The Psychological Effects Of Acne

Acne has long been a scourge for teenagers to endure. Oil glands will often become very active during the teen years, creating pimples and blackheads that can cause quite a bit of embarrassment. It seems ironic that this is the case. During the time of life when appearances are so important due to increased social activity, this is also the time when the face can be subjected to breakouts. Young adults want to look their best when they are socializing. Their self-confidence will depend a great deal on how attractive they appear to the opposite sex. It can be so awkward and frustrating to have a date and also be faced with acne that needs to be covered up and hidden.

If just one or two small pimples pop up the night before an important event, it can still be quite disturbing. Acne that may be more severe can present even greater psychological problems. Individuals who are plagued with acne in various forms can feel very self-conscious about their appearance. They may want to stay away from social gatherings until their skin clears up. If the condition is chronic, it will be more disabling, as it never seems to go away.

At a time when it is important to make new friends, those with acne may avoid friendships. Girls will feel the need to wear heavy makeup to cover the problem, which can increase the severity of acne pimples. Boys will feel at a disadvantage because they will not want to cover up their pimples with makeup, thus ensuring that the problem will be more obvious. Boys and girls alike may also wear their hair longer to camouflage as much of their acne as possible. If an acne flare-up is severe, school may even be avoided due to embarrassment.

It is not uncommon for acne to be the cause of depression. Teens may find themselves feeling withdrawn and unhappy very often throughout the day, depending on how severe their acne may be at any given time. Moodiness may accompany bouts of acne pimples, especially if a flare is holding a teen back from pursuing a social engagement. Those with jobs may take sick days to avoid being seen and may not be able to keep their minds on work when they are on the job. Depression that becomes severe enough could even result in suicide attempts.

Even though teenagers are the ones most commonly afflicted with acne, they are not alone. Adults can also be plagued with pimples, redness and inflammation. Rosacea is a skin condition that can affect teenagers and adults alike. There will be redness and flushing in the beginning stages, which will progress to pimples as the condition becomes more advanced.

Stress may play a large part in causing acne flare-ups for both teenagers and adults. There are many demands on individuals, especially those with multiple roles, such as working fulltime along with attending night school. Pollutants in the air, allergic reactions to facial cleansers and makeup, and eating improperly can all contribute to skin that does not look its best. Anyone who has acne knows that it is very hard to feel good about oneself when looking at a face full of acne blemishes. This can add to the stress of hectic day-to-day living, creating more acne. It is like a vicious cycle.

The psychological effects of acne may be increased if the skin condition is severe enough to leave scars. Acne scars are a reminder, even after the acne has cleared up, of the embarrassment that had to be endured. Scarring will also detract from the appearance, affecting confidence levels yet again.

Acne is a skin condition that affects many individuals. As a result, the condition is often taken for granted, and it is hard for some to realize how damaging it can be to those who suffer with it. Clear, healthy skin is an asset that is noticed immediately. A face that is plagued with whiteheads, blackheads and pimples is also noticed, creating an embarrassing situation for the acne sufferer. Even though acne may not be considered a serious matter, it can certainly turn out to be that way when the condition causes scarring, both physically and emotionally.

There are many products on the market that can help those with acne to clear up their skin condition. Some of these remedies are more effective than others, and it may take a bit of searching to find just the right one. Severe acne should be treated by a dermatologist, who will have options at his or her disposal to help even the worst skin conditions. Doctors also have techniques for reducing acne scars that may have occurred with severe flare-ups. The psychological effects of acne can be devastating, and this condition should not be ignored.

Andre York was a sufferer of acne until his latest round of acne treatment. He has taken up a combo treatment of Benzoyl Peroxide and sleeping with a new clean towel each night.

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