As in take a yoga class, download a meditation app, get a mani. Do whatever it takes to lower your stress levels. "There's a well-established link between emotional stress and acne breakouts, including cysts," says Zeichner. "Stress revs up hormones that stimulate your oil glands." Since (obviously) avoiding stress entirely is not an option, do whatever you can to minimize its effects on your body, especially during times that you know are particularly stress-inducing. It may not be enough to clear your skin completely, but it's certainly not going to hurt.
