Stress and your skin

Every year one in three people experience some form of skin disorder that may be attributed to or worsened by emotional stress.

Emotions:
Dermatologists and skin care professionals alike have come to recognise that the skin is an organ of emotional expression, and chemical changes brought on by tension and stress may provoke acne and rosacea, vitiligo and even psoriasis. This can persist into the thirties and beyond with some people developing acne for the first time as adults.

Stress:
Though the exact mechanism by which stress produces blemishes is still unknown, many research scientists believe that stress triggers the production of adrenal hormones that increase the production of sebum which not only plug up skin follicles, but provides nourishment for P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne lesions.

Stress is a trigger for 94% of rosacea sufferers

Percentage of cases triggered by emotions:
Acne 55%
Hand Eczema 76%
Hives 68%
Psoriasis 62%
Rosacea 94%

Reducing stress:
One needs to consider not only reducing stress to help control acne breakouts, but examining the everyday factors in our lives that may stress our bodies such as: Skimping on sleep: This may seem perfectly harmless but it's one type of stress that can lead to acne. Skipping meals and too much caffeine. Both stimulate adrenaline production which slows the natural exfoliation process creating the perfect habitat for P. acnes bacteria.

Fortunately, these stress-provoking elements that may promote acne are largely within our control.

Get more sleep. Eat a balanced diet. Indulge yourself in stress therapy and massage treatments. Exercise to reduce stress levels. Drink more water. All of these lifestyle changes will contribute not only to a healthier lifestyle, but healthier skin.