Acne - NOW Health Network Acne minds muscles meals

Dr. Jason Rivers , MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist , Vancouver, BC

ucational video explains Eczema - Symptoms & Treatments

Common types include:

Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
Blackheads (open clogged pores)
Papules (small red bumps)
Pustules (pimples with pus)
Nodules or cysts (large, painful bumps under the skin that can scar)

Common types include:

Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
Blackheads (open clogged pores)
Papules (small red bumps)
Pustules (pimples with pus)
Nodules or cysts (large, painful bumps under the skin that can scar)

Dr. Jason Rivers , MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist , Vancouver, BC

Educational video explains Eczema - Symptoms & Treatments

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional or dermatologist if:

Your acne is severe or painful.
It leaves scars or dark marks.
Over-the-counter treatments haven’t helped after about 2–3 months.
Your acne is causing significant emotional distress.

If you want more specific advice, tell me:

How old are you?
Where is the acne (face, back, chest, etc.)?
Is it mostly blackheads, whiteheads, red pimples, or painful cysts?
How long have you had it, and what treatments have you already tried?

Dr. Jan Dank , MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist

Management of Teenage Acne educational Video

Acne is very common during the teenage years. About 85% of teenagers experience some degree of acne because hormone changes during puberty increase oil production, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation.

What causes teenage acne?

Hormonal changes during puberty increase skin oil (sebum).
Dead skin cells and oil clog pores.
Skin bacteria contribute to inflammation, causing pimples.
Genetics can make acne more likely

Andy Desantis, registered dietician

Registered Dietician, talks about cherries as a nutritious treat

Foods that may help support healthy skin

A generally healthy eating pattern appears more beneficial than focusing on any single “superfood.”

Vegetables and fruits (rich in antioxidants)
Whole grains and legumes
Lean proteins
Fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel), which provide omega-3 fats that may help reduce inflammation
Nuts and seeds
Plenty of water for overall hydration

Nutrition can influence acne for some people, but it is usually one factor among many. Hormones, genetics, skin care, and certain medications also play important roles. Current evidence suggests the strongest dietary links are:

Foods that may worsen acne

High-glycemic foods (foods that rapidly raise blood sugar), such as:
- Sugary drinks
- Candy
- White bread
- Pastries
- Highly processed breakfast cereals
  These foods may increase insulin and related hormones that can stimulate oil production and inflammation. Multiple studies suggest a low-glycemic diet may modestly improve acne.
Some dairy products, particularly skim milk, have been associated with acne in some studies. The evidence is mixed, and not everyone is affected. If you suspect dairy is a trigger, consider a 6–8 week trial of reducing it while ensuring you still meet your calcium and protein needs.

Psychiatrist, Dr Shimi Kang

Dealing with Anxiety, Phobias or Chronic Worrying in Your Life

Taking care of both your skin and mental health

Some strategies that can help include:

Following a consistent acne treatment plan, recognizing that improvement often takes 6–12 weeks.
Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, which can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
Limiting comparisons on social media, where images are often edited or filtered.
Talking with trusted friends or family members about how you’re feeling.
Prioritizing sleep, regular physical activity, and stress-management techniques, which support overall well-being (though they are not substitutes for acne treatment).

If you’re asking because acne is affecting you, I’d be glad to help you think through both treatment options and the emotional side. If you tell me your age, how long you’ve had acne, and how it’s affecting your daily life, I can offer more tailored information.

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or feel that things have become overwhelming, tell someone you trust and seek immediate support from a healthcare professional or your local emergency services. I can also help you find appropriate crisis resources if you tell me what country you’re in

Acne can have a significant effect on mental health, especially when it is persistent, severe, or appears on highly visible areas like the face. While acne is a common skin condition, the emotional impact varies widely from person to person.

Here are some of the ways acne can affect mental well-being:

Lower self-esteem: Many people feel less confident about their appearance, which can affect social interactions, dating, school, or work.
Anxiety: Worry about how others perceive your skin can lead to social anxiety or avoidance of photos, events, or meeting new people.
Depression: Studies have found that people with acne have a higher risk of depressive symptoms. This can occur even with acne that is medically considered mild if it causes significant distress.
Body image concerns: Acne may contribute to negative thoughts about one’s appearance or excessive focus on perceived flaws.
Reduced quality of life: Daily routines, clothing choices, makeup use, and concerns about flare-ups can become a source of ongoing stress.

Research suggests that treating acne can improve both skin symptoms and psychological well-being. In some cases, addressing the emotional impact is just as important as treating the skin itself.