Having acne can ruin a person's confidence. There something about it that can really harm the way you conduct yourself around people. Those with acne always feel like their faces are being silently critiqued - always. Quite a bitter pill to swallow if you ask me.

Just to be clear, there are many reasons why people develop acne. Most people will ask you questions along the lines of, "Hey, do you know how to wash your face properly?" or say things like, "You're not so fond of skincare, are you?". These words can be extremely disheartening, especially since you know you are trying your hardest to maintain clean hygiene.

The Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by several factors that are generally out of our control. Genetics, for one, is a key player. Oily and acne-prone skin needs the special taking care of, aside from the usual wash and cleanse method those with beautiful skin can swear by. And then, there is stress.

Stress is one of those external factors that lead to acne. A study that was conducted in 2003 aiming to disprove the theory that stress can trigger acne, but all it did was strengthen the "myth". The more stress you have, the more magnified your breakouts will be. Of course, stress is not the only cause of acne. Other factors like age, hormones, and bacteria are also major culprits that contribute to breakouts and acne aggravation. But, how does stress cause acne?

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), also known as the stress hormone, is considered the number one reason. CRH bind to the sebaceous glands. This bond sends the oil production of the skin into overdrive. Too much oil and sebum leads to a pimple. These glands, when blocked, can also make the skin more prone to inflammation. This can worsen your existing pimples by making it appear more swollen or red.

But that is not all, the two are often tackled results of unwanted stress, but did you know that stress can also make you feel itchy? It's true. People who have a lot of stress get a certain nerve stimulated that can trigger skin itching. The initial reaction of many will be to pick on or scratch their skin. This simple move delays the healing process and causes the acne to swell and become red in color.

Stress can also take an emotional toll on people experiencing them. Apart from the biological reasons caused by stress, physical issues also drive up the number of acne blemish on your skin when you neglect what your body needs like good sleep, a healthy diet, and even proper hygiene. All of which are necessary to maintain beautiful skin.

How Will I Know if My Acne is Caused by Stress?

The best method for that is called face mapping. This may not be as effective as a dermatologist's advice, but at least it can provide you with an idea of what you are dealing with. Stress is released through the skin and will usually manifest on the following stress acne areas:

Forehead

Forehead pimples are caused by some things. First, it can be caused by heavy products like conditioners or shampoo that can block the pores along the hairline. Or you might be a hat-wearer, and the friction can lead to skin irritation resulting in those unwanted acne blemishes. But, stress is also a considerable factor. You may notice that when you are agitated about a certain thing or anxious towards an upcoming event, tiny pimples appear on your forehead. If you see this pattern, try adding salicylic acid to your skin care regimen. You need to be proactive and get ahead of the game to avoid potential zits caused by acne. Also, proper diet is important. As the forehead is known to be linked to the digestive system. Avoiding chips and candy, despite how much you need it during stressful periods, is a big help in clearing your forehead acne.

Chin sides and jaw

Commonly caused by hormones, pimples in these areas can also be due to stress. The accumulation of dirt, skin cells and pollution does the skin some damage, but if you leave a very stressful lifestyle, you are likely to develop them on these areas, ranging from mild to severe. Even the most normal stress levels due to different issues can lead to acne development.

Lipline

Ever wonder why you get a  pimple on the lip line? Most people take it to mean that you have infections or allergic reactions. While these causes are also to blame, along with lip products or toothpaste, and waxing, for the development of lip line acne. Stress is another one to add to the list. It increases the chance of acne formation because it messes up a few body functions like overly producing hormones that trigger acne in this area.

How to Treat Stress-Induced Acne

Stress is not only harmful to your skin but to your entire system, as well. So, how do you put an end to this stress-induced acne?

First, act fast. When you see a zit about to pop, spot treat it ASAP. The ingredients to use are those with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or some probiotics to instantaneously reduce inflammation while killing the bacteria.

Exfoliate. Dead skin cells should be removed regularly. While these normally fall off on their own, a lot of them stick to the skin and clog the pores. Washing your face can only do so much.

Avoid drying out the skin. Moisturize. Stress can make your skin appear more oily than usual, but it does not mean you should skip the moisturizer. You need it to keep your skin protected.

Eat healthily. Yes, we all know that binge eating is quite a normal habit for those who feel they have a lot on their plate, metaphorically speaking. But, this will not help clear your stress-induced acne in any way. Excessive fats and sugar will only add to your problems, thus starting a vicious cycle you do not want.

No matter how stressed you are, get enough rest, eat right, exercise, and avoid nasty habits like drinking and smoking. If you feel better on the inside, it will show on the outside.