Skin Care
The ABCs of AcneEverything you need to know about the causes of and treatments for acne, your most mystifying skin issue |
J Is for Joy Acne is a bummer, whether it amounts to the occasional red honker in the middle of your chin or chronic breakouts. What's an even bigger bummer is that acne and depression are scientifically linked -- and can make each other worse, creating a vicious cycle of low self-esteem, according to a study by the University of California San Francisco.
Not only are people with acne are at a higher risk for depression (so says a Swedish study), it's also possible that depression makes acne worse. After all, stress causes excess sebum production, and being depressed is superstressful.
Your Rx: If you focus on getting happy, your face may get happier, too. If acne has lowered your self-esteem or made you extra-moody, think about trying talk therapy to recalibrate your perceptions or yourself. Your doctor or dermatologist may even prescribe antidepressants, which can lift your mood, reduce stress and quell habits that could be making your acne worse, like skin-picking.
SEE NEXT PAGE: K Is for Keloid
Not only are people with acne are at a higher risk for depression (so says a Swedish study), it's also possible that depression makes acne worse. After all, stress causes excess sebum production, and being depressed is superstressful.
Your Rx: If you focus on getting happy, your face may get happier, too. If acne has lowered your self-esteem or made you extra-moody, think about trying talk therapy to recalibrate your perceptions or yourself. Your doctor or dermatologist may even prescribe antidepressants, which can lift your mood, reduce stress and quell habits that could be making your acne worse, like skin-picking.
SEE NEXT PAGE: K Is for Keloid