We all know stress can make us feel tense, tired, and even sick. But did you know that stress can also cause pimples? Many people notice stress acne when life gets busy, especially around the face, jawline, or even the back. Here’s why it happens and what you can do to keep your skin calm and clear.
How Stress Triggers Acne Breakouts
When you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol. High cortisol levels can signal your sebaceous glands (the small oil glands under your skin) to produce more oil, or sebum. Too much oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria inside your hair follicles, clogging them and forming pimples, a process known as acne vulgaris .
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that while stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can make existing acne worse and slow down skin healing . That means if you already have oily skin or hormonal acne, rising stress levels may increase sebum production and trigger more breakouts.
Stress and Hormonal Acne in Men
Hormonal acne isn’t just for teens. Many men experience it too, especially those dealing with long work hours, workouts, or sleep deprivation. Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially testosterone, can stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum. When combined with stress, this double-hit effect can lead to deeper, inflamed acne breakouts.
If you notice stress pimples around your jawline, forehead, or back, your body might be showing signs of both hormonal shifts and emotional strain.
How to Treat Acne Caused by Stress
Dealing with stress acne means caring for both your skin and your mental health. Here’s how to treat acne effectively:
- Cleanse gently, twice a day.
- Use a cleanser with salicylic acid, which helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent new breakouts. Psstt!! Try Croia’s 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser – A gentle BHA exfoliating cleanser that targets blemishes, excess oil, and bumpy skin without drying. It’s enriched with Panthenol, Allantoin, Zinc PCA, and Ceramide to protect your skin barrier. It targets enlarged pores, blackheads, and oil buildup. Ours Salicylic Acid Cleanser is best for: Oily or acne-prone skin and we are proudly: Non-comedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free
- Tone and balance your skin. After cleansing, use a salicylic acid + niacinamide toner to reduce oil, calm redness, and smooth texture. Use Croia’s 2% Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide Toner – This formula gently exfoliates while evening out tone and improving hydration with Panthenol, Glycerin, and Zinc PCA. It targets Blemishes, uneven tone, and rough texture It's best for Oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
- Avoid harsh scrubs or over-cleansing. They can irritate skin and cause your oil glands to produce even more sebum, making acne worse .
- Manage your stress. Exercise, mindfulness, and proper sleep can lower cortisol and keep your hormone levels balanced .
- Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products. These help prevent extra oil from building up and contributing to acne.
Final Thoughts
So, does stress cause acne? Not directly, but it can definitely make it worse. When your stress levels rise, cortisol affects sebum production, your oil glands go into overdrive, and your skin becomes more reactive.
Keeping your routine simple with salicylic acid-based skincare and lowering stress can help reduce breakouts and restore balance. Remember: your skin reflects your well-being — take care of both, and it will show.
References
- Zouboulis, C. C. (2009). “Sebaceous gland physiology and pathophysiology.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 10(6), 441–462. PMC PubMed
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). “Stress and acne: How to help.” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/stress
- Tan, J. K., Bhate, K. (2015). “A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne.” British Journal of Dermatology, 172(S1), 3–12.
- Arck, P. C., et al. (2006). “Neuroimmunology of stress: Skin takes center stage.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(8), 1697–1704. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16845409/ PubMed https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2232898/ PMC