Stress pimples will usually pop up in the oiliest areas of the face, like the forehead, nose and chin. Your T-zone might look greasier and more congested too. Doctors say that if you're getting clusters of pimples all at once, stress can be a factor—hormonal pimples happen one at a time.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
Lamb said it might be more challenging to get the acne under control because of the frequent flare-ups that happen over time. But if the breakout is from more of an acute stressor, like the death or illness of a family member, Dr. Lamb estimated that the acne could take about four to six weeks to clear up.
Anxiety, depression, and stress can cause acne breakouts in people who have underlying acne. Again, science doesn't yet fully understand all the reasons why this happens. Here's what the evidence says so far: Stress can increase oil production and possibly hormones (like glucocorticoids), both of which can worsen acne.
Although dermatological experts advise that stress does not cause acne, some research identifies a link, and medical professionals agree that stress can worsen symptoms. Stress can affect a person's hormonal balance and the skin's immune function. This may increase the chance of oily skin and clogged pores.
The stress-acne connection
“When your fight-or-flight response is activated, the body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and androgens,” Dr. Minni explained. “These hormones increase your skin's oil production, which can exacerbate acne.”
Your forehead may break out because of certain hair products and stress, as well as changes in hormones and poor hygiene. Just like for blemishes around the edges of your face, hair products may be the issue causing acne on your forehead. The medical name for this type of acne is acne cosmetics.
It's common for acne to start between the ages of 10 and 13 and to last for 5 to 10 years or throughout your adult life (depends on your family history). Acne normally goes away with age but may require treatment for at least 5-10 years.
During puberty, hormonal acne often appears in the T-zone. This includes your forehead, nose, and chin. Hormonal adult acne typically forms on the lower part of your face. This includes the bottom of your cheeks and around your jawline.
Every time you touch your face, you are spreading oil from one part of your face to the other. The act of face touching can also clog your pores, which can lead to an outbreak of acne.
If you don't get good, restorative sleep, your body might not feel rested and could kick-start that cortisol surge, which could put you at risk for more acne. The fix is simple, but not always easy: Make sleep a priority to give your body the rest it needs and your acne a chance to heal.
Fortunately, several evidence-based strategies can help you reduce stress and improve your overall psychological well-being. Exercise, mindfulness, spending time with a pet, minimizing screen time, and getting outside more often are all effective methods.
What does hormonal acne look like? Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules are all common hormonal acne symptoms. Normally, whiteheads and blackheads do not cause pain, inflammation or swelling, but if they do, then they are most likely forming into cysts and pustules.
Tears are a combination of water, lysozyme (anti-bacterial), and salt, so they are unlikely to clog your skin pores, though salt can be dehydrating for the skin. But constantly rubbing your eyes and face can lead to inflamed skin, causing breakouts.
Anxiety causes acne
In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens, a type of hormone. These hormones stimulate the skin's oil glands and hair follicles, which can lead to acne. That's why when we're under constant stress, acne can be an ongoing issue.
Also people prone to dry skin may get acne breakouts, from the high and steady blast of air all night. A third problem may come from dirty fan blades. They can circulate harmful dust particles around the room that trigger allergies.
Forehead. Poor digestive issues and stress are often the leading causes of breakouts on your forehead. To help flush out toxins and aid digestion, swap caffeinated and overly processed drinks with good ol' H2O.
From comedones to nodular acne, several different types of acne can develop on your forehead: Comedonal acne. This is a mild, non-inflammatory form of acne. Comedonal acne can be either open or closed.