Adult Acne All in the Mind?

Research at the New York University School of Medicine suggests that the causes of adult acne could be partly psychosomatic. It has long been understood that stress and fatigue can make adult acne worse, but the latest findings indicate that unpleasant feelings or emotions in the mind could actually be causing the condition. The symptoms of adult acne are in fact seen as the symptoms of an unhappy mind.

How does the mind cause adult acne?

Scientists believe that the mind and body are linked in such a way that negative thoughts or emotions in a person’s unconscious mind can manifest themselves as physical symptoms or diseases such as adult acne.  This is thought to be a natural defence mechanism used by the mind to suppress these unpleasant feelings and stop them entering the conscious mind.

Other illnesses that are thought to be caused in this way include irritable bowel syndrome, hives, acid reflux and certain types of back pain. The increase of these diseases over the last fifty years, along with the increase in adult acne in women that haven’t experienced acne as teenagers, can be attributed to increased stress levels and a faster pace of life.

Does this mean adult acne isn’t real?

No, this research shows that adult acne is very real, with scientists able to measure actual pathological changes in the skin of people suffering from the condition.  Adult acne is still seen as a real disease; just one that is triggered by the mind rather than physical factors.

Until recently adult acne was seen as a genetic condition, and it is still believed that people can be more likely to develop the condition because of their genetic make up. However, this research indicates that while a person’s genes may make them more prone to adult acne it is actually the mind that causes the symptoms to appear.

How can psychosomatic adult acne be treated?

Treating adult acne as a psychosomatic illness is in its early stages, but like all diseases triggered in this way the focus is on treating the underlying psyche and not simply the physical symptoms.

To find out more about addressing the root cause of adult acne and curing the condition from within by reducing negative emotions, check out Acne No More, the step by step holistic acne system which will help you get rid of adult acne for good.

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