A scientific study carried out in Singapore by a research team from Wake Forest University (North Carolina) has found a link between acne and stress in teenagers.

The study took place over several months and involved 94 teenagers who had mild or moderate acne. What the study found was that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that very stressful situations cause acne symptoms to flare-up. It appears that these acne breakouts are not caused by the overproduction of sebum but rather that the stress somehow triggers an inflammatory response.

The 94 teens that were monitored experienced a near 25% increase in acne flare-ups during periods or situations where stress levels were increased: stressful stimuli for teens can include peer conflict or academic examination.

The research has yet to conclude precisely how stress and acne are connected… and so the studies continue.