If you're one of the 17 million American adults who suffer from acne, you know that acne isn't just a teenager's problem. You also know about the psychological symptoms like depression, stress, and low self esteem that can be aggravated by acne. And you've probably also been the victim of common misconceptions about acne, that it's caused by lack of self control, bad hygiene, or an unhealthy diet.
Severe depression from acne has resulted in attempted suicides. Fortunately, there is help. With the advancement in modern medicine, there are plenty of facial Acne Products which can eliminate acne before the negative psychological effects can occur.If you're an adult struggling with acne, you've heard enough hype, what you need is a lasting and effective way to deal with the problem. While most people suffering from acne do not experience any kind of physical discomfort, they make up for this by psychological scarring. These are not necessarily related to its clinical severity. Even mild acne can be significantly disabling. This effect has not been studied in depth because acne is a common, non-threatening condition that comes and goes on its own and any psychological effects attached to it were not seen as particularly important. Acne and pimples are not only a medical skin condition, but also have a social, behavior and psychological impact on the person affected and these psychological effects can carry over as adults, resulting in even more serious psychological problems. Acne has a stronger than suspected impact on the lives of people today. Studies conducted by researchers showed that people suffering from acne also display: low self-confidence, frustration, feelings of inadequacy, depression, refusal to socialize, low self-esteem and body image, mood disturbance, behavioral problems, wakefulness feelings of unworthiness.
Effects of acne on Adults
Adult acne is on the rise, its effects can be painful and demoralizing. Only 7% to14% of adults suffer from chronic acne and roughly 25% of men and nearly half of women suffer from acne in some point in their adult lives. Surprisingly enough, acne can either develop or reoccur in adults and affects young adults the most, but it can also be a problem for older people. This can happen well into your 30's, 40's and onward. And though adults are hopefully a bit more mature, it can still be an embarrassing problem but easier to deal with, be it difficult to solve and hard to live with in the meantime. Even sporadic outbreaks have a high emotional cost. "Studies show that an adult can be as profoundly depressed with one zit on their chin a month as someone with a face full of acne. We all understand that hormonal changes happen throughout our teen years and that\'s one of the causes of acne for the younger generation. However, similar hormonal effects can impact adults as well, contributing to acne development. At an emotional level, adults with acne share very similar experiences with teenagers. Because the face comprises such a large part of who we see ourselves to be, when it appears to be damaged or malfunctioning it impacts on self confidence and self-perception. When studies have analyzed the magnitude of that emotional burden, they find that acne is on a par with such illnesses as epilepsy, asthma, diabetes and arthritis.
Effects of Acne on Teenagers
Many of us, as teenagers, have experienced the dread of acne. Blackheads, whiteheads and the red, swollen, pus-filled lesions we call pimples is a disease common in teens called acne vulgaris. Eight out of every ten teens experience it. Mild acne is considered a normalĀ condition of puberty, continuing throughout the teen years. The psychological and social impacts of acne in teens are a huge concern especially because it affects adolescents at a time they are developing their personalities. During this time, peer acceptance is very important to the teenager and unfortunately it has been found that physical appearance and attractiveness is highly linked with peer status. In teenagers depression may manifest as social withdrawal or impaired school performance. Worse still, severe depression from acne has resulted in attempted suicide and, unfortunately, successful suicides. Fortunately, there is help. With the advancement in modern medicine, there are plenty of facial acne products which can eliminate acne before the negative psychological effects can occur. See a dermatologist for advice and treatment. Parents, friends and school counsellors need to take heed when they start to hear negative comments from teenagers. Depression must be recognised and managed early. If you think you or someone you know is depressed by their acne problem, contact your dermatologist or family doctor urgently for advice, or call:
Kids Help Phone at 1(800) 668-6868. (In Canada)
Crisis Center Help Line at 1(800) 784-2433. (In the United States)