Can you really determine if someone is in a harmful relationship just by looking at their skin? Some users on TikTok seem to believe that to be true.

On this platform, individuals share images of their skin from the time they were in unhealthy relationships, compared to their skin now that they are either single or in more positive relationships. In their earlier pictures, they often display noticeable acne, while in the more recent ones, their skin looks clear and radiant.

According to TikTok, the evidence is right there on your skin: a negative relationship can negatively affect your complexion. So, is the best way to clear up your skin to end that unhealthy bond and start fresh? Perhaps not so quickly.

dermatologists suggest there’s validity in the notion that toxic relationships can negatively impact your skin and overall health, leading to acne. But does that imply you should end your relationship immediately if you’re struggling with breakouts? Or that having acne is a sure sign your relationship is harmful?

“Many of these observations are actually rooted in scientific findings,” explains Dr. Danilo Del Campo, the founder and medical director of the Chicago Skin Clinic.

Does the Skin Really Tell the Truth?

On TikTok, there’s a common belief that if someone is not right for you, your body will react negatively, even if you’re not consciously aware of it.

Conversely, some users claim that your body can show signs of being with the right partner. For example, a user highlighted her acne-prone skin during a toxic relationship compared to her clear skin now that she’s in a healthy one. Another TikToker, in a video with 6.3 million views, states, “your body automatically rejects someone who is not suitable for you,” illustrating her transformation through her own before-and-after images.

These videos resonate with viewers, many of whom share their own stories. “My acne AND scars started to fade once I let go of him,” one user commented. “Once I became single, my skin cleared up too,” said another. However, not everyone agrees, as one person remarked, “Ever since I broke up a month ago, my skin has been at its worst.”

Dermatologists acknowledge that there’s some truth here, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. While breakouts may not indicate that a particular relationship is toxic, they can certainly signify elevated stress levels.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and host of the podcast “Give Good Face: Clean Clinical Science,” explains that stress can significantly worsen acne by increasing cortisol levels, which in turn affects our oil glands.

“When we experience emotional or mental stress, cortisol levels rise, which can also raise heart rates and lead to increased sweating,” he notes. “This can exacerbate conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even acne.”

Other lifestyle choices, like diet and sleep patterns, also have an impact on your skin. If sleepless nights arise from worrying about your relationship, that can further aggravate acne. Additionally, if relationship stress drives you to comfort foods, this can also be detrimental. Specific foods like chocolate and milk, as well as other high sugar or high glycemic foods, may worsen acne, according to Rossi.

Del Campo points out that all these elements can interact and worsen skin conditions.

“One issue can lead to another,” he states. “So yes, I believe acne could indicate that someone may not be in a good place in their life.”

This perspective isn’t limited to romantic relationships. Stress from any source can contribute to acne. Therefore, if you suspect your mental wellbeing is affecting your skin, it’s crucial to identify whether your relationship is truly the source, or if other factors are at play.

“It’s not always the stress from a relationship,” says dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy. “It could stem from work-related stress affecting sleep, academic pressures leading to late nights, poor nutrition, or even distractions like video games keeping you up.”

What Can We Learn from This TikTok Trend?

While dermatologists advise against solely attributing skin issues to a relationship, they acknowledge that the TikTok phenomenon highlights an essential truth: mental health has a significant impact on physical health.

Consequently, the best skincare routines should incorporate more than just topical treatments. They should also include mindfulness practices and regular mental health check-ins.

It’s important to recognize that personal history can also play a role in acne susceptibility, and one must remember that skin issues often fluctuate, irrespective of what’s happening in one’s life.

“I don’t believe that simply ending your relationship will completely resolve your skin problems,” Rossi asserts. “Acne is a complex condition, as it often flares in cycles.”

Nonetheless, if you’re dealing with persistent acne and know that your relationship is a source of stress, it’s worth taking notice.

“If anything in your life is causing emotional and physical strain, it’s harmful for you—not just for your skin but for your mental wellbeing as well,” Rossi advises. Consequently, personal issues often surface in his practice. “The condition of the skin often reflects one’s emotional state.”