Why more than 50% of Americans aren't comfortable in their own skin

Nearly 60% of American consumers surveyed don't feel comfortable in their own skin.

A national study of 2,000 American consumers examined the emotions and attributes that make people feel self-conscious about their appearance.

The survey revealed that what ultimately killed respondents' confidence included overall body image (68%), skin issues (67%), ill-fitting clothes (64%) and social media (58%).

Results, from the study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Massage Envy1, found that even memories from childhood can have long-term effects on self-esteem.

Forty-six percent of respondents experienced skin problems in their youth and, of those, 81% admitted it still plagues their confidence today.

People are so desperate to never have a breakout again they'd go to some pretty extreme lengths to keep their skin permanently clear.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents would relive high school or never eat chocolate again, but 35% would even be willing to lay down $1,000 cash each year to keep their skin glowing and fresh.

Hypothetical extremes aside, a bad skin day can have real-life consequences.

Fifty-seven percent of consumers surveyed left work early or skipped work due to a bad skin day, half (50%) have left or skipped a date and almost half (45%) have left or skipped school or a party due to skin issues.

Of those people who have opted out of social activities because of a blemish emergency, the average person will skip four events every year.

The most common skin problems respondents face are acne (40%), eczema (38%), inflammation (32%), seborrheic dermatitis (27%), and eye bags (27%).

"People shouldn't have to suffer from the lack of confidence skin issues can cause.

It's important to remember that breakouts and wrinkles don't define you and that who you are comes from within," said Diana Morrison, licensed esthetician and Sr. Manager of Service Development at Massage Envy.

Adding, "As you can see, skin issues like acne are common and can have long-lasting impacts on self-confidence.

The Acne Facial Series, powered by Proactiv provides the guidance people may need on their journey to clear skin, and to help them get back to their confident selves." The struggle for clear skin is real since nearly 70% of those surveyed said it has taken a long time to find a skin routine that actually does the job.

The skincare lineup for most still isn't totally effective.

Of those polled, 65% consistently change the products they use, which ultimately leads to cash wasted.

Another 65% have also wasted money on skincare products that bombed and didn't work.

Some chemicals and ingredients have wreaked havoc on respondents, as 67% report being concerned that the products they use are hurting their skin.

Nearly three in five (58%) consumers surveyed have a troubling mantra for their skincare journey: "no pain, no gain," and believe the most effective treatments are supposed to hurt.

With so many options, over half of respondents (64%) feel lost and have no idea what they're doing in terms of skincare.

Nearly six in ten surveyed (62%) think they need professional guidance to remedy their skin, but 58% are too embarrassed by their current skin condition to make an appointment.

Diana added, "Effectively treating your skin requires using the right combination of professional services, home care products and expertise.

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."

Nearly 60% of American consumers surveyed don't feel comfortable in their own skin.

A national study of 2,000 American consumers examined the emotions and attributes that make people feel self-conscious about their appearance.

The survey revealed that what ultimately killed respondents' confidence included overall body image (68%), skin issues (67%), ill-fitting clothes (64%) and social media (58%).

Results, from the study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Massage Envy1, found that even memories from childhood can have long-term effects on self-esteem.

Forty-six percent of respondents experienced skin problems in their youth and, of those, 81% admitted it still plagues their confidence today.

People are so desperate to never have a breakout again they'd go to some pretty extreme lengths to keep their skin permanently clear.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents would relive high school or never eat chocolate again, but 35% would even be willing to lay down $1,000 cash each year to keep their skin glowing and fresh.

Hypothetical extremes aside, a bad skin day can have real-life consequences.

Fifty-seven percent of consumers surveyed left work early or skipped work due to a bad skin day, half (50%) have left or skipped a date and almost half (45%) have left or skipped school or a party due to skin issues.

Of those people who have opted out of social activities because of a blemish emergency, the average person will skip four events every year.

The most common skin problems respondents face are acne (40%), eczema (38%), inflammation (32%), seborrheic dermatitis (27%), and eye bags (27%).

"People shouldn't have to suffer from the lack of confidence skin issues can cause.

It's important to remember that breakouts and wrinkles don't define you and that who you are comes from within," said Diana Morrison, licensed esthetician and Sr. Manager of Service Development at Massage Envy.

Adding, "As you can see, skin issues like acne are common and can have long-lasting impacts on self-confidence.

The Acne Facial Series, powered by Proactiv provides the guidance people may need on their journey to clear skin, and to help them get back to their confident selves." The struggle for clear skin is real since nearly 70% of those surveyed said it has taken a long time to find a skin routine that actually does the job.

The skincare lineup for most still isn't totally effective.

Of those polled, 65% consistently change the products they use, which ultimately leads to cash wasted.

Another 65% have also wasted money on skincare products that bombed and didn't work.

Some chemicals and ingredients have wreaked havoc on respondents, as 67% report being concerned that the products they use are hurting their skin.

Nearly three in five (58%) consumers surveyed have a troubling mantra for their skincare journey: "no pain, no gain," and believe the most effective treatments are supposed to hurt.

With so many options, over half of respondents (64%) feel lost and have no idea what they're doing in terms of skincare.

Nearly six in ten surveyed (62%) think they need professional guidance to remedy their skin, but 58% are too embarrassed by their current skin condition to make an appointment.

Diana added, "Effectively treating your skin requires using the right combination of professional services, home care products and expertise.

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."