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Acne and Stress
July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT

Acne is a painful, embarrassing and stressful part of growing up for most teenagers. But, according to a study from Wake Forest University, that stress actually makes pimples worse. Researchers found that teens under high levels of stress were 23 percent more likely to have a severe breakout. Dr. Tiffani Hamilton, a dermatologic surgeon, says that "stress can lead to worsening of any skin disease. Our skin is a really good mirror of what is going on internally." That's why, she says, the first treatment for any acne condition is to make changes in your lifestyle, "because there is that link it is important to look at their whole life. They really need to look at what is leading to stress in their life, exercise more and eat better."
Dermatologists say early acne intervention is important, because if left untreated it can lead to permanent scarring.

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