Spoiler alert: Yes, most probably.
We are currently living in extraordinary times. COVID-19 has changed the world—and life—as we know it, and we are all trying to cope with these changes. It has also, understandably, left a majority of the world’s population anxious, sleepless, and stressed out.
That anxiety manifests in different ways: Some of us may be having trouble sleeping or experiencing lucid dreams, others may be snacking excessively, and others may be seeing the effects on their skin through hives, eczema, or acne.
It’s no secret that there’s a direct correlation between stress and acne. If firsthand experience hasn’t taught you that, you can at least trust the science: A study conducted back in 2003 confirms what we already know: that stress can trigger a breakout. And not just that, the higher the stress levels, the more severe the breakout.
How does stress cause acne?
Dr Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines says, “When we talk about stress acne, we’re actually talking about hormonal acne as well. You’re breaking out as a response to how stress is altering your regularly scheduled hormonal pattern.”
Stress, he adds, whether it’s emotional, psychological, physical, medical, environmental, or social, can affect anyone at any time. “When you’re under an increased amount of stress, the level of stress-related hormones like cortisol rises and triggers oil glands to produce more oil. More oil production means more clogged pores, and more clogged pores means more breakouts.”
Related: How to Banish Bacne in Time for Summer
How do you know if it’s stress that’s causing your breakout?
The location of your pimples provides a clue. Navarro says acne caused by stress usually appears on the oiliest part of your face, i.e. your T-Zone or the area covering your forehead, nose, and chin. What’s more, he adds, it will often be accompanied by blackheads, whiteheads, uneven skin, open pores, and that telltale sebum sheen.
If, however, your pimples appear on the same area, specifically your chin and jawline, and around the same time each month, that means your acne is brought on by your menstrual cycle rather than stress.
How do you treat stress acne?
One simple way to address it is to minimize stress. Navarro recommends relaxation exercises such as meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing. “[Engage in] practices that can help balance your hormones,” he advises.
Learning to manage your stress, especially during this time, has benefits that go beyond great skin. It’ll help keep your immune system strong and healthy, reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses, and help you get a good night’s rest.
It’s pretty easy to do, too, even on lockdown. Gyms and studios may be out of the question right now, but there are tons of free yoga and workout classes on YouTube and even Instagram Live these days. There are also plenty of meditation apps you can download, offering sessions that last no more than 10 minutes.
As for medications, Navarro says, “For management of stress acne, I follow the protocol for treatment of acne in general. Before recommending products for acne though, I need to assess the severity of acne, whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe.” Dr Navarro is currently accepting by-appointment teleconsults via the official Bella Pelle Philippines site.
Related: Here Are 7 Simple Ways You Can Boost Your Immunity During Lockdown
Pre-COVID-19 and pre-ECQ, treatments could include physical modalities and miscellaneous therapies such as lasers and peels. Sadly, these procedures are not feasible right now. There are, thankfully, several other treatment options for dealing with stress acne:
- Topical therapy
- Systemic antibiotics – This is recommended for use in moderate to severe inflammatory acne that is resistant to topical therapy.
- Hormonal agents – Oral contraceptives, for example, which may help address acne in many women. They could be used alone or in combination with other acne treatments.
- Oral Isotretinoin – This one is recommended for severe nodular acne.
Just a reminder: Before you embark on any kind of acne treatment, you should consult a Philippine Dermatological Society-certified dermatologist. Book a scheduled online consultation with us.
Recommended Skincare Products
“Together with the cosmeceutical products below, I would still recommend topical and oral medications like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics in treating acne,” says Navarro.
Biretix Purifying Cleansing Gel, P980
To prevent pimples, find a gentle cleanser for acne-prone skin that controls sebum, reduces bacteria, and gets rid of grime without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. A cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin is all the more important now that we’re always stuck indoors, where the dry air from the air conditioner can wreak havoc on the skin.
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel, P1,150
If you’re breaking out, add a spot treatment to your skincare routine. Choose a retinoid treatment that fights pimple-causing bacteria, reduces redness, clears pores, and promotes cell renewal by exfoliating the skin.
A mask treatment once or twice a week isn’t just a great way to treat acne, it’s also a great self-care routine you can include in your skincare regimen. A little pampering goes a long way, for both your skin and your soul. A clay mask that helps control excess sebum, unclogs pores, and reduces redness is perfect for acne-prone skin.
Kamedis AC Clear Breakouts Kit (Facial Cleanser + Face Cream + Spot Treatment) P3,300
If you’re looking to start a regimen specifically for breakouts, invest in a kit that has a cleanser, face cream, and spot treatment specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. That way you can easily and conveniently address the concerns related to your breakouts—gentle cleansing, excess sebum, spots, etc.—all at the same time.
Aknicare Treatment Lotion, P1,550
For blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory lesions, such as papules and pustules, find a spot treatment that contains ingredients that target these issues specifically. Aknicare Treatment Lotion has pimple-fighting Triethyl Citrate, Ethyl Linoleate, Salicylic Acid, and GT-Peptide-10.
ZO Obagi Oil Control Pads, P4,000
When you’ve got an acne-prone complexion, exfoliation is also important. You need to get rid of the dirt, grime, and dead skin that could end up clogging your pores. A moistened pad that acts as a chemical and mechanical exfoliant, reduces oiliness and soothes redness is ideal.
As Dr Maximin Navarro pointed out, aside from topical treatments, oral acne treatments are also available. Your derma can prescribe an oral antibiotic, or if you don’t want to take antibiotics, food supplements that are specifically formulated to fight acne.
Biretix Oral contains Zinc, Nicotinamide, Vitamin E, Selenium and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and works by managing sebum production and restoring normal skin function. It’s also well tolerated by the digestive system and, unlike antibiotics, do not alter intestinal flora.
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