How Stress Affects Your Skin
by Katie Pierce
written for Liv & Let
Stress impacts the whole body, including your skin as it reflects how you are responding to it. Since the skin has a direct connection to the brain, stress also affects psychological health which in turn becomes evident with the look of the skin.
Being mindful of your skin health goes beyond having a good appearance but also is essential for general health since it’s the largest organ in the body. It helps maintain homeostasis between internal tissues and the external environment.
Moreover, it has various functions which include sensory reception, proper hydration, and body temperature among others. Practicing mindfulness to take care of your skin, especially when stressed would help the body remain healthy.
Expect that stress will show on the skin so develop habits that would not put you in constant stress which is detrimental to overall health. A stressful event triggers the immune system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol as a reaction to threats.
This would also induce brain inflammation to help you cope. Thus, being consistently stressed can lead to serious skin conditions. Below are some impacts of stress on the skin.
Causes external breakouts - This is the most apparent impact of stress on the skin as the hormone cortisol prompts the overproduction of oil in skin glands. This generates acne breakouts and clogs pores.
Though, using coconut oil on the skin could help address this problem since it has antimicrobial properties that fight harmful bacteria. Applying it directly to the skin may prevent the growth of the microorganisms causing the breakout.
2. Exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions - Stress aggravates skin problems such rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. The changes in hormone levels also cause hives and rashes that could trigger flare-ups.
This is because stress pushes the underlying internal inflammation surface worsening the condition. Since everyone’s skin is different, checking in with your doctor on what skin products are best to use during such situations would be the best way to combat the condition.
3. Inhibit wound healing - Excessive release of catecholamine and cortisol due to stress slows the process of healing. This essentially prompts slower cell regeneration necessary for the wounds to heal quickly as the immune system was negatively affected.
Moreover, having to deal with this could interfere with your usual skincare routine which might aggravate your other skin conditions. Looking for better ways to handle stress cannot be overstated with the effects it can have on your body.
4. Dehydration - Since cortisol interferes with hyaluronic acid’s capability to store water, there is a tendency to have dry skin. The body becomes dehydrated as it activates the sweat glands given that your adrenaline and cortisol levels are high. Plus, your anxiousness coming from stress might also trigger you to unconsciously scratch your skin until it breaks.
Regardless of these possibilities, how you handle stress still matters the most. Don’t let this stress you out! There are approaches to practice mindfulness to maintain the look that you want, such as:
Make time for skincare. Even if you’re tired for the day, do not neglect your skin as it could worsen existing skin issues. Take off your makeup and wash your face before going to bed. If you’re not sure what to do or how to start, consult a dermatologist who can prescribe the right routine for you and try to stick to it.
Invest in skincare products. Before trying anything out, it is highly recommended to ask your doctor first. Remember to use sunscreen and moisturizer, especially when going outdoors. Avoid exposing your skin to too much sunlight due to harmful UV rays. Keep your body hydrated as well by drinking plenty of water.
Eat healthy, exercise, and sleep. This advice wouldn’t go out of style because these three would help your body release good hormones that combat stress. Moreover, your overall mood and outlook will improve.
Having a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole foods can significantly improve your skin and how you function. Be more mindful of processed food because it can trigger internal inflammation. Meanwhile, sleeping 7-8 hours every day remains to be ideal to support the regeneration of cells.
Do relaxation techniques. Being able to practice stress management would be the most helpful of all since this would produce a domino effect. Make time for yourself by doing activities that help you unwind.
It certainly takes effort but it would be worth it in the long run. Maintain a social life, practice yoga, and do whatever it takes that can help put your mind at ease. Develop consistency in everything you do as it would help you better handle stressful situations.
Head to www.GivShoppe.com for some amazing skincare!