Psychological Effects of Teenage Acne

During a transitional, emotion-packed time in a young person’s life things can become incredibly complicated by even the smallest breakout. Many kids feel intense shame, and retreat into a type of anguished hiding avoiding customary teen activities. Even if they do get out there and participate in social interactions, other teens can make cruel and hurtful remarks about acne. Many teens also feel that pimples happen because they’re repulsive or dirty. Some even think they’re guilty of some unknown crime, or they are being punished for something they did or failed to do.

Growing up these days is difficult as it is. Many people, including teens, walk around harboring negative self-images that can stick with them and affect their belief systems and actions for the rest of their lives especially if these feelings are never brought out and dealt with. Parents can be the crucial piece of the puzzle. Sensitivity from those closest to them can help teens be more self-accepting and do less self-flagellation for some supposed fault. Parents who tell their kids that they are beautiful, precious and special can provide an important psychological bridge over these turbulent feelings. Taking some “mirror time” to see beyond the pimples – while doing some positive self-affirmations can help too. In more severe cases, supportive psychotherapy or hypnotherapy can benefit any teen who is willing to put in the time and the effort. It’ll be worth it.

Many teens suffer emotional stress and fatigue brought on simply by being adolescents. Higher levels of hormones and adrenaline can result, which increases sebum production, and can eventually clog pores. Severe acne outbreaks have also been reported after prolonged sleep deprivation. Beauty sleep becomes more important than ever, since skin cells are nourished and rejuvenated during sleep. Exercise can not only increase blood circulation and bring more oxygen to the skin it can also help soothe the mind and the emotions of teens bearing the agony of acne. In addition to plenty of sleep and exercise, relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, self-hypnosis, meditation, or listening to relaxing music, have also been shown to be effective.

Psychologists who work with teenage acne patients also see many patients in their 20s and 30s with difficult acne problems. It should be no surprise that many of these adults are still dealing with adolescent issues, such as sexual or professional identity, separation from parents, and repressed anger. Psychological help for adults coping with their teen issues can actually clear up their skin. All the more evidence to support the mind/body connection of acne.

Articles on Teenage Acne:

• Bread could cause teenage acne?
• Alone in the mirror with Teenage acne?
• Teenage Acne and Self-Esteem
• Causes of teenage acne