Emotional Impact
Acne. It's never fun, and there's never a good time to get it. Whether you're a teen
experiencing the first signs of a breakout or an adult who has suffered for years, it's
difficult to underestimate the emotional impact this condition has on your confidence,
your social life and your outlook.
A nationwide study of 500 teens conducted in 2003 revealed that 42% of girls and 25% of boys
experienced lower self-esteem as a result of acne. And more than half of the teens blame acne
for their dating problems.
Acne – from mild to severe – affects nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. The
emotional impact of acne is both long-lasting and far-reaching. Many adults report their
teenage acne devastated their lives, shortchanging future choices and forcing them to hide
in the shadows. Not only can acne cause physical scars if left untreated, but also it can leave lifelong
emotional scars, including:
- Reduced self-confidence
- Social dysfunction
- Embarrassment
- Depression and anxiety
- Anger and frustration
- Poor body image
Managing the Emotional Effects of Acne
While you may not be able to make your acne completely disappear, there is plenty you can do to
manage your condition. These tips can help:
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Get the information you need about
acne and learn to distinguish fact from fiction in our Acne Myths section.
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Cleanse your face regularly with a mild, non-soap cleanser, but not too often. Cleansing will not
prevent acne from occurring. The pores become clogged deep beneath the skin and cleansing cannot wash
this away. And cleansing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, causing more breakouts.
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NEVER squeeze, pick or pinch acne pimples or use sharp objects on them. This will only contribute
to infection, inflammation and scarring.
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If you use cosmetics or moisturizers, be sure they are "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." Get
more skin care tips for surviving acne and finding a
skincare routine that's right for you
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See a dermatologist or other physician. It's not scary. A dermatologist will evaluate your skin
and may prescribe treatments for you. If you don't already have one, use the "Find a Dermatologist" tool
in this screen to find a dermatologist in your area. Just enter the first three digits of your ZIP code,
then click "Go." It's easy to use!
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For more information on acne, visit AcneNet,
sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Have you used Differin®? How has it changed your life? Tell us your story!