News

Acne is often dismissed as a “normal” part of growing up- but for many people, it’s far more than a temporary skin concern. It’s a condition that can affect confidence, relationships, and even life opportunities.

At Southface Dermatology, we believe it’s important to talk about both the physical and emotional impact of acne, because treating acne effectively means understanding the full picture.

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Acne Isn’t Just Cosmetic

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, but its effects go far beyond what you see in the mirror.

Research shows that acne can significantly impact:

• Emotional wellbeing
• Social interactions
• Work and academic performance

A clinical study involving 435 participants found that acne has a substantial effect on quality of life, including self-esteem, social functioning, and even employment and career opportunities.

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The Emotional Toll of Acne

Living with acne can be exhausting—mentally and emotionally.

A recent survey by Cutera revealed:

• 90% of people with acne experience daily insecurities about their skin
• 43% worry they may never have clear skin
• 6 in 10 say treating acne is more frustrating than the acne itself

These findings reflect what many patients experience daily: acne doesn’t just affect your skin, it can deeply affect your confidence and sense of self.

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Acne and Self-Perception

People living with acne often:

• Feel self-conscious in social and professional settings
• Become hyper-aware of their skin
• Experience reduced confidence over time

This can create a cycle where stress and self-consciousness may even contribute to ongoing breakouts, making acne feel never-ending.

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Social and Lifestyle Impact

Acne can influence everyday decisions more than most people realise.

Many individuals report:

• Avoiding social events or photos
• Feeling judged by others
• Struggling with confidence in dating or work environments

Over time, this can lead to withdrawal, frustration, and emotional fatigue-especially when treatments don’t seem to work.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Because acne affects both the skin and mental wellbeing, early and effective treatment is essential.

Without proper care, acne can lead to:

• Permanent scarring
• Prolonged emotional distress
• Long-term impact on self-esteem

The right treatment plan can not only improve your skin-but also help restore confidence and quality of life.

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Our Approach at Southface Dermatology

At Southface Dermatology, we take a personalised, results-driven approach to acne treatment- focusing on long-term improvement, not just temporary fixes.

We offer a range of advanced treatments, including the innovative AviClear Laser.

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Why AviClear?

AviClear is a cutting-edge laser technology designed specifically to treat acne at its source by targeting the sebaceous (oil) glands.

Key benefits include:

• Long-term acne improvement
• Drug-free treatment option
• Suitable for a wide range of skin types
• Minimal downtime

Unlike topical treatments or medications that require ongoing use, AviClear works to reduce oil production at the source, helping to prevent future breakouts and deliver lasting results.

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A Holistic Treatment Philosophy

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your treatment plan may include:

• Medical-grade topical or oral therapies
• Advanced laser treatments like AviClear
• Skincare guidance tailored to your skin type
• Ongoing support throughout your journey

Our goal is not just clearer skin- but helping you feel confident, comfortable, and in control again.

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You’re Not Alone

If you’re struggling with acne, it’s important to know:

• Your experience is valid
• You’re not alone
• Effective solutions are available

Acne is common-but feeling defined by it doesn’t have to be.

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Ready to Take the First Step?

If acne is affecting your confidence or quality of life, we’re here to help.

Book a consultation with Southface Dermatology today and discover a personalised treatment plan, including advanced options like AviClear, designed to give you clearer skin and lasting confidence.

A Dermatologist’s Guide from Southface Dermatology

If you’ve ever noticed your skin breaking out just before or during exams, you’re not imagining it. This is one of the most common patterns we see in clinic- teenagers with otherwise manageable skin suddenly experiencing flare-ups during periods of academic stress.

Understanding why this happens is the first step to controlling it.

Why Acne Gets Worse During Exams

Teenage acne affects up to 95% of adolescents and is primarily driven by hormonal changes during puberty. However, during exam periods, an additional and powerful trigger comes into play: stress.

When you are under pressure-whether from revision, deadlines, or lack of sleep-your body releases a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol has a direct effect on the skin. It stimulates the sebaceous (oil) glands to produce more sebum. This excess oil clogs pores more easily and creates the ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria. At the same time, cortisol increases inflammation, making spots more noticeable, red, and slow to heal.

This is why many students experience oilier skin, more frequent breakouts, and deeper, more inflamed spots during exam periods.

The Exam Period “Perfect Storm”

Stress rarely acts alone. During exams, several lifestyle changes combine to worsen acne:

• Poor sleep disrupts skin repair and increases inflammation
• Skincare routines become inconsistent or are skipped altogether
• Diets may shift towards high-sugar or convenience foods
• Increased face-touching or picking while studying spreads bacteria

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, stress—particularly school-related pressure—is strongly linked to worsening acne in adolescents.

Why Treatments Seem to Stop Working

Research shows that many teenagers feel acne treatments are ineffective during stressful periods. However, this is often due to unrealistic expectations and inconsistent use.

Common issues include stopping treatments too early, expecting rapid results, and uncertainty about how to use products correctly. Many are also unaware of the difference between cosmetic skincare products and medical treatments.

In reality, most topical treatments take 6 to 12 weeks to show visible improvement. Stress can further delay progress if routines are not maintained.

A Simple Routine to Stick To (Even During Exams)

During exams, the goal is consistency, not complexity.

Morning:
Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil. Follow with a lightweight moisturiser containing SPF to protect the skin. We like La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleansing Gel and Effaclar Duo (+) SPF 30 with Niacinamide or Eucerin DermoPure Clinical Complete Daily Routine.

Evening:
Cleanse the skin thoroughly, especially after a long day. Apply a topical retinoid such as adapalene 0.1% to the entire face, not just individual spots. Retinoids work by increasing skin cell turnover and keeping pores clear. These are prescription only. A new cream available, Winlevi, works by reducing the oil and inflammation in the skin.

Additional Support During Breakouts

Salicylic acid cleansers can be helpful after sweating or exercise. Pimple patches may reduce inflammation and help prevent picking. It is best to keep the routine simple and avoid introducing multiple new products at once.

What to Avoid

During stressful periods, certain habits can worsen acne:

Avoid picking or squeezing spots, as this increases the risk of scarring.
Do not use harsh scrubs or over-exfoliate the skin.
Avoid switching products too frequently or using too many treatments at once.
Do not stop treatments prematurely if results are not immediate.

When to Seek Professional Help

If acne becomes persistent, severe, or starts to scar, early intervention is important.

Dermatologists can provide targeted, effective treatments and help prevent long-term skin damage.

Exam stress is a well-recognised trigger for acne. Increased cortisol levels lead to higher oil production, more inflammation, and slower healing-making breakouts more likely during already challenging times.

The key to managing acne during exams is to stay consistent with a simple routine, avoid common triggers such as picking, and allow treatments time to work.

With the right approach, it is entirely possible to keep acne under control-even during the most stressful periods.

If exam-related acne is becoming difficult to manage, Southface Dermatology offers personalised, evidence-based treatment plans to support teenagers through every stage of their skin journey.