Acne x Mental Health

Acne is a common skin condition that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. However, for some people, acne may continue into adulthood and have a serious impact on their mental well-being.

Acne, even in the most mildest form, can have profound social and psychological effects. This is an area of concern, especially for adolescents and young adults. In the recent years, there have been open discussions between patients and medical and mental health professionals to reveal the wide impact acne has on the psyche. Some of the most common problems are: experienced bullying, low self-esteem, disturbed body image, reduced participation in activities, social withdrawal, difficulties in relationship building, emotional distress, refusal to go to school, reduced positive risk taking such as ruling out certain occupations, and feelings of unworthiness.

Such experiences can lead to the development of depression and anxiety, specifically social anxiety. In early 2018, research published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that patients with acne had an increased risk of developing major depression or depressive symptoms. It is also important to acknowledge the bidirectional association between psychological health and dermatological conditions, also referred to as the mind-skin connection. A well known example of this connection is the association between increased stress contributing to skin breakouts, and vice versa.

A field of medicine that has recently been gaining more traction, yet is still in need of more research, is the field of psychodermatology, also known as psychoneurocutaneous medicine. Psychodermatology includes both skin and mental health professionals who focus on the mind-skin connection and aim to treat both aspects. More specifically, such professionals study the link between emotional issues and skin conditions and provide psychological support, such as cognitive behavioral therapy alongside dermatological treatments to treat all of the effects of acne.

As someone who has personally struggled with acne from adolescence to early adulthood (currently) I can give a personal testimony to what it is like to experience acne. I have had many experiences where my acne was pointed out by either friends, family, or complete strangers. Once, when I was about 17, I was walking in Ulta to buy a new mascara and a sales associated came up to me and said that she noticed I was experiencing a bad break out, inflammation, and scarring. I was so embarrassed I nearly ran out of the store without buying anything. Another time I had a friend who told me that someone said that I would be prettier if I didn't have acne. So as you can see it wasn't the physical blemishes or scars left on my face that I was so ashamed and hurt by. It was the words of others that left a true scar on my self-esteem and self-worth. I have been fortunate to have such great social support now that help me when I am experiencing a breakout and the emotional distress or embarrassment that follows.

I would say a little word of advice to the people that may know someone who is experiencing acne to not say anything unless the person directly asks you for advice on how to care for their skin. If they ask you for advice, affirm their beauty and worth and suggest that they see a professional dermatologist or esthetician who can assist them based on their skin type or underlying conditions.

I hope this helps shed light on the effects acne has on mental health. I also hope it helps others who may be experiencing acne feel comforted knowing that there are others out there who are going through it with you and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Instagram accounts worth following if this resonated with you:

- @healingwithmeg

- @the_psychodermatologist

- @acne._positivity