Acne always tends to appear at the worst times. Zits appear on your face the morning of your main presentation. They pop right up your nose the afternoon before a big date. Or your wedding. Or while boarding a plane for your vacation. If you suffer from acne of any severity, you know that it’s not just the stings themselves that are difficult to deal with, but the anxiety and embarrassment – a feeling most people can relate to. Actually, at least 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have fought the fight against acne. Even people in their 30s and 40s can experience adult acne and scarring. So can acne affect mental health? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Very much.
But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Total Apex Dermatology the team is by your side and we can help! In fact, today, we’re going to talk about acne treatments and mental health support for acne with our experienced and compassionate aesthetic nurse, Jess Larkin, from our Westlake location. From her own personal experience, she understands what it’s like to fight the physical and emotional battle with acne. This ignited her passion for dermatology and aesthetics because she wanted to understand how to help more people overcome acne and experience the confidence of healthy, clear skin. Through extensive training, he has earned the level Board Certified Acne Specialist in Northeast Ohio that helps patients achieve results with acne treatments and advanced acne scar removal techniques. Just as importantly, she strives to help her patients regain that sense of mental well-being they all deserve.
Acne vulgaris is the medical term for a range of mild to severe skin pore blockages that usually break out on the face. They can also appear on the neck, back, shoulders and chest. Excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog pores, causing pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and even painful cysts. In addition to physical pain and scarring, acne can be emotionally stressful.
Acne it can range from mild, moderate or severe. Small acne can give you an annoying pimple here and there. Moderate acne includes more frequent and visible outbreaks with frequent blackheads and pimples. Severe acne is painful and inflamed, including larger, redder, more painful and prominent cystic breakouts that they leave pits and scars back—including the emotional scars.
Enough types of acne with a variety of causes exist, but all involve varying degrees of blocked ducts and emotional distress:
- Blackheads-These usually have a flat, dark surface, often making the pores appear enlarged.
- Whiteheads-Clogged, clogged pores with a white appearance.
- Papules-A small, red, painful bump.
- pimples-Papules usually transform into pimples with the classic pus-filled bumps.
- Nodules-Larger, painful, firm lumps under the surface of the skin.
- Cysts-The worst, bigger, pussy-filled, red, painful, lumps that can break out and cause scarring.
Simply put, clogged pores cause acne. But what causes clogged pores in the first place? Science is still searching for answers, but we know a lot about triggers and aggravating factors. While some are simply part of your genetic or hormonal makeup, there are some lifestyle factors you may be able to modify to reduce breakouts and prevent scarring. For example:
- Hormonal fluctuations is one of the biggest triggers of acne. The hormonal roller coaster of puberty, female menstrual cycles, pregnancy and the stress hormone cortisol have all been linked to acne.
- There are strong ties between acne and genetics. If one or both of your parents you’ve had acne, you’re also more likely to develop acne.
- Stress and its signature hormone, cortisol, deserves another mention because links are so powerful.
- High humidity and environments with a lot of air pollution seem to make acne breakouts worse.
- Wearing tight clothes which causes chafing and chafing in acne-prone areas (hats, helmets, headgear, scarves).
- Using personal care products with too much fat or oil (lotions, creams, make-up, etc.).
- Fatty, hot environments (like working in a kitchen), as well as cold, dry weather and environments (I see this article for a thorough explanation).
- Edge selection it can spread acne-causing bacteria around, making breakouts worse (so avoid doing this).
- Some medicines drugs have acne as a side effect.
- Poor nutrition it has also been linked to acne breakouts, especially with diets high in sugar. Try to eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet with lots of fruits and vegetables that contain beta-carotene and vitamin C— both reduce inflammation.
Acne and mental health are tied together more tightly than many people realize, and recent studies Show how both the acne itself and the resulting scars are emotionally damaging. Often, the causes of acne are related to other systemic health problems that can further affect mental health. The hormonal roller coaster of puberty, for example, has its own mental health challenges, even without acne. Acne only makes these problems worse, mentally and emotionally. Stress can make acne worse and acne can make stress worse. It’s a vicious circle.
