Adolescence can be a difficult time for most young people. Even the best-adjusted teens can struggle with feelings of depression and negative moods. These problems can occasionally lead to drug addiction and self-harm behaviors if teens do not seek help.

To make matters worse, researchers from the University of Oslo, Norway found that acne, a common problem among teenagers, can make adolescents significantly more likely to experience mental distress and have suicidal thoughts. Teens with moderate to severe acne were up to twice as likely to have these problems as their clear-skinned peers.

Researchers told CNN that isotretinoin, a common chemical in most acne treatments, has been linked in previous studies to mental disturbance and suicidal thoughts. This potential effect, alongside self-image issues that may develop as a result of acne, may lead to significant mental disturbance.

The study found that bad acne is associated with a range of other effects in teens. They are less likely to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, have fewer attachments to friends and are more likely to do poorly in school, according to the news source.