Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples. A telltale sign that you're experiencing a stress breakout is that you'll get several new pimples at once, while hormonal breakouts tend to happen one at a time (unless you've introduced a new product). Even if you aren't usually acne-prone, stressful periods or events can trigger breakouts. However, those of us who are genetically more predisposed to acne and struggle with it on a regular basis are more likely to experience flare-ups when stressed.
How to get rid of stress acne
Luckily, the way you should treat stress acne is pretty similar to how you deal with regular acne, so you probably already have the necessary tools on hand. You'll just want to amp up your treatment a little more than usual when you have stress pimples.
1. Double up on breakout-fighting ingredients.
"During stressful periods, switch your cleanser over to one that contains salicylic acid," says Zeichner. "It will help remove excess oil and dead cells from the surface of your skin to keep your pores clear." He recommends Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser since it has the salicylic acid to fight acne but won't overstrip or dry out your skin.
Zeichner also recommends applying a product with benzoyl peroxide, which lowers the levels of acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. While this ingredient is most commonly found in spot treatments, he says to apply it to your full face to treat active pimples and to prevent new ones from forming.
Courtesy of brand
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Courtesy of brand
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
Courtesy of brand
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Courtesy of brand
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
2. Swap out your moisturizer.
Using both a face wash with salicylic acid and a benzoyl peroxide treatment can be drying, so be sure to moisturize to prevent further irritation. (Contrary to popular belief, if you skip moisturizer in the hope that it'll make your face less greasy, your skin will actually produce more oil to make up for its lack in hydration.) Idriss says to swap out any thick creams or oils for lightweight lotions and to avoid vitamin E serums while your breakouts are healing, since they tend to be heavier on your skin.
Tatcha The Water Cream
Primera Alpine Berry Water Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer
We love how moisturizing this formula is, even though it feels totally lightweight on your skin. The hyaluronic acid inside can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Courtesy of brand
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer With Ceramides
Worth the hype! This moisturizer feels amazing when applied; it's not gooey or filmy. I have extremely finicky skin, so it's rare that a moisturizer (no matter how fancy) doesn't give me mini whiteheads, but this one leaves only baby-soft skin behind. I love to use this cream in the morning before I apply makeup. My skin feels totally refreshed. —Lauren Brown, senior visuals editor
3. Consider your diet.
Since stress acne is tied to inflammation, Idriss also suggests looking at what you've been eating more critically. She recommends avoiding milk (cheese and yogurt haven't been shown to aggravate acne, thankfully), as well as anything sugary, like candy. "Refined sugars and simple carbohydrates can also lead to worsening of your body's inflammatory response," she says.
4. Keep your hands off.
When you're stressed, you might be more tempted than ever to pick at your face or pop a pimple on your own. But you know what we're going to say here, right? Don't. Doing so can actually spread the infection in your skin and can potentially leave a scar. Instead, slap on a pimple patch to help keep your hands off. Bonus: Certain patches will also help your acne heal faster.
Starface Hydro-Stars
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+
Tips for managing stress acne
The most frustrating thing, as mentioned above, is that the only real way to prevent stress acne is to prevent stress from happening in the first place. Which, unless you're literally not human, is pretty much impossible. "Preventing stress acne is like saying, 'Let's stop life from happening,'" says Idriss. "It's inevitable at some point in our lives."
There are ways you can manage stress, though, whether that's working out, meditation, deep breathing, therapy, or watching hours of reality TV (to each her own). The most important thing is figuring out what works best for you—which, if not for your skin, is something worth it for your own personal sanity anyway. "If you can calm your body down, then you can minimize the amount of stress hormones you make," says Zeichner. He also recommends getting a good night's sleep to keep cortisol levels low and keeping up a healthy diet. And if that's not working? "The best thing to do is to take a step back and remind yourself that this too shall pass," says Idriss. "The simple conscious act of adopting such a mindset will diminish your stress levels several notches and speed up your skin's road to recovery."
Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.