So, apart from physical scars, emotional scars cannot be ignored and should be considered when seeking acne treatment. The American Academy of Dermatologyin fact, it lists all of the following mental health problems that are either caused or exacerbated by even mild acne:
- Worry
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Poor quality of life
- Loneliness
- Poor self-image
Larkin agrees, “Acne can quickly and significantly affect self-esteem and lead to anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. Self-blame and being ashamed of your physical appearance can immediately affect your self-image.”
The body is a fully connected organism where the mental and the physical are interconnected. Because mental health and stress can have an impact on acne breakouts, we at Apex Dermatology believe that supporting mental health is an essential part of the acne treatment process. Reducing stress, encouraging a healthy diet, rest, hydration, changes in personal care products and habits, and general good health can have a positive impact on acne treatment.
Working with a healthcare professional like Larkin who understands your struggle on a personal level is a game changer when working with acne.
“My personal experience with acne has influenced my approach to patient care with extra patience and meeting the patient where they are,” says Larkin. “Being open and vulnerable about my acne journey gives patients hope that clear skin is an option for everyone and that their feelings of frustration are valid.”
At Apex Skin, we intentionally look at both the physical aspects of acne treatment along with mental health support against acne. This two-pronged approach helps build confidence as we clear the skin. “By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of acne, patients are more likely to achieve their skin care goals,” says Larkin. “Stress can make acne worse, so providing acne education can reduce feelings of helplessness, self-blame and depression.”
But it’s important to remember that even if you’ve addressed the lifestyle issues mentioned above and acne is still a problem, inflammation, hormones, genetics, or some combination of the three may still be causing you problems that are difficult to deal with. to avoid That’s when professional dermatological help is even more necessary. Successful, personally tailored acne treatments and acne scar removal can help you chart a path to a healthier, more confident and acne-free future. And we can do it in an empathetic, supportive environment.
“If you feel like your acne is holding you back from being your best self, you want to be honest about it and know that you don’t have to go through the acne journey alone,” Larkin emphasizes. “Your acne isn’t just going to clear up on its own, you’re going to need to make changes and be open to trying new products and treatments.”
The type of acne treatment depends greatly on the type of acne you have, your lifestyle, and other medical concerns. At Apex Dermatology, we will personally work with you to determine which products and treatments would be most successful. Some of them acne treatments may include:
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics and acids
- Benzoyl Peroxide (best for certain skin types)
- Prescription drugs
- Salicylic acid chemical peels
- Pharmaceutical grade products
In addition to finding a treatment to eliminate active acne breakouts, Apex Dermatology can also provide acne scar removal treatments such as:
- Dermal fillers
- Microdermabrasion
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Perforation resection
- Laser treatment
Larkin urges anyone with acne to schedule an appointment at Apex Dermatology immediately. The sooner treatment starts, the more we can do to reduce and erase scarring and bring painful flare-ups under control, which can help boost your mental health and restore your confidence.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating acne, which is why a personal consultation with an experienced acne specialist is so important. Here at Apex Skin, we’ll ask lots of questions, understand your medical history and lifestyle, and then take an in-depth look at your skin to devise a plan that fits your needs and achieves your goals. Plus, we’ll walk with you all the way as you embark on the journey to better mental health, clearing your acne.
Apex Skin has a full line of pharmaceutical, technologically advanced treatments and products that target the root causes of acne. The most important part of our acne treatment, however, is the personal relationships with our nurses and dermatologists.
“My advice is to find a provider you feel comfortable with and trust to have your best interest at heart,” explains Larkin. “If you’re not comfortable with your provider, find a new one. And if you don’t like this one, try someone else. Not every certified provider will be a perfect fit for you, but having someone you trust following recommendations is key.”
If you struggle with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or lack of confidence due to acne, contact us at Apex Dermatology. You are not alone. Not only do we have a wide range of treatments that can work, but we also have professionals (like the incredible Jess Larkin from our Westlake office!) who are here because they understand what it’s like and they care! Do not give up.
