Something that is not often talked about is how emotional problems might be a significant cause of acne. It’s estimated that more than 50% of skin diseases have a heavy psychological component, and dealing with this clears your skin easier and faster. If you think about it, your skin is especially intimate with your brain and emotions because it is the organ that gathers all the information from the outside world. It is covered with nerve endings.
According to this idea, if negative thoughts and emotions, stress, repressed emotions, self-esteem issues are regenerated over an over in the brain, they are turned into toxins which, for many, cause acne. The problem is that acne sufferers have these negative emotions in abundance, which can develop into a self perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break out of.
The book Skin Deep: A Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin by Ted Grossbart (I found it on Amazon) explores this idea and really makes a lot of sense. Some may find it a bit ‘new agey’ and reject some of the suggested techniques e.g. imaging, hypnosis and psychotherapy, but I found it a very interesting read. Especially those with persistent acne should find it worth a read.