Are you stressed out? Your skin can show it. Studies show that both acute and chronic stress can exert negative effects on overall skin wellness, as well as exacerbate a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, and hair loss.
How is this possible? There are many ways stress physically affects your skin:
1. The stress hormone cortisol leads to an overproduction of sebum (oil) in your skin glands, which causes acne breakouts.
2. Stress impacts your immune system, causes your skin to be more reactive and sensitive, and triggers rashes, hives, and redness.
3. Stress exacerbates inflammation in the body, causing existing inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, to flare up.
4. Stress may cause you to feel nervous or anxious, and pick at scabs or acne, or scratch your skin until it becomes red or breaks.
So what can we do to counteract this? Lowering stress in our day to day lives is something many people find difficult to accomplish. But there are some things you can do to help with added stress & it's effects on our bodies:
Up your water intake! If you are feeling some extra weight on your shoulders, be sure to add more water into your daily routine. Hydrating your body significantly benefits the skin and helps restore it's balance.
Exercise regularly. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that will improve your energy, mood, and outlook.
Get enough sleep. Sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and heal, and good sleep improves your mood, energy levels, and cognition.
Maintain a good skin care routine every day, even on days when you feel too tired or anxious. If being stressed makes you feel tired, you may not want to take off your makeup and wash your face before bed. But try to stick with your routine anyway, because neglect could worsen your skin issues.
5. Take time for yourself. Find the time to engage in a relaxing, re-energizing activity that
makes you happy – like receiving a facial treatment. Not only will a facial nourish the
skin and any stress induced skin issues, but will promote relaxation in a calm and
peaceful environment.
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