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.