Women have gone for weeks working from home and not needing to wear makeup. So what gives with the acne breakouts? It didn’t make sense until PureWow talked with a couple of dermatologists and found out it’s most likely due to stress acne.
According to Sara Perkins, MD, a dermatologist with Hims & Hers, it all comes down to hormones. “Stress-related hormones can increase both oil production and inflammation of the skin, leading to clogged pores and red, itchy blemishes,” she said.
“We know that stress has a significant impact on the skin,” said Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. “It interferes with wound healing, contributes to skin inflammation, and is known to cause breakouts.”
Both dermatologists say stress acne tends to be more inflammatory—it comes in the form of red, itchy bumps—but that’s not always true. It can occur anywhere on the face, and if you’re dealing with stress acne, you’ll find that the breakouts appear when you’re under a high level of stress.
The PureWow team found eight products that can help people fight stress acne. Some contain salicylic acid to keep pores clear; other, stronger products add lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, glycerin, benzoyl peroxide, and sorbitol. Some products reduce skin oiliness, while some use more natural ingredients such as tea tree leaf oil and aloe vera to rebalance the skin’s pH while ensuring that the skin remains soothed and hydrated.
Read the full story here.