Acne and depression - living with blemishes

Facebook, Instagram, films, magazine covers. You name it. Wherever we look we’re surrounded by images of beautiful people. It’s easy to forget that they’ve been heavily retouched. 

This article examines the particular pressures that looking good can have on people with acne. We explain the correlation between acne, anxiety and depression and make suggestions on how to stay positive.

Our skin is one of the first things that people notice about us. While most of us realise there’s more to life than appearance, those with acne can feel at a disadvantage in a society that seems to put more and more emphasis on looks.

Some cope better than others, but many are psychologically as well as physically affected by living with acne. Why is this?

1. Ignorance
   There are still those who are prejudiced against people with acne. Sad, but true. They mistakenly believe that people with acne have lower hygiene standards. Even experts frequently use the language of ‘impure skin’.
2. A lack of empathy
   People who don’t have acne often don’t truly understand what it feels like to be a sufferer. They can say hurtful things without meaning to. Comments about how you’re wearing “too much make-up” are distressing when all you’re trying to do is hide your blemishes.
3. It’s harder to flirt with acne
   People with acne often feel less confident and shier than those without blemishes. Acne can get in the way of flirting.
4. Bullying
   Young people often act rashly and say things they later regret. Bullying during the impressionable teenage years can have a significant impact on someone’s personality as they grow older.
5. Professional discrimination
   First impressions count and acne can make the job application and promotion process harder, especially in industries where looks are important.

"Acne can be a huge psychological burden as sufferers feel anxious, embarrassed, and stigmatised. Don’t suffer in silence. My best advice is to consult your doctor and get treatment as soon as possible. This will stop the disease from interfering with your life and help prevent depression."

- Dr med. Markus Reinholz, Dermatologist

Both teenage and adult acne can lead to a loss of self-esteem, and sometimes even an inferiority complex.

Studies show that people with acne are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and social phobia than those without⁷. Other studies demonstrate that anxiety and acne often go hand in hand^{2-4, 7-12}. Research also suggests that acne has a greater psychological impact on women than men¹.

The psychological impact of acne can lead to behavioural changes and many sufferers:

• avoid eye contact with others
• come across as shy
• hide behind scarves, caps, long hair and/or too much make-up
• wear make-up at night as they’re ashamed of their partner seeing the true state of their skin
• stop taking exercise or joining in with sport
• refuse to be in photos
• avoid social interaction

Renowned dermatologist and acne specialist, Dr Markus Reinholz, shares his advice on how to cope better with the psychological impact of acne:

1. Get help
The sooner you start medical treatment, the sooner you’ll get your feelings under control. Research shows that anxiety and depression generally reduce when acne is treated medically ^5-9. Your doctor will be able to advise on, and prescribe, the best treatment for your skin as well as to answer any questions you may have. Read Dr Reinholz’s advice on when to consult your doctor here. You can also find out more about your options on our website.

2. Use appropriate skincare products
Tinted creams and cover-sticks help to mask blackheads and pimples. This can be a real bonus for self-esteem, but is easier for women than men. Be sure to choose products that are non-comedogenic (meaning they wont clog your pores) and, ideally, that also have a positive effect on your skin. Read more in How should I choose and apply make-up to my acne-prone skin.

And, importantly, be sure to remove your make-up at the end of the day so your skin can regenerate itself overnight. You can find out more about how to cleanse and care for acne-prone skin in What skincare products and routine are best for acne-prone skin?

3. Look after yourself
Exercise (ideally in a group rather than on your own), a healthy lifestyle (time to quit those cigarettes) and a balanced diet. These are just some of the steps you can take to boost your self-confidence, keep your spirits up and support your skin. Find out more in What effect does exercise have on acne and Acne and diet.

4. Maintain friendships
We’re social beings, and quality time with friends is important for our overall wellbeing. People with acne sometimes stop going out, which only makes them more rather than less stressed. If you find it difficult to discuss your feelings with friends and family ask your doctor for advice or consider joining a therapy group.

5. Try not to get stressed
Easier said than done we know, but stress is known to trigger acne¹³. You can find out how in Acne and stress. Try some of the various techniques that help people to unwind or ask your doctor for their advice.

Flawless skin is an ideal that’s hard to achieve, but there’s lots you can do to support your skin and keep your spirits up.