stress appears in a sneaky way: bad sleepirritability and even intestinal problems. If you notice that your complexion looks dry, flushed, or otherwise irritated, you may be experiencing another form of stress.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body and is subject to the same stress effects as other organ systems. Excessive or prolonged stress can affect the normal cellular function of skin cells or the interaction of the immune system with the skin,” says the dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. In other words, if you’re feeling restless and anxious, your skin may be reflecting your feelings.
Managing your skin’s stress is a task that requires both internal and external work. Below camp and dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy Rose Share the signs your complexion shows emphasized and give their best advice on how to relax.
Signs of stressed skin
According to Murphy-Rose, the main culprit of stressed skin is a hormone called cortisol. While the cortisol response is a vital survival response for the bodyunnecessary increase in cortisol levels due to work stress, lack of sleep or personal problems causing a negative domino effect on your body.
1. Acne/oily skin
“Among many functions is cortisol increases oil production by the sebaceous glands, which makes acne worse,” says Murphy-Rose. So if you notice more whiteheads and blackheads during demanding work weeks or after long days of travel, know that all that stress may be the reason.
2. Accelerated signs of aging
Stress can also cause the skin looks older than your biological age. “Persistent stress signals can be contribute to premature aging the skin in the form of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin,” says Camp.
3. Redness, flaking, hives and itching
As the deadline approaches, you may also notice redness or flaking when looking in the mirror. “Redness occurs when superficial vessels in the dermis dilate, giving the skin a pink or red hue,” says Camp. He and Murphy-Rose agree that this is another case of your body projecting its feelings onto your skin—so be aware.
4. Increased rosacea or psoriasis flare-ups
People with rosacea or psoriasis may find their symptoms worsen during times of intense pressure Office or at home. “High cortisol levels also lead to dysregulation of the immune system and trigger inflammatory reactions in the skin, which worsen psoriasis and eczema, among many other conditions.” Increasing inflammation leads to redness, flaking, and itching,” says Murphy-Rose.
5. Cold sores
cold soresPainful blisters that appear on the lips and mouth tend to manifest themselves even during turbulent times.
How to soothe stressed skin
Long story short: your body has many ways of telling you that you need to slow down and relax. So how do you make sure you’re listening? Below, Camp and Murphy-Rose reveal how to reduce stress from the inside out.
1. Prioritize your mental well-being
While there are many creams and topicals you can use to soothe your skin, relaxing your largest organ really starts with taking care of your mental health. “In addition to treating medical conditions with medication, I often counsel patients on the importance of making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and achieve the best outcome,” says Murphy-Rose.
She encourages you to prioritize what calms you down. For example, maybe you like reading the newspaper or having a long coffee date with a friend. Think of your favorite equivalent of a sedative pill and take it.
2. Eat a balanced diet
Since yours Nutrition is linked to skin healthEat balanced meals can also help your skin find its balance. Make sure you eat lean proteins, healthy fats, and a nice mix of leafy greens and fruits.
3. Choose your skin care routine wisely
If your skin is feeling restless, using fewer products can also make a big difference. “Adjusting your skincare routine is an essential step in helping your skin regenerate and allow it to free itself from stress,” says Camp. “A skincare routine that includes multiple products is more likely to cause irritation in the form of contact dermatitis, dryness, redness, acne formation, stinging or burning.”
He recommends reaching for tubes that contain niacinamide, a B vitamin complex calms the skin; Ceramides or supermoisturizing lipids that protect your skin from environmental influences; and green tea extract. “Green tea extract and other antioxidants help neutralize the effects of free radicals on the skin. “Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures such as DNA, lipids and proteins,” he explains.
4. Prioritize sleep and exercise
“Making lifestyle changes that reduce your stress can significantly improve skin health and control stress-related skin problems,” says Murphy-Rose. Log a sufficient amount sleep And Exercise can help keep your stress levels in check. So try to switch off in the evening and exercise during the day.
5. Seek treatment for acne and other skin conditions
Even if you do your best to relax and take care of your mind, it’s still a good idea to see a dermatologist if your skin problems persist. For example, if you continue to notice acne flare-ups or psoriasis patches, it’s probably time to ask your doctor about what you can do to treat these conditions directly. Maybe you meditate first, okay?
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