STRESS AND ANXIETY EFFECTS BADLY ON SKIN

Stress can have a huge effect on skin, hair and on overall health. Cortisol is a stress hormone which releases when we face stress or anxiety. And stress hormone increased oil production which can cause acne and other infections. This hormone breakdown the collagen and cause dullness on skin. It affects the elastin of skin which makes skin dry and old and it can cause to speed up the aging process. Hair growth also affected by stress and anxiety.

STRESS HORMONE LIKE CORTISOL MAY EFFECT THROUGH THESE WAYS

Excessive oil production

Inflammation on skin

Visible stress lines

Skin irritation infections

Slowdown the healing process

EXCESSIVE OIL PRODUCTION:

Stress produced cortisol and cortisol stimulates sebaceous gland, and produce more sebum, which can cause greasy and oily skin leading to acne breakouts. Sebum is a natural oil which lubricate the skin naturally, but over production of this oil can prone the skin to acne. Sebum can clog the pores and an environment creates where bacteria can develop the acne and infections on skin.

INFLAMMATION ON SKIN:

Cortisol promotes inflammation throughout in the body. And it effects the skin badly, which can be bad for pre- existing skin conditions or skin diseases like acne, eczema or allergies. Cortisol breaks the skin protective barrier and increased inflammation which can be seen visibly in the form of redness, itchiness or wrinkles breakouts.

VISIBLE STRESS LINES:

These stress lines appear usually on the forehead, on the corner of mouth or in-between the eye brows because of the tension of facial muscles. It can cause other aging signs as well like under-eye circles or lines on nose bridge.

SKIN IRRITATION INFECTIONS:

The protein makes the skin elasticity and cortisol which is primarily a stress hormone destroys the collagen (protein) which can cause the skin dry and dull. And cortisol produced oil on skin which lead the skin to many infections like psoriasis, acne or hives.

SLOWDOWN THE HEALING PROCESS:

Stress can slowdown the healing process of the skin in the form of any wound or pre-existing allergies or infections.

HOW TO PREVENT THESE EFFECTS ON SKIN:

Balanced lifestyle

Exercising

Meditation

Skincare routine

Consult a skin specialist

BALANCED LIFESTYLE:

A balanced and healthy lifestyle can manage the stress effects on skin. Take proper sleep, eat a balanced diet which enriched with antioxidants, enough water intake, and connection to nature like go out and sit in the park or spend time in gardening or walking through the hills or on the walking track which are connected to greenery.

EXERCISING:

Regular exercise can manage stress levels, go to gym or even you can do exercise at your home on a simple exercise mat. Go out for a walk. Do yoga or Zumba, or even you can play some music and dance like no one is watching.

MEDITATION:

Practice meditation or stress release techniques like deep breathing or listening to some soothing nature music, waterfall or raining sound, aroma therapy or simple meditation like just sit on a comfortable quiet place close your eyes and breath consciously.

SKINCARE ROUTINE:

Adopt a proper skincare routine and be consistent in doing that. Cleanses the skin, moisturize, use masks and mild herbal products according to your skin type and condition.

GO TO A DERMATOLOGIST:

If you are facing significant skin changes related to stress, consult a skin specialist who can advise you personalized treatment for your skin concerns.