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How Stress Affect Your Skin
Your skin condition is not merely about your skincare routine or treatments you take every month. Other than that, our skin health depends on various factors such as nutrition, lifestyle habits, sleep quality, and mental health. You might notice when you suddenly have a breakout after a stressful day. That's not a coincidence. And yes, stress can affect your skin health. Some skin conditions can be triggered by anxiety. Let's find out how stress affects our skin health and how to manage it.
Understanding Stress
According to WHO, health is not merely about the absence of physical disease but also about a complete state of mental well-being. Stress is our natural response to difficult situations that make us worry, tense, and emotional. The most common sources of stress include financial problems, work pressure, relationships, and health issues.
Everyone experiences stress in their lives. However, we respond to stress differently. Stress can have negative effects on our bodies, such as insomnia, headache, heart disease, high blood pressure, and upset stomach, as well as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it also affects our skin health.
Biological Mechanism to The Skin
Our body has a coping mechanism to stress in small doses. However, too much stress can disrupt all systems in our body, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems, not to mention our skin. When we face stressors, our body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that is a natural alarm in our body. The increase in cortisol can impact several things on our skin:
1. Breakout and Acne
Cortisol stimulates the sebaceous gland in our skin to produce more oil. As we know, more oil in our skin can lead to breakouts and acne.
2. Skin inflammation
High levels of cortisol also trigger skin inflammation, worsening some skin conditions, such as facial redness, eczema, and rosacea.
3. Aging
Stress for extended periods is bad for you, as cortisol breaks down collagen, the essential protein that keeps our skin firm and healthy. And you know where it can lead to premature aging, including wrinkles and sagging skin.
5. Damaged Skin Barrier
Did you know that cortisol can ruin our skin barrier? Yes, the skin barrier acts as a protective shield of our skin, keeping harmful elements out while locking moisture in. When the cortisol level spikes and the skin barrier is damaged, it can increase sensitivity to skincare products, environmental factors, and even touch.
Managing Stress for Healthier Skin
1. Lifestyle Changes
A balanced diet, good sleep quality, and being physically active are the keys to a healthy life. Foods with rich antioxidants can help the skin cope with cortisol-induced damage. Workout also helps you to release endorphins, a good hormone that lifts your mood. Furthermore, sweating helps flush out toxins, making you healthy inside out. And don't forget to sleep like a baby, as your secret to younger skin.
2. Relaxation Techniques
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises reduces stress levels and cortisol production. When you have a clear mind, radiant skin will follow. So, take your time to clear your head and see what your skin will reflect.
3. Skincare Routines
Building a skincare routine that works for you is essential. Cleansing and moisturizing is the basic skincare. But you may need more skincare routines than those steps. Additionally, you can add facial treatments to your skincare routine every month. Facials have many benefits, including deep cleansing, improving circulation, stimulating collagen production, hydrating the skin, and giving you a relaxing experience. You can also add other treatments suitable for your skin goals. But remember to always have a consultation before you take action for your skin.
Stress affects our physical and mental health as well as our skin health. In addition to skincare routines and healthy diets, managing stress is one of the critical factors in achieving healthier skin. Furthermore, having a peaceful mind is helpful for our skin health and overall well-being. Don't let stress slow you down to get glowing and radiant skin!
