Is it really stress?

I am 17 years old and I have mild/moderate acne, mostly on my forehead and cheeks. The pimples are usually huge and red and very painful, or small whiteheads. When I asked my mom if I could go see a dermatologist a year ago, she told me that the acne was due to stress because I am a huge worrywart when it comes to school and whatnot.
If it is due to stress, though, then why do I still have acne over the summer when I am stress-free? And why doesn't using face washes designed to treat acne due to stress help much?
Is there any suggested treatments that I can do at home before having to see a dermatologist? My acne isn't that bad that I am always self-conscious, but it is bad enough that it makes me look... I don't know, dirty? Ugly?

[loiloi]

Please ask your Mom to read this:
Hi. Acne is caused by high levels of androgens (male hormones found in male and female bodies). Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. Bacteria on the skin feed off this excess oil, blocking the pores and resulting in spots. If left untreated, acne can cause psychological problems and long-term scarring of the skin.
Your doctor can prescribe one of the many effective treatments available:
-A prescription strength acne gel such as Duac or Differin.
-A course of oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
-A hormonal treatment to block the effects of androgens such as Yasmin, Diane35 or Spironolactone.
Acne should not be ignored because raised androgen levels can cause other health problems, so a doctor needs to do a blood test.
Best Wishes, Eloise.

[curtycurt746]

Hi you seem to be very knowledgeable in this dept. I am a 21 year old black male and have had severe acne since 18, i just dont understand why this is happening all my brothers seem to have perfect skin but mine is such a mess. Its all over either side of my face especially around the temple area, i sleep on my face and sometimes i wonder if this is what is causing it. At the end of last year i was in a new relationship with a new job and was very happy with life, all of a sudden my acne completely stopped and the scarring was all fading away. Soon as i broke up with my girl freind around 5 months ago the spots all came back and have just gotten worse and worse.....i think acne really is one of the worst things that have happened to me, when i see people i havent seen in ages the first thing they say is " o my God what happened to your face" those that dont say it are surely thinking it.
There is nothing i wouldnt give just for clear skin