We all know that stress can contribute to a range of health problems, but did you know that stress is also the cause behind some skin conditions? It’s true: acne, flare-ups, and hives are only some of the issues which are triggered by increased stress levels, and the list goes on. But why and how does elevated stress impact your complexion, which forms can anxiety-induced conditions take, and which steps can you take to minimize their effect and visibility?
Skin vs. Stress: The Why and Wherefore
When stress hits the fan, the body releases hormones which impact the state of all tissues, including hair, nails, and skin. Prolonged chemical response to tension and anguish involves increased release of stress hormones such as cortisol which can make the skin more sensitive and prone to issues such as acne, psoriasis, and rashes. What makes the problem even worse is the fact that the damage done to the skin due to increased stress levels can take quite a while to reverse – and on top of that, less than perfect skin will make you feel more anxious, glum, or depressed. For this reason, it’s better to take preemptive measures on time to curb stress and keep your skin – and your mood – radiant and youthful in the decades to come.
Common Stress-Induced Skin Conditions
The list of stress-induced skin conditions is quite lengthy, and it includes issues such as:
– acne,
– eczema,
– hives,
– rosacea,
– psoriasis,
– skin rashes,
– burning and itchy skin,
– dry skin patches,
– dermatitis,
– fever blisters,
– cold sores,
– fine lines and wrinkles,
– dark circles around the eyes.
Unfortunately, sometimes it can be really difficult to counter such conditions with high stress in the mix, even with a shipshape skincare routine in place. Once your hormonal balance hits the rocks, it will take more than your daily facial cleanse to repair the damage done to your complexion and help your skin heal properly. Still, there are quite a few things which you can do now for the sake of your skin’s long-term healthy glow.
Ways to Stay in Charge of Skin Health
Before you proceed to implement the tips below and make them an integral part of your everyday beauty regimen, it might be a good idea to consult a reliable dermatologist in Sydney and hear their take on the state of your skin. The recommendations will help you optimize your daily beauty regimen and the following suggestions will also come in handy when looking to your skin health to the max.
- Stay Hydrated 24/7
One of the first things we forget about when the going gets stressful is our water intake. Unfortunately, insufficient water intake will quickly show up in the state of our skin and cause it to appear dry and worn. To keep your complexion radiant at all times, make sure your skin gets ample amounts of water from both the outside and the inside.
- Break Some Sweat
Exercise is another simple and healthy element you should add to your daily agenda when looking to improve the shape of your complexion. By boosting blood flow and promoting exchange of nutrients in the bloodstream, exercise will contribute to a radiant glow of your complexion and ensure every cell in your body, including your skin, gets sufficient nutrient quantities.
- Keep Tabs on Stress
In the hectic world we live in, there are many stress management techniques you might want to resort to when looking to keep your health in check (your skin included). For a start, you can try meditation, yoga or visualization and learn how to achieve equilibrium and control your emotional response to all the demands from the people in your personal and professional life.
- Get Your Beauty Sleep
A good night sleep can do wonders for the shape of your complexion, which is why you should make your bedtime a priority over everything else. For a good night’s rest, set a fixed bedtime routine and stick to it regardless of the circumstances. If you’re experiencing trouble falling asleep, try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath or play white noise in the background.
- Clean up Your Plate
You are what you eat – or at least your overall health is built from the slices you put on your plate. A junk-free diet will provide proper nourishment for your body and it will also rev up your energy levels, allowing you to stay on top of both your physical and mental health. For a neat bonus, a clean diet is a shortcut to a glowing, healthy complexion, so watch what you snack on.
Skin health and stress are closely connected: in times of elevated tension and demands at work or in private life, your face may suffer from acne, lines and similar conditions. Unfortunately, the link between skin health and anxiety is a two-way street since less than radiant complexion will cause even greater stress. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways you can combat both of these problems: consult a dermatologist, eat clean, stay hydrated, work out a few times a week, have a fixed sleep routine, and check out stress management techniques to help you get through the tough times. Your lasting skin health will certainly be the best reward for the healthy living effort. Good luck!
