Did you know that when you’re stressed, it’s not just your mental health that suffers? Your skin may become affected too!
Many people don’t know this, but stress can take a toll on skin and make you susceptible to a wide range of unwanted stress-related skin conditions. If you ever find yourself dealing with any skin issue, there are many surgical and non-surgical skin care solutions that can help. But then, how does stress really affect your skin?
Dr. Mayli Davis of Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center helps patients keep their skin healthy, youthful and vibrant.
“Stress can really wreak havoc on so many areas of our lives, but many people are surprised to hear that it can affect your skin, too,” she said. “For those prone to inflammation, stress triggers more of this in your body, so it’s important to try to keep your mind balanced to keep your skin balanced.”
Increased Skin Sensitivity
Stress tends to trigger a chemical response in the body, which in turn also triggers several inflammatory responses and hormonal imbalances, Davis said. This tends to increase skin sensitivity, putting the individual at risk of several stress-related skin conditions, including:
- Rashes
- Dryness
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Hives
Worsening Skin Conditions
Aside from increasing skin sensitivity, stress can also exacerbate several skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea, Davis said.
“This effect is more of a two-way street,” she said. “Stress aggravates these conditions. As the conditions flare up, it causes the body additional stress, creating a kind of vicious cycle that could prove difficult to stop.”
Acne Breakouts
Stress may cause or worsen new acne breakouts, according to Davis. Stress induces the release of the cortisol hormone, which plays a role in the synthesis of oil in the glands. The skin, therefore, becomes oilier and more prone to skin blemishes.
Sometimes, the resulting stress-induced acne problem may not be solvable by just over-the-counter medication. It could end up involving the expertise of an experienced medical professional.
Reducing Stress for Better Skin
Stress puts you at risk of unwanted skin conditions. It can overwhelm you and cause you to neglect your regular skin care routines. Here are a few of Davis’ top tips to help you minimize stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Create some time for yourself to relax and unwind every day.
- Consider yoga, meditation or some other stress-management techniques.
- Get enough sleep it reduces stress and skin inflammation.
- Avoid overwhelming yourself by setting clear boundaries.
- Get support from your loved ones or seek the assistance of a professional.
These are all long-term solutions, although you may need immediate help if stress (or anything, for that matter) affects your skin’s health and appearance. It’s crucial that you feel confident in your skin, and staying stress-free is the best way to do that, Davis said.
