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CLEARING UP THE ACNE-STRESS CONNECTION
Does stress cause acne? Thanks.
Dr. Zitmore
Dear Dr. Zitmore,
We still can’t say for sure that stress causes acne, but it’s clear that emotional strain plays a big part in both chronic acne and occasional breakouts.
For a long time, it’s been thought that stress stimulated the production of lots of sebum, an oily substance that coats the hair and skin, and one that is associated with acne. But, an important 2007 Wake Forrest University study found that the sebum levels of a group of high school students did not vary significantly when they were stressed out from things like family problems and exams—even though many saw a worsening of their existing acne. These results shift the acne-stress spotlight to inflammation because acne and friends are inflammatory conditions, and stress is known to promote inflammation.
To inflame things even more, stress also weakens our immune systems, which are responsible for healing everything from popped whiteheads to stinging sunburn. And since acne and zits are really stressful for a lot people, it’s possible that upset over the way one’s skin looks can end up populating it with even more pimples and puffiness.
Applying stress reduction may make for healthier skin because, whatever stress’s exact role in acne is, there’s little doubt that it greases the way for this and other common cosmetic challenges.
Les
10/08
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