The Acne struggle: How self esteem and mental health are affected by skin breakouts

By Kiera D’Souza

How many times in the last month have you looked at yourself in the mirror and been unhappy? Seeing the red bumps on your face, the inflamed cheeks, the scarring, and frantically using every type of moisturizer or face wash you can find to cover up those annoying, pesky pimples. However, acne is not just physically detrimental, but affects one mentally as well.

Acne forms when hair follicles get clogged with oils, dirty skin cells, and bacteria. Acne can be caused by stress/anxiety, genetics, hormonal changes, periods, and diet, which are directly related to teens, specifically girls. Acne has a significant impact on the self-esteem and confidence of teen girls. As it's known, teenage years are hard and stressful, and having acne just makes it all the worse, leaving one feeling self-conscious and embarrassed. This may result in them shying away from social activities and limiting their time spent with family and friends, which is unhealthy.

Additionally, according to Johns Hopkins, teenage girls experience acne at a younger age, compared to boys. This is because teenage girls experience hormonal changes as they go through puberty. Their hormones are constantly changing, leading their body to produce more oils, resulting in clogged pores and acne. This usually occurs at 13 for young girls.

Furthermore, teenage girls are also more prone to developing acne because of their use of makeup and skincare products. Many makeup products contain ingredients that can clog pores, and cause breakouts. Many skincare products also contribute to breakouts and irritated skin.

Lastly, the media often portrays clear skin as the “standard of beauty” and is desirable to teenage girls. Due to this most feel like having clear skin is necessary to be and feel “attractive”. This is a very harmful and pernicious mindset as it leaves one feeling unworthy and not valuable, affecting one's mental health.

Although many acne cases are mild and will resolve without the need for medication, others may require professional help. However, this professional help is inequitable, leaving people who cannot afford treatment, helpless. According to CareCredit, the cost of acne over-the-counter acne treatments range from $30-60 while prescription acne treatments range from $45-$200 dollars. For many, these payments hold a huge burden on the parents and the teen, leaving them feeling even more insecure.

Despite insecurities induced by acne, it is a very common condition that many people experience and therefore should be normalized. Feeling insecure and self-conscious about acne is also a universal experience so don't beat yourself up about it! You're beautiful no matter what! <3

Works Cited

https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/acne#:~:text=Clinical%20trial%20data%20revealed%20that,treatment%20options%20available%20to%20help.%E2%80%9D

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Acne-in-Adolesc ents-and-Young-Adults#:~:text=Adolescents%20and%20young%20adults%20between,acne%20even%20in%20their%2040s.