The connection between acne and mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, is well studied. Our expert dermatologist, Dr Anahita Ghorbani, meets patients everyday in the skin clinic who struggle with their skin condition's effect on their mental wellbeing. We asked Dr Anahita to explan how more.

How does acne affect mental health?

– Unfortunately acne is often dismissed as a skin condition that you’ll eventually outgrow, but it can have a profound and lasting effect on your well-being. We see that acne may have a psychological impact on anyone, regardless of the severity! Studies reveal that teens with acne have a higher risk of developing depression, which may include thoughts of suicide, than teens who have the occasional pimple.

Is acne and depression linked?

– Yes. Acne can often cause intense feelings of anxiety and stress, which can sometimes make people with the condition become socially withdrawn. This combination of factors can lead to people with acne becoming depressed.

Is there a link between acne medication and depression?

– It's still controversial weather or not acne medication, and in particular vitamin A pills (like isotretinoin), causes depression. A few reports have been made about depression and mood changes during treatment, but the link is still not clear. Since acne is a disorder in it's own, it has a high risk of causing mood changes and depression. Mood changes is something we dermatologists look out for no matter the treatment.

Are you feeling anxious and need someone to talk to? If you are in Sweden, these organisations are here to help. Remember that you are not alone❤️

TILIA – Supports teens and young adults, and advocates for adding mental health to the school curriculum,

MIND – If you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts, Mind's Självmordslinjen is open 24/7.