Can stress really make acne worse?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, stress can worsen acne. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, which triggers your skin's oil glands to produce more sebum. This excess oil, combined with stress-induced inflammation, clogs pores and creates the ideal environment for acne breakouts to develop or intensify.

Because stress-related acne can look similar to other skin conditions—like hormonal acne, rosacea, or fungal infections—it's important to identify the true cause before choosing a treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what's driving your breakouts and guide your next steps, whether that's adjusting your skincare routine, managing stress, or consulting a dermatologist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Stress can indeed make acne worse. When you are stressed, your body might produce more oil, which can lead to more pimples. Stress can also increase inflammation, which can make acne look redder and more irritated.

Oil Production: One study showed that stress might increase the production of sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and cause acne.
Inflammation: Another study found that stress could make the skin more inflamed, making acne worse.
Prevalence: A study on medical students found that those under stress had more acne, suggesting a link between stress and acne outbreaks.

If you are feeling stressed and notice more acne, it might help to find ways to relax, like deep breathing or talking to someone. To better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance, you can try our free AI symptom checker.

(References)

Yosipovitch G, Tang M, Dawn AG, Chen M, Goh CL, Huak Y, & Seng LF. (2007). Study of psychological stress, sebum production and acne .... Acta dermato-venereologica, 17340019.
Jović A, Marinović B, Kostović K, Čeović R, Basta-Juzbašić A, & Bukvić Mokos Z. (2017). The Impact of Pyschological Stress on Acne. Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC, 28871928.
Alzahrani LA, Alfurayh NA, Jadaan NS, Alqahtani RS, & Alqahtani BA. (2025). Impact of Stress on the Prevalence of Acne Among Medical .... Cureus, 40988809.

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