Many teenagers dread seeing a big zit staring back at them in the mirror, but a new study suggests those pesky pimples could be something to celebrate.

A recently published study called “Do Pimples Pay? Acne, Human Capital, and the Labor Market" found that having acne in middle and high school "is strongly positively associated with overall grade point average in high school, grades in high school English, history, math, and science, and the completion of a college degree."

The study also found evidence suggesting teen girls with acne went on to earn more money than girls who didn't have acne.

Erik Nesson, an associate professor of economics at Ball State University, co-authored the study. He told the "Today" show that the team was "surprised" by the strong correlation between acne and good grades.

And because acne is often associated with depression and suicidal thoughts in teens, Emory University associate economics professor Hugo Mialon said the study "may bring hope and consolation to teenagers suffering from acne."

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. About 40-50 million Americans have it at one time.

The authors reviewed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, which sampled thousands of U.S. junior high and high school students during the 1994-95 school year, "Today" reported. The students were asked about their skin, self-esteem, social life and grades and then followed into their 20s and 30s.

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