and Health
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it is also rather sensitive. It is likely no surprise then that stress can have a direct effect on its overall health. We are all familiar with the physical effects of stress, such as headaches and feeling fatigued, but did you know that it can also manifest itself in changes in your skin too? Researchers have studied the link between stress and skin health and what they have found is concerning.
When under stress, the stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol kick into action. This stimulates inflammation in the body – making the skin look red and irritable. Excess cortisol can make you more susceptible to sunburn, suppress the immune system, and even cause an overproduction of oil in the skin, leading to acne.
Effects of Stress on Different Types of Skin
People who have dry skin already have a natural barrier that is more prone to break down when exposed to additional stress, which can make matters worse.
Meanwhile, those who have oily skin should beware, as an increase in stress hormones can cause an overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts.
Combination skin is a bit more complicated. Those with combination skin will often note an increase in dryness in the T-zone, while the cheeks tend to produce excess oil – something that can be worsened by the presence of stress.
Helping Your Skin Cope With Stress
Luckily, it is possible to reduce the effects of stress on your skin. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you keep your skin healthy during stressful times:
- Get enough sleep:
- Exercise:
- Eat well and stay hydrated:
- Reduce your stress:
This is perhaps the most important way to keep your skin healthy, no matter the cause of your stress.
Exercising can help release some of the pent-up energy that comes with stress and it can also improve blood circulation to the skin.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for proper skin health, and can go a long way towards reducing the effects of stress.
Try to look for ways to reduce stress in your life. Take a break, go for a walk, or do something calming like yoga.
Stress can have a real toll on your skin and overall health. However, if you make a couple of small lifestyle changes to reduce stress and maintain healthy habits, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
If you are looking for ways to manage the effects of stress on your skin, please reach out to us and speak to a dermatologist. We can help you find ways to keep your skin happy and healthy.
