Understanding the Stress-Acne Connection: How Stress Hormones Trigger Breakouts

If your teen’s acne seems to flare up during stressful times, like before a big test, social event or during hectic school weeks, you’re not imagining things. There’s a well-documented link between stress and acne and understanding how stress hormones contribute to breakouts can be the key to managing them more effectively. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind the stress-acne connection and offer insights on how to reduce the impact of stress on your teen’s skin.

You can grab a free guide "Stress Relief Journal Prompts" HERE to help your teen figure out their stress triggers.

When your teen experiences stress, whether due to school pressures, social anxieties, or personal concerns, the body responds by releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are part of the “fight-or-flight” response that prepares the body to face challenges. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, chronic stress can have negative effects on the body, including the skin.

One of the primary ways stress contributes to acne is through the increase of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Elevated cortisol levels lead to a cascade of changes that can worsen existing acne or trigger new breakouts:

Increased Sebum Production: Stress causes the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria, leading to blocked pores, inflammation and the formation of acne lesions.

Hormonal Imbalances: Cortisol can also disrupt other hormonal balances in the body, particularly androgens. Androgens, such as testosterone, stimulate oil production in the skin. When these hormones are out of balance due to stress, it can further exacerbate sebum production and lead to more severe breakouts.

Weakened Skin Barrier: Chronic stress impairs the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to inflammation and bacterial infections. A weakened skin barrier means that acne lesions are more likely to become inflamed and take longer to heal.

Increased Inflammation: Stress can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which not only affects the skin but also causes existing acne lesions to become more red, swollen and painful. This inflammation can also contribute to post-acne scarring and pigmentation.

Stress-related acne often appears as deep, inflamed pimples, particularly along the jawline, chin and cheeks. It may also manifest as an increase in oiliness or blackheads in areas where your teen typically doesn’t break out. If you notice a sudden flare-up coinciding with a stressful period, like exam time or a school dance, it’s a good indicator that stress might be playing a role.

While it’s impossible to eliminate stress entirely, there are ways to manage it and reduce its impact on your teen’s skin:

Encourage Stress-Reducing Activities: Activities like exercise, yoga, meditation or even a walk outside can help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. Encourage your teen to find stress-relieving practices that they enjoy and can incorporate into their daily routine.

Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Stress often disrupts sleep and poor sleep can further worsen acne. Ensure your teen is getting enough rest each night to help regulate their stress levels and support their skin health.

Support a Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can support the body’s ability to handle stress and keep the skin balanced. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne flare-ups.

Establish a Gentle Skincare Routine: Stress can make the skin more sensitive, so it’s important to avoid harsh products that can further irritate the skin. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products that soothe and protect the skin’s barrier.

Understanding the connection between stress and acne can help you and your teen take proactive steps to manage breakouts during high-pressure times. By focusing on stress-reducing techniques and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, your teen can achieve healthier skin and feel more confident, even during life’s stressful moments.

The free guide "Stress Relief Journal Prompts" may help reduce stress and reduce breakouts, find it HERE

Have a fabulous day!

Jean Kelly

Licensed Esthetician

Acne Specialist

PS.

You're invited to join my free Facebook Group "Parents of Teens With Acne", join HERE

If you want to get started right away with some secrets that are easy to implement and don't cost any money, grab the online mini course "Clear Skin Secrets" HERE and start using the secrets today! It's super affordable at only $28 and lots of moms are jumping in before the price goes up.