If you've done everything you could in terms of trying to lower your stress levels but the breakouts still appear, it's time to turn to your trusty skin-care products.
"Cleansers that help to decrease bacteria and oil and exfoliate will help to keep your skin clear," said Dr. Cheung, who also recommended over-the-counter retinoids to unclog pores, like Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment. "If your skin needs more than over-the-counter products, your dermatologist will prescribe retinoids and topical antibiotics. Spironolactone is a popular pill for treating hormonal and stress breakouts, as it will block the androgen receptors in the skin to decrease oil production."
If you suffer from continuous stress acne, you can also give at-home LED light therapy a try. "The blue light of the MMSphere 2.0 kills acne bacteria, and the amber light helps improve your mood with endorphins, which will lessen stress," Dr. Marmur said. "At night, my favorite is the red LED light on the meditation setting, which pulses steadily like a heartbeat and calms your mind with dopamine."
