Skin And Stress: What's The Connection?

It is an understatement to say that the 2020 & upcoming years have been challenging. This year has been extremely stressful owing to the back-to-back final exams, pending overwork at work, the COVID-19 pandemic, severe storms, lockdowns, and daily life challenges. Being alive during a pandemic means that everyone has some understanding of what stress is like. It shows up in the form of both physical and mental symptoms. The state of your skin might also be an indication of internal tension or imbalance. Environmental factors such as weather, workplace (WFH vs. in-office), and social habits (indoor vs. outdoor gatherings) easily damage the skin.

Does stress have a role in affecting normal to severe skin conditions? Acne, rashes, inflammation, dryness, and a general loss of brightness are ways stress affects the skin. Unfortunately, these things can also be physically upsetting, and they may cause or worsen a wide range of other skin disorders.

Let's learn how stress impacts skin health and the steps you may take to alleviate its effects.

How Does Stress Influence The Skin?

The human body developed to safeguard itself from natural and suspected threats. The immune system, for example, is essential in keeping us healthy by warding off dangerous pathogens like COVID-19 and influenza. Our bodies may be very adaptive, but every once in a while, they overreact to "threats" that aren't that dangerous. For example, when the body reacts to stress, the skin might change in ways that aren't good.

Other Factors Related To Skin & Stress

The following skin disorders may become more common in times of stress due to increased inflammation and skin changes:

• A scalp rash (Seborrheic dermatitis)
• Acne
• Balding or hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia or Telogen Effluvium)
• Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
• Hives
• Psoriasis
• Reduced hair volume (Alopecia areata)
• Rosacea

How Does The Brain Connect With The Skin?

The "stress hormone," cortisol, is secreted by the adrenal glands when the brain detects anxiety (from a real or perceived threat). Because of the presence of its receptors on human skin, activation of these stress hormone receptors causes a wide range of changes in skin appearance, including:

• Failure of the wound to heal
• Inability to fight off infections
• Increase in inflammation
• Production of oil and sulfur increased

What Are Other Stress-Related Behaviors Linked To Skin Disorders?

Stress can change the way our brain and bodywork, which can lead to changes in our skin. Our behavior, conscious or unconscious, may also play a role. A good example is a common practice of touching one's face in times of stress, which can spread bacteria from one's hands to the front and make acne worse. We also tend to skip our generally beneficial habits under intense pressure. For example, it's possible that if we cut back on sleep, eat poorly, skip workouts, and avoid washing our faces frequently, we'll spend less time taking care of ourselves. In addition, our skin may react negatively to all of these habits.

What Actions Should Taken To Reduce Stress And Keep Skin Healthy?

If you suffer from anxiety, you may find that taking care of yourself and your skin is a significant challenge. Getting your skin in tip-top shape requires some proactive measures. Worry is normal; don't worry about it. Feeling stressed is a natural response, not a sign of weakness. The first step toward stress relief is acceptance. Other following ways include:

• Ensure your well-being first. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, turn off all electronics and mass media an hour before bed, put on some moisturized lotion before venturing out regularly, and get up simultaneously every day.
• Discover where to get skin care. See a dermatologist if your oily skin is giving you acne problems. The doctor may give you medicine to help clear out your pores and stop your skin from making so much oil.
• Hydrate. You must stay hydrated to maintain a healthy body temperature and supple skin. One benefit of maintaining an adequate water intake is the diminished appearance of wrinkles and other indications of aging. Purifying the body by flushing out impurities is only one way that water helps you look your best.
• Keep up with your regular skincare routine. Apply sunscreen before going outside, and moisturize. Shade your face and body from the sun's harmful UV rays because they affect the skin. It's best to skip the gym on days when the temperature outside is soaring.
• Reducing stress and anxiety using relaxation techniques is an effective way. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth for three counts. Do it every night for a few minutes before bed. Additionally, there is a wealth of information available on the internet on how to meditate. A professional behavior therapist is another option.
• Take steps to alleviate your tension. Make time every day to relax and work on keeping in touch with your companions. For example, try going to bed and waking up simultaneously every day. Do something every day to take your mind off your worries, whether working out or taking a walk.
• Watch out for the nervous tendencies that emerge while you're under pressure. For example, if you tend to pick at your face when you're feeling sad, a bracelet can serve as a helpful reminder to stop doing so. Find a qualified behavioral therapist and ask for help. Experts in this field can tell you about research-backed ways to deal with stress.
• When applying anything to your skin, be cautious. Use only skin care products that have been approved for use by a dermatologist. If you are worried about using an effect on your skin, you should talk to your doctor first.

The Takeaway

Identifying the root cause of your stress and skin problems is crucial. Consulting a therapist or trusted friend could be a good idea if you're worried about your mental health. Although relieving stress may help your skin, it is not a "cure" for any skin condition. However, reducing stress levels may make you more anxious to improve your skin's appearance. If your dermatologist has prescribed treatment for a skin condition, please continue to follow their recommendations.

Yourhappy goal is to provide you with the understanding and resources you need to deal with stress effectively and avoid further outbreaks. Try & Add on YourHappy Collagen (Advanced) for skin health & YourHappy Immunity (Fizz) to boost your body's immunity.