Do you find that during exams you start to get spots? How about a messy break up? Stressors like exams can activate the 'fight-flight' response and adrenaline and cortisol are released. Cortisol helps to convert stores of energy in the body into a form the body can use. It also helps to reduce pain and speed up healing. All pretty useful if your attacked by a lion and fighting for your life but not so useful if you have to sit still and just write a couple of essays.
Cortisol can cause the skin to release oil. This can then lead to spots and in cases of chronic stress lead to acne and other skin problems.
The first link below is to an article on the effect of stress on the skin. The second link is to a study that investigated the effect of stress on adolescent acne.
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