Wrath of wrinkles, agony from acne: 60% of Americans feel uncomfortable in own skin

SCOTTSDALE, Az. — When it comes to reasons why people call out of work, having a “bad skin day” is not something you may often think of. People may not admit it openly, but a new poll finds many Americans say their skin issues affect their confidence. Researchers find these issues have long-lasting effects, with 81 percent of people with childhood skin problems saying it still affects their self-esteem today.

The survey, commissioned by Massage Envy, polled 2,000 Americans regarding the things that make them self-conscious about their looks. The poll finds 59 percent aren’t comfortable in their own skin. The biggest confidence killers are body image (68%), skin problems (67%), poor-fitting clothes (64%), and social media (58%).

Too embarrassed to stay

Low self-esteem can have a debilitating effect on a person’s social life. Fifty-seven percent of respondents say they’ve left or skipped a date and 45 percent have cut school or left early because of skin trouble. The OnePoll survey adds the average person will likely skip four events every year due to skin blemishes.

“People shouldn’t have to suffer from the lack of confidence skin issues can cause,” Massage Envy’s Diana Morrison says in a statement. “It’s important to remember that breakouts and wrinkles don’t define you and that who you are comes from within.”

Many Americans lack skincare knowledge

Acne (40%), eczema (38%), inflammation (32%), seborrheic dermatitis (27%), and eye bags (27%) are the most common skin issues plaguing Americans. Almost 70 percent of respondents struggle to find a suitable, efficient skin routine. Nearly two-thirds of the poll agree they just don’t know how to take care of their skin.

Six in 10 believe they need professional assistance, but nearly the same number (58 percent) admit they’re too uncomfortable to make an appointment with an expert.

“Effectively treating your skin requires using the right combination of professional services, home care products and expertise,” Morrison explains. “This is an opportunity to really lead the conversation – and say, you’re not alone in this, we’re here to help you find the best solutions and to offer the guidance you may need to love the skin you’re in.”

What would you give for clear skin?

So what would you do to clear up those pesky blemishes? The poll finds Americans are willing to put up with a lot to avoid breakouts for life. Thirty-seven percent say they’ll give up chocolate, relive high school, or even sit through a five-hour chemistry lecture for clean skin.

Over a third are willing to pay $1,000 a year to live breakout-free.

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