Blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne can all occur as a result of an increase in oil production, but stress pimples usually present in one form. "[These] tend to start as deep cysts and erupt as angry red pimples," Cheung said.
They also tend to cluster around two specific areas of the face. "The increase in hormones typically makes stress pimples show up on your chin and cheeks, similar to other hormonal breakouts," Dr. Marmur said. But they can also present on the sides of the face and down onto the neck.
The important thing to remember — no matter which type of acne you're experiencing or what caused it — is to never pick at your face. Both Dr. Cheung and Dr. Marmur said this is a common issue. "I have a lot of 'stress pickers' who are stuck in the vicious cycle of getting acne, picking at it for stress relief, which makes the acne worse, leading to more picking," Dr. Cheung said.