Where Does Stress Cause Breakouts?

"Stress acne, unlike your regular breakouts, usually occurs on the oiliest parts of your face—your forehead, nose, and chin areas," says Shereene Idriss, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist at New York City's Union Square Laser Dermatology.

Can stress actually make you break out?

Stress can't directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress does make it worse. Researchers have found that wounds, including acne, are much slower in healing when a person is under stress.

How do you know if you have a stress breakout?

Some of the most common signs of stress acne include redness, itching, and an increase in the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads, along with regular pimples. Stress acne generally shows up on your forehead, nose or chin. You could also have a cluster of pimples at the same time.