Q&A: Can Stress Cause Severe Acne?

Q: Can stress cause severe acne? – R.K.

A: The short answer is no. Acne is a inflammatory disease of the skin caused by changes in the hair follicle and the sebaceous glands of the skin that produce sebum. There is no link to an increase in sebum (the oily substance that blocks the pores resulting in whiteheads or blackheads and pimples), which usually causes increased acne severity. However, stress can aggravate your body and likewise, cause an inflammatory response such as breakouts. But, with that said

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If you’re trying to figure out if your severe acne is stress-related, try writing down what’s going on in your life when you break out. Are your stress levels high? What are you eating? Are you doing or eating anything different than you normally do? This should help you pinpoint if stress is playing a role.

If you believe stress is a factor, get to the root by managing your stress with self care like exercise, meditation, anti-inflammatory foods and proper rest.