Acne
Several studies have shown that higher levels of stress can increase acne. A major reason for this may be because when people feel stressed out, they tend to touch their faces more often. This can spread bacteria and contribute to the development of acne. Some studies have also confirmed that acne may be associated with higher levels of stress.
One small study evaluated the severity of acne in 22 university students before and during an exam. During examination periods in which stress increased, acne became more serious. Another study of 94 teenagers found that higher stress levels could exacerbate acne, especially in boys.
In addition to stress, other possible causes of acne include:
- inflammation
- hormonal shifts
- bacteria
- excess oil production
- clogged pores