Everyone gets stressed out sometimes, it's inevitable. But did you know that being stressed out doesn't only affect our mental state? Stress has the ability to also affect our hair, skin and nails, which is why we break out or get sensitive skin when we're going through stressful situations. And although it's near impossible to be stress-free all the time, there are ways to reduce the effects stress has on our skin.
Why Does Stress Affect Your Skin?
Stress makes your body release certain hormones that can be bad for your skin if they are constantly increased, which will happen if you are always under stress. The first hormone that is released is cortisol. Cortisol leads to the overproduction of sebum, or oil, in your skin glands, which is one thing that causes breakouts. Stress also can release adrenaline, which impacts your immune system and makes your skin more sensitive and reactive, and can trigger rashes, redness, and even hives. Because stress impacts your immune system, it can also worsen existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, resulting in flare ups. Lastly, stress can cause you to feel uneasy or anxious, which in turn can cause you to pick at acne, or scratches and scabs on your skin.
Signs of Stress
Everyone's skin is different so you may experience different signs of stress than the people around you. For example, some people may discover they get excess oil and more spots while you may find your skin becomes drier, and more sensitive, or vice versa. Some other signs of stress that your skin shows is itchy skin, more breakouts, and blotchiness. You may even get deeper or new wrinkles, heavy bags under your eyes, and, believe it or not, your skin might also develop a grey undertone to its complexion instead of your usual undertones.
How to Help Your Skin
There are a couple ways to help your skin out when you become stressed so your skin takes on the least amount of damage as possible. The first is switching to products that give hydration without being too heavy, as that can cause breakouts. Switching to these moisturizing products that aren't too heavy is good because you may experience sensitive, dehydrated skin and excess oil all at once. You should also use these products to keep up with a good skin care routine, even on days when you are extra tired or anxious. However, adapting your skin care can only get you so far, so you should also be doing things that will help reduce your stress, as this is the only sure way to relieve the affects of stress. One way you can relieve stress is by exercising regularly, as exercise help release the "feel-good" hormones that will boost your mood and your energy. The next way you can relieve stress is by eating a healthy and balance diet. Processed foods and foods with loaded sugars can trigger more inflammation in your body. You should also be making sure you're getting enough sleep, as sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and heal.
The most important thing you can do that will help relieve stress is talking to someone you trust who cares for you if the stress gets to be too much. Bottling up your stress and emotions will only lead to more stress, so talking to a trusted friend, relative, or therapist will take off a big load and will instantly make you feel better, which in turn, will also make your skin feel better!