Your Accutane course has ended, but your acne has returned! What are you going to do?

First and foremost, do not panic; stress will only make matters worse.

The scientific community has been actively studying the relationship between acne severity and stress levels.One study discovered a link between increased stress and the severity of acne. Not to mention that many adults who suffer from acne have noticed an increase in acne inflammation when they are stressed.

Why does stress aggravate acne?

Cortisol is released when the body is stressed. This is a hormonal substance. This stress response involves the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (1). CRH stimulates the production of sebum in the skin, which influences the appearance of acne. Furthermore, an increase in CRH stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the skin, such as the cytokine IL-6, which contributes to acne (1).

Here are the steps you need to take RIGHT NOW to get started on your path to clear skin:

1. Stop using harsh scrubs

When frustration sets in, all you want to do is scrub your acne away. The problem with harsh scrubs is that they can cause skin damage depending on how abrasive they are, causing redness, inflammation, and increased dryness.

2. Work with an acne expert to create a skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs.

Working with an acne expert who has been trained and educated to create a customized skin care regimen that is best for your skin will increase your chances of clearing your acne successfully.