Acne Awareness Month
Acne Awareness Month is a celebration observed in June in the United States. The purpose of Acne Awareness Month is to normalize acne and empower sufferers to seek both physical and mental treatments.[1]
Acne affects close to 50 million Americans each year and is not limited to just adolescents.[2] One study showed that 54% of women and 40% of men over the age of 25 have some degree of acne.[3]
History[edit]
In 2009, The American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) declared June to be National Acne Awareness Month. The holiday was initially intended to improve the visibility of AARS and educate clinicians in a manner to better serve their acne patients.
The first Acne Awareness Month focused on a mix of public relations and educational initiatives to raise awareness about acne as a medical condition. A research study found that "teens who suffer from acne are perceived by both teens and adults as less successful in life, less happy, and less outgoing than teens who do not have acne." The initiatives highlighted the need for more quality information for acne sufferers, as they eagerly consumed the media and resources created during this month.
Today, more research grants have been approved by the AARS to continue improving acne awareness and treatments.[4]
Quick Facts[edit]
- In the U.S., Acne is the most common skin condition.[2]
- Acne has no direct cause but has been linked to a variety of factors including: hormonal changes, genetics, medication switches, diet, and pore clogging products like makeup.[5]
- Acne can lead to mental health concerns, such as low self-esteem and depression.[6]
- There are 6 different types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.[7]
Acne and Mental Health[edit]
Studies indicate that those with acne are 46% more likely to suffer from depression.[8] Therefore, mental health is an important conversation surrounding Acne Awareness Month. The following are some psychological effects associated with having acne:
- Self-esteem and body image: Some acne sufferers will avoid eye contact or hide their skin with heavy make-up or long hair.
- Social withdrawal and relationship building: Acne may provoke ridicule and effect an individual's self-confidence. As a result, this may lead to problems forming new relationships and socializing.
- Education and work: Acne may caused embarrassment that can lead people to skip school or work. Additionally, acne can limit career opportunities as low self-esteem hurts promotions and interview performance.[9]
Psychodermatology has risen in prominence as psychologist are finding ways to help dermatology patients. Psychologists are primarily researching how psychological issues impact skin conditions and treating the psychological issues that arise from these skin concerns. Studies have found that stress, depression, and related psychological issues can worsen skin problems, particularly acne, rosacea, psoriasis, itching, eczema, pain, and hives.[10]
Key Organizations[edit]
Organizations that provide resources and expertise surrounding acne-related issues are:
- American Acne and Rosacea Society
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
- The American Skin Association
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Resources[edit]
- Refinery29's Acne Diaries share the personal accounts of acne sufferers to show the emotional impacts of the disease.
- Popsugar Beauty has a page dedicated to columns surrounding Acne Awareness Month.
- Curology's Blog and Facebook Group provide advice and support from medical providers and fellow acne sufferers on how to treat acne and care for your skin.
- Check out this Guide To Foods That Cause Acne to learn how changing your diet can help clear your skin.
- Skin Confident is an acne educational program for high schoolers.
- Better Help is an online counseling portal that connects you to therapy services.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Research updates to mark the end of Acne Awareness Month". www.healio.com. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Skin conditions by the numbers". www.aad.org. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ Cordain, Loren; Lindeberg, Staffan; Hurtado, Magdalena; Hill, Kim; Eaton, S. Boyd; Brand-Miller, Jennie (2002-12-01). "Acne Vulgaris: A Disease of Western Civilization". Archives of Dermatology. 138 (12): 1584–1590. doi:10.1001/archderm.138.12.1584. ISSN 0003-987X.
- ↑ "An Update From AARS" (PDF). The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2: 12–13. October 2009.
- ↑ "June is Acne Awareness Month | Articles | Mount Nittany Health System". www.mountnittany.org. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ Hecht, Anna (2018-06-01). "5 products for beautiful skin to use during National Acne Awareness Month". CNN Underscored. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ "The 6 Types of Acne and How to Treat Them - GoodRx". The GoodRx Prescription Savings Blog. 2019-10-10. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ "Acne increases depression risk". www.aad.org. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ "Psychological effects of acne | DermNet NZ". dermnetnz.org. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ↑ "The link between skin and psychology". www.apa.org. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
Acne Awareness Month[edit]
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