Co-authored by Srisindhu Medukonduru and Eunice Y. Yuen, M.D., Ph.D.

Acne is a common, worldwide skin condition with a global prevalence of 9.4%. Interestingly, it is more prevalent in high-income or developed countries than in poorer regions. The issue typically develops during the teen years, affecting 85% of adolescents regardless of gender, and can continue into adulthood as a chronic disease. The problem of acne goes beyond just changing a person's physical appearance. In truth, it can inflict lifelong economic, social, and psychiatric consequences, such as unemployment, lack of social life, and self-esteem or body image issues co-morbid with depression and anxiety.

It is not surprising acne can hit hard on vulnerable teens. In a study analyzing how teenagers see and feel about themselves and how others respond to their skin, teenagers with acne were perceived most often by other people as being shy, stressed, lonely, boring, unhealthy, or rebellious. 64% of teenagers in the study with acne felt embarrassed by it, 71% of teenagers with acne reported lower self-confidence or shyness, and 43% mentioned having difficulty finding dates or making friends. Overall, these results show that acne has a negative effect on the way people are perceived by others and themselves, and thus a huge mental health concern.

Acne can present differently depending on severity,........

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