Fact sheet: Acne 2017

• Acne is extremely prevalent and affects 90% of teens.
• Acne affects people of all ethnic groups.
• Some 5 million Canadians have acne.
• 3 in 10 young people develop moderate acne which usually requires medical treatment to bring it under control and limit the risk of scarring.
• 1 in 2 teens (55%) get acne scars on the face.

Emotional impacts:
• Acne occurs on the face in 99% of cases and affects appearance and self-confidence.

• For teens, acne can affect the development of self-image and assertiveness – factors that are important in forming friendships and dating. Having acne has been associated with teasing, bullying and eating disorders.

• Research shows acne can result in significant emotional distress ranging from bad moods and embarrassment to anxiety and depression.

• The rate of depression in acne patients is high at 10%.

• Some acne sufferers say the hurt and shame they felt when they had acne can still be felt years afterwards. This is known as “emotional scarring”.

• Research shows some people with mild to moderate acne experience psychological symptoms as serious as those associated with severe acne such as anxiety and depression.

• Females feel the emotional impact of acne more than males and have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Researchers point to advertising featuring females with perfect, flawless skin as playing a part in this problem.

• One study of acne patients showed the condition had a greater impact on mental health than asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain, arthritis or heart disease.

For more information, please visit www.AcneAction.ca