Stress
Stress can impact hormones and the skin’s immune function, leading to clogged pores and oily skin. Stress isn’t the major trigger for acne, but it worsens pimples already present on the skin. According to studies, acne’s severity increases when stress levels increase. For instance, 2018 research found that psychiatric illness and stressful life events were more visible to acne patients (aged 12 to 45) than in the control group.
A small-scale study also conducted in 2018 concluded that stress management improved the symptoms of almost female participants. Meanwhile, a 2020 study examined the link between stressful life events and acne patients. Results showed that acne patients are more likely to experience internet addiction, loneliness, and depression.
In 2020, an international panel discussion recommended that doctors question acne patients’ emotions, sleep, and stress because these are apparent trigger factors. Other studies also supported the idea that psychological factors could influence acne progression.
