Acne Keeps People From Exercise, Study Says

People with acne are less likely to get into sports and exercise, research from the U.K. said.

A study of 50 young to middle-aged adults by the University of Bath also said that people who think their skin will be judged negatively by others have lower self-esteem and a lower quality of life.

Participants in the study came from an acne support group.

The researchers said that "dermatological social anxiety" is often overlooked in studies on motivation for sport and exercise.

"The skin is the most visible organ in the human body and, as such, is an important part of personal image," said Dr. Martyn Standage

"It is well-known that reduced levels of physical activity can increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes," said Tom Loney, a doctoral student who worked on the project.