Acne Myths > Acne Myth #3: Acne is Caused by Stress

Stress is not a direct cause of acne but it is true that some types of stress can cause the body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which can irritate existing acne.

Indirectly, some medication that we take to alleviate or control extreme stress or emotional problems like depression can be factors in the production of acne.

In fact, some medicines have acne listed as a possible side effect.