The Mental Effects of Having Acne
Let’s be real for a sec: acne sucks. It’s not just the recurring spots or the unexpected breakouts right before something important – it’s the mental weight that tags along. If you’ve ever felt like your confidence took a dive because of your skin, you’re not alone. And more importantly – it’s not your fault.
Acne is super normal – so don’t beat yourself up
Here’s a truth bomb straight from the NHS: around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent1. That’s almost everyone. So if your skin is breaking out, you’re not weird or unhygienic – you’re human.
We spoke to expert Dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed on this topic, and she provided some great support. Dr Alia mentions that “breakouts are especially common during your teenage years – and honestly, nothing to be ashamed of”. She recommends using gentle cleansers and soothing ingredients to keep your skin happy – not punished.
The mental load: more than skin-deep
Dealing with acne can feel like carrying an invisible weight. Whether it's anxiety over being seen without makeup, skipping social events, or feeling like everyone’s looking at your skin (spoiler alert: they’re not), acne anxiety can hit your self-esteem hard.
In fact, Dr Ahmed highlights the importance of discussing any emotional struggles that come with acne – like feeling low, self-conscious, or even being bullied. Acne might seem “just cosmetic” on the surface, but the impact on mental health is real. And that’s valid.
So if you’re struggling, here are a few ways to pick yourself up:
💡 Pick-me-ups for when acne’s getting you down:
- Talk about it. Friends, family, or even a counsellor – bottling it up won’t help. It’s okay to vent!
- Unfollow pressure. Curate your social feeds. If certain accounts make you feel “less than,” it’s time to hit unfollow and follow accounts that keep it real (acne, flaws, and all).
- Self-kindness > self-criticism. Would you be mean to a friend over their skin? Didn’t think so. Treat yourself the same way.
- Focus on you, not your skin. You’re a whole person – talented, funny, smart – not just your skin.
· You are not alone. And you’re not insane for feeling down or anxious about your skin. In fact, a study suggest that the more severe your acne is, the more anxiety you are likely to feel2. Questions like ‘can acne be caused by anxiety?’ or ‘can acne be a sign of depression?’ are common questions for those that are suffering with spots, however it is important to remember that you are not alone, and a comprehensive skincare routine can help in battling acne. In more severe cases, it is important to seek help from a GP or Dermatologist, who can guide you through a skincare routine suitable for your needs.
Don’t believe the myths (seriously) 🚫
Let’s bust some of the myths floating around:
- Does acne mean you’re dirty? Nope. Acne has nothing to do with hygiene. You can wash your face 10 times a day and still break out. (Please don’t, though – that can make things worse.)
- Is acne caused by chocolate or junk food? The real culprits? Excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria – not your snacks.
- Do only teens get acne? Adult acne is real too. Skin doesn’t follow age rules.
As Dr Ahmed says, don’t perpetuate myths that acne is just due to poor hygiene or bad diet. Acne is a medical condition – and just like any condition, it deserves proper care, not shame.
Ready to take ACTion? Start with your skincare routine
When it comes to looking after acne-prone skin, you need something that works with your skin – not against it. And that means using products that are backed by science (not random TikTok trends).
Here’s a simple 3-step routine that could help your skin feel supported:
✨ 1. CLEANSE:
Start with Purifide Daily Cleanser – it’s gentle, soap-free, and designed to deeply clean pores without stripping your skin dry.
✨ 2. TREAT SPOTS:
Pick one acne treatment: Acnecide Face Gel or Acnecide Face Wash Gel. Both contain 5% benzoyl peroxide – an ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria, helps unclog pores and also helps reduce excess oil.
✨ 3. MOISTURISE + PROTECT:
Lock in hydration and protect your skin with the Purifide Daily Moisturiser SPF30. Bonus: SPF can help prevent acne marks from becoming darker, whilst also protecting your skin whilst using acne treatments which may compromise your skin barrier.
Dr Ahmed even reminds us: “Moisturisers replenish the skin barrier, so do use these – especially if your skin is feeling dry or irritated.”
Consistency is key – it won’t be an overnight transformation, but your skin will thank you for the love and patience.
The Bottom Line: You Got This 💪
Having acne doesn’t define you. And it definitely doesn’t make you any less worthy, attractive, or confident. Your skin is part of your journey – not your identity.
So whether you're struggling a little or a lot, remember: you're not alone, you're not "gross," and you’ve got the tools and the power to care for your skin and your mind. Put the ACT into action – Cleanse, Treat, Moisturise – and take care of your whole self.
Stay strong. Stay glowing. You got this✨
Acnecide Face Gel and Acnecide Face Wash Gel are indicated for the treatment of mild acne. Contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. Always read the label. GB-ACC-2500048 May 2025.
Sources:
1. NHS. Acne. Retrieved 15th May 2025 from: Acne - NHS
2. NIH. National Library of Medicine. Role of anxiety and anger in acne patients: a relationship with the severity of the disorder. Retrieved 22nd May from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2964458/
