often referred to by its previous brand name, Accutane. This is a Vitamin A-based medication, and it's generally only used for very severe cases of acne because it can have serious side effects and even worsen acne if used improperly.
How Does Acne Affect Mental Health?
Acne affects more than just your skin. Numerous studies have shown that acne has effects on mental health as well. These effects range from low self-esteem and poor self-image to depression and anxiety. Many people with acne also report decreased quality of life and a feeling of being all alone. It’s common for people who have acne to feel self-conscious, embarrassed, and unattractive.
Acne doesn’t have to be severe for people to experience mental health effects. Even mild to moderate acne can cause distress, especially in teenage girls. Fortunately, there are ways to treat mental health problems like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
How Can You Remain Confident While Dealing with Acne?
If you have acne, know that it does not affect your worth. You are still a person who deserves happiness and fulfillment.
But it’s easy to disregard statements like these when you’re experiencing acne. That’s why it’s essential to bring in a mental health professional if your acne is causing mental health problems. There’s even a field called psychodermatology, which examines the link between skin conditions and mental health. Psychodermatology provides dermatological solutions alongside psychological support such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. But even if you’re not able to find a psychodermatologist near you, a counselor or therapist can provide the help you need.
Talking with a counselor can lift your confidence and improve your self-esteem. A mental health professional can help you knock out negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. They can also assist you in finding stress management techniques that work for you--and in most cases, reduced stress leads to reduced acne.
Although you may think holing up in your room until your skin clears is the best option, don’t let acne keep you from enjoying life! Try to get out of the house regularly and keep up communication with friends and loved ones. You can also talk to people you trust about your feelings surrounding acne. You’re likely to find that the people who are important to you don’t look at you any differently just because of a few pimples.
Online Therapy For Those With Acne
At the end of the day, self-worth comes from within. Try making a list of your accomplishments and positive attributes, and reread it whenever your skin has you feeling down. Remind yourself that acne is temporary, but your character is not. As stressful and upsetting as acne can be, trust that it will clear up eventually--and until then, you can still find confidence within yourself.
If you’re experiencing acne that’s led to mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help. BetterHelp (18+) or TeenCounseling (13-19) are both great places to get started, and you don’t even have to leave the house! While online therapy does not replace medical advice from your doctor, your therapist can provide a listening ear and help you work through the stress and emotions surrounding your acne experience. They can also suggest effective methods for managing stress and other challenging emotions while aiding you in improving your self-esteem and confidence.
Additionally, online therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including mood disorders associated with self-worth and self-esteem. Online therapists have the same level of training and experience as in-person therapists, so offer the same level of professional assistance.
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Takeaway
Acne is an incredibly common skin condition that affects people of all ages and lifestyles across the world. While some acne can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, other cases may require medical attention. Regardless of the severity of your acne from a medical perspective, if you feel that it is impacting your mental health, consider speaking with a professional to help you regain your confidence and build your self esteem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main cause of acne?
Four main factors cause acne: inflammation, bacteria, excess oil production, and clogged hair follicles. Hormonal changes, diet, stress, and certain medications can also play a part. You can often treat your acne at home with over-the-counter topical solutions and lifestyle changes. But if the acne persists, it's best to see a dermatologist, as they can offer more aggressive solutions like antibiotics and topical prescription treatments.
What age is acne the worst?
Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24. It typically starts during puberty and usually affects girls earlier than boys. For most people, it's at its worst at ages 15 to 17 and generally improves after that point.
Can stress cause pimples?
Stress does not directly cause acne. However, there is still a relationship between the two. If you already have a skin condition, high stress levels can make it worse. This is because stress slows the body's healing process, causing breakouts to last longer and sometimes become more severe. Reducing your stress levels with healthy coping strategies can also reduce the severity of breakouts.
Is it my fault I have acne?
No, acne isn't your fault. Your skincare only partially determines how mild or severe blemishes will be, and although your lifestyle plays a part in pimple formation, that doesn't mean that it's your fault. There are many causes of acne. Luckily, most cases clear up on their own, and there are also plenty of over-the-counter remedies and simple lifestyle changes that can make a difference. Be sure to see a dermatologist if your acne is persistent and doesn't respond to healthy lifestyle changes and over-the-counter topical solutions.