Stressed Skin
Everyone knows that stress can affect one’s heart, blood pressure and digestion, but most people don’t know that stress can also affect the skin. Many people have noticed that during times of stress their complexions may look awful or break out more often. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and like any other organ, it will be affected by one’s mental and emotional state. When one experiences times of joy and relaxation, the skin will glow with good cheer. However, during times of strain and difficulty, fine lines are more pronounced, cold sores pop up randomly and pimples appear over night.
When dealing with troublesome problems and stressful situations, the body releases chemicals that are designed to ramp up the organs’ activities. The heartbeat and respiration increase, and the immune system is suppressed. These activities are designed to help one think and act quickly in emergency situations. However, the human body is not designed to stay in “fight or flight” mode very long. After several days of intense strain, stress begins to make itself felt.
In stressful times, the skin’s response is to increase secretions of the oil glands, increase inflammation and decrease immune response. The end result of these activities can lead to more frequent acne breakouts, incessant skin inflammations like psoriasis or eczema and recurrent cold sores. The body’s heightened state can also cause incidences of itchy, allergic hives.
Steps to Relieve Stress
If one’s skin is showing the effects of long-term stress, there are still some steps to take to improve the appearance. First, one should try to consider ways to reduce stress. Some may need to see a counselor if the problems are emotional or relational in nature. Perhaps some commitments can temporarily be laid aside or passed to friends and family. Additionally, stress relief techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help people through tough times.
Second, people should care for the entire body with proper diet, exercise and rest. If one does not eat healthy, nourishing food, it will show up in the skin. A steady diet of drive-through dinners will only make a person feel and look worse. Exercise is great stress relief in itself, and it will improve blood flow to the skin and muscle tone. Getting adequate rest is essential to surviving stressful situations. If one is having trouble sleeping, relaxation techniques can be practiced, and a doctor’s prescription for for a non-addictive sleep aid will help as well.
Third, the skin care routine should be tailored to the issues that one is facing. If stress-induced acne is an issue that one has never before encountered, a dermatologist will be of great help. Additionally, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis mean that the skin will need plenty of tender, loving care. Even if one is pressed for time, treating these skin issues is essential.
Stressful times are a part of almost every adult’s life, and the only thing one can do is to keep on going. Eventually, everyone makes it through these hard times, and the sun will shine in life once again. The high-quality practitioners at Four Points Dermatology are glad to help any one care for their skin during difficulties so that they can look their best even when things are hard.
