Can Stress Affect Our Skin?
The skin is our body’s largest organ, and it’s also one of the most sensitive. When we’re stressed, our skin can react in a number of ways, from breaking out in acne to becoming dry and irritated.
In fact, there are a few different ways that stress can manifest on our skin. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways stress can show up on our skin.
Stress Rash
The stress response is the body’s way of reacting to physical or emotional stress. When the body is stressed, it releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones help to prepare the body for “fight or flight”. One of the ways that the body prepares for fight or flight is by releasing adrenaline into the blood stream. This causes the heart rate to increase, breathing to become faster, and muscles to tense up. The skin also reacts to stress. It can become red and hot and may start to itch or tingle. This is known as “stress rash” or “psychological dermatitis”.
Stress rash can be a very uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. It can cause people to feel self-conscious and may lead to social isolation.
Acne
Stress can worsen acne breakouts. When we’re stressed, our body produces more of the hormone cortisol. This can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to acne.
Eczema
Stress may also worsen eczema symptoms. When we’re stressed, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, and this can lead to an increase in inflammation. This can trigger or worsen eczema flares.
Psoriasis
Like eczema, stress can also worsen psoriasis flares. When we’re stressed, our cortisol levels increase, and this can cause an increase in skin cell turnover. This can lead to the development of psoriasis plaques.
Rosacea
Stress may also trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms. When we’re stressed, our blood vessels can dilate, and this can lead to the flushing and redness characteristic of rosacea.
Dull Skin
Stress can also lead to dull, tired-looking skin. When we’re stressed, our body produces more of the hormone adrenaline. This can interfere with our body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping our skin looking young and healthy.
How to Improve Skin from the Symptoms of Stress
While it’s not always possible to avoid stress, there are a few things we can do to help manage it and protect our skin. Some tips include:
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Avoiding stress triggers.
- Exercising regularly.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to help keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Use a good quality moisturizer regularly.
- Consider using a topical cream or ointment specifically designed for stressed skin.
- Schedule a skin treatment at a med spa.
Managing stress is important for our overall health and well-being, and it’s also important for keeping our skin looking its best. By taking steps to manage our stress, we can help keep our skin looking clear and healthy. Schedule a skin rejuvenation treatment today with AspiraBody and restore your skin’s natural glow and elasticity!
