Stress in moderation is a completely natural and human thing. However, chronic levels have heavy consequences that will affect varying aspects of your health. Some of these consequences put you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease or a weakened immune system. Stress is also one of the few known causes for the development of depression.
Stress has an equal chance of affecting your skin. Acne, wrinkles, and dry skin are just a few of the many side effects caused by stress. If you want a better understanding of how stress will affect your skin, continue reading as we cover everything you need to know in this blog.
How Can Stress Affect Your Skin?
The chemical response caused by stress in the body can make your skin more reactive and sensitive than it usually is. Stress can even make it more difficult for the skin to heal itself.
Stress releases high levels of hormones, such as cortisol, in the body, resulting in varying skin problems. The most common are acne breakouts and excess oil buildup. In more severe cases, stress can lead to more severe skin issues, such as hives, rashes, and eczema breakouts.
The only way to treat your skin's reaction is to soothe these side effects with daily skin care. It may be tempting to avoid your usual routine under extreme stress, but skipping it may make things worse.
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What Are the Symptoms of Stress on the Skin?
Many symptoms are clear signs of stress on the skin. Below are the top five most common symptoms of stress.
Dry Skin
When large amounts of cortisol, in combination with other hormones, are released while you are under an unhealthy amount of stress, the barrier on your skin can weaken. This will, in turn, cause it to dry out faster than usual as it loses its ability to hold moisture.
Acne
Some studies have shown a connection between stress and acne breakouts. This is especially true for women. Cortisol pushes the sebaceous glands to produce additional oil, leading to dead skin getting trapped in pores. This then causes pimples and inflammation in the skin.
Inflammation and Rashes
It is not uncommon that exposure to stress for excessive periods of time can trigger rashes and inflammation. This severe reaction to stress on your body can trigger and cause any current skin problems, such as psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema, to worsen. It can also damage your skin further. In addition to this, there is also a connection between hyperpigmentation and enduring high-stress levels.
Wrinkles
Many who experience high levels of stress also have been shown to have earlier signs of aging. This refers mainly to the appearance of wrinkles. The hormones released while stressing interfere with your skin's elastin and rejuvenating capabilities, which causes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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Under-Eye Bags
Sleep deprivation is linked to stress, and this causes the area beneath your eyes to become swollen and puffy. These are known as “bags” and can also become more frequent as the supportive muscles around the eye weaken over time.
What Are Effective Ways to Manage Stress for Healthier Skin?
Don’t stress about stress just yet. Below are the best and most effective ways to manage your stress and achieve healthy skin.
- Exercise: Relaxing exercises such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation help drastically reduce stress levels.
- Balanced Diet: To boost your skin's health, ensure a balanced diet using foods and drinks rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
- Healthy Sleep: Maintain a good sleep schedule. Get at least seven hours each day so your skin has time to regenerate and repair itself.
- Skincare Routine: Follow a consistent skincare regime that includes products such as hydrating moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreen. If your skin is experiencing any signs of skin conditions, look for products for sensitive or irritated skin.
The Wrap-Up on How Stress Affects Your Skin and the Solutions
Stress is unavoidable and sometimes healthy — short-term stress levels have little to no effect on the body. However, high levels of stress can cause severe health issues, including damaging your skin. This is why it is essential to treat your skin with a skincare routine involving beneficial products, as well as learn stress-reducing and stress-management techniques to help you fight against the symptoms of premature aging.
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