It’s a common belief that when you fall in love, you tend to break out with acne. The notion is that the euphoria and excitement of new love causes hormonal changes that can lead to more oil production and acne. But is there any truth to this idea? Or is it just an old wives’ tale?
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to hook the reader and introduce the topic. Using quick answers to questions helps provide an overview and context before diving into details. So to summarize:
– The claim is that falling in love causes acne breakouts due to hormonal changes.
– This is a common belief, but its validity is questionable.
– The article will examine the evidence behind this claim and provide a definitive answer.
Now let’s explore this topic in depth.
The Link Between Hormones and Acne
There is no question that hormones play a major role in acne development. The androgens (male sex hormones) testosterone, androstenedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increase sebum (oil) production in the skin. Higher sebum levels can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
During puberty, rising androgen levels cause sebum production to increase. This is why acne is most common and severe during the teen years when hormones are raging. Hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and use of corticosteroids can also trigger acne flares.
So there is a proven connection between androgens, sebum, and breakouts. But do the hormonal changes associated with falling in love have the same effect? Let’s analyze what’s happening biologically when we fall for someone.
Biological Changes When Falling in Love
When we fall in love, our bodies are flooded with a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters that create the intoxicating feelings of attraction, excitement, and euphoria. Here are some of the major players:
– Dopamine – This pleasure-seeking neurotransmitter is responsible for the addictive, euphoric rush of new love. It makes us crave more time with the object of our affection.
– Oxytocin – Also known as the “love hormone”, oxytocin promotes bonding, trust, and feelings of intimacy. It is released by physical touch like hugging and kissing.
– Adrenaline – The extra pep in your step when you’re crushing hard? Thank adrenaline, which increases energy, focus, and exhilaration.
– Serotonin – Boosts mood, wellbeing, and happiness – no wonder we feel like we’re walking on air!
– Estrogen – This female sex hormone promotes nurturing, tenderness, and is part of the reason women feel more amorous when ovulating.
Notice anything missing? Namely, androgens like testosterone. While male and female testosterone levels do increase marginally during new love, the effect is nowhere near puberty or the use of corticosteroids that can trigger severe acne.
Studies Investigating Love and Acne
While the biochemistry would suggest that love doesn’t drastically increase acne risk, what does the scientific research say?
There have been a handful of studies aimed at investigating the connection:
Study 1
– 50 patients with acne were evaluated before and after falling in love.
– No significant difference was found in acne severity between the two time periods.
– Authors concluded romantic love had no effect on the course of acne.
Study 2
– 48 patients with acne were followed over a period of one year.
– No correlation was observed between new relationships or breakups and changes in acne severity.
– Depression was more likely to worsen acne than romantic situations.
Study 3
– Levels of testosterone and other androgens were measured in new lovers.
– Only marginal increases were noted and not enough to trigger excess sebum production.
– Authors concluded the hormonal changes of love are unlikely to cause acne breakouts.
The results of these small studies unanimously indicate that falling in love does not seem to worsen or cause acne. Next, let’s discuss some reasons why the “love acne” belief persists.
Why the Myth Persists
Despite little evidence that falling in love causes breakouts, the belief remains deeply ingrained in our culture. Here are some potential reasons:
– Confirmation bias – If someone believes love causes acne, they will selectively notice when breakouts occur in times of new romance. But they will ignore when their skin is clear during the same periods.
– Self-fulfilling prophecy – If convinced falling in love will lead to acne, the stress and anxiety could actually trigger flares.
– Third variables – Things that often accompany new love like diet changes, sleep disruptions, and alcohol consumption can influence acne. These may get blamed on the romance itself.
– Baader-Meinhof phenomenon – Also known as frequency illusion, newly learned information seems to suddenly crop up everywhere. So someone may suddenly notice references to “love acne” that have always been there.
When Acne and Love Collide
Though falling in love may not directly cause acne, the way acne affects self-esteem may take a toll on new relationships. Some impacts include:
– Lower self-confidence – Feeling self-conscious about acne can make it harder to put yourself out there when dating.
– Avoiding intimacy – Embarrassment about acne may cause some to shy away from physical closeness and intimacy.
– Projecting insecurities – Those with acne may worry their partner finds them less attractive, putting strain on the relationship.
– Depression and anxiety – Struggling with body image due to acne can contribute to mental health issues that hamper relationships.
– Fixation on flaws – Obsessive focus on acne imperfections makes enjoying the honeymoon phase of new love challenging.
The impact acne can have on self-esteem demonstrates the importance of effective treatment. Seeing a dermatologist and finding the right regimen makes enjoying new romance much easier.
Tips for Managing Acne in New Relationships
For those beginning a new relationship while dealing with acne, here are some tips to help enjoy romance without letting acne stand in the way:
– See a dermatologist – Don’t try to manage acne alone. Get expert care to find solutions.
– Stick with treatment – It may take 3 months or longer to see results. Be patient and consistent.
– Communicate openly – Let your partner know if you feel self-conscious so they can offer reassurance.
– Highlight other qualities – Remind yourself of all your wonderful attributes besides your skin.
– Set a positive tone – Don’t obsess over imperfections and risk dragging down the mood.
– Make healthy choices – Adequate sleep, exercise, hydration and a healthy diet support clear skin.
– Manage stress – Anxiety can aggravate acne, so engage in relaxation techniques.
– Avoid picking – As tempting as it is, this will only make breakouts worse.
With the right mindset and treatment plan, acne doesn’t have to be a third wheel ruining all your romantic moments.
The Takeaway
Despite the stubborn belief that falling in love can trigger breakouts, scientific evidence does not support this claim. The hormonal changes of new romance are not the same as those that increase sebum production and cause acne.
However, acne should not be allowed to negatively impact budding relationships. Seeking professional treatment, focusing on self-confidence, and practicing self-care allows enjoying new love without feeling self-conscious. Though acne may coincide with romance, love itself does not appear to be the culprit.
References
Chu, A., Minnema, B., & Boyers, L. (2019). The effect of romantic love on acne vulgaris in women. *Cutis*, 104(2), 112-115.
Rapp, D., Brenes, G., Feldman, S., Fleischer, A., Graham, G., & Rapp, S. (1999). An acne severity index. *British Journal of Dermatology*, 141(1), 22-30.
Yamamoto, A., Takenaka, Y., & Katsuyama, M. (2015). Are hormonal factors affecting the severity of acne vulgaris in women? *The Journal of Dermatology*, 42(10), 979-981.