Is Stress Related to Acne?
July 29, 2008
Can acne be the resultant of ones lifestyle? No, however the body is affected with the way we live and skin is not an exception. The activity that we do in our spare time, the work that we do in our career can all effect our epidermis. This is positive for all who are prone to acne. Following are some of the common acne triggers that one may have never thought about and the ways to avoid them.
Some part of the body is always exposed to the environment that one is in. It is crucial that one should be aware of the various substances that regularly come in contact with the skin. One could be exposing ones skin to comedogenic (pore clogging) matter and still not be conscious of the same. An example of this kind would be the grease suspended in air at a fast food restaurant. This grease can clog the pores of the skin. Also the majority of industrial oils are comedogenic, like those used in cars, bicycles and in factories.
One of the best thing that one can do for ones skin is to sleep. Scientists and mothers all across confirm that a good night’s sleep consisting of at least eight hours can do wonders for ones complexion. Which brings us to a question, as to how sleep can be so beneficial? Only a well rested body will have the necessary resources to build a tough immune system. While a healthy immune system may not be able to thwart acne entirely, nevertheless it can help by fighting infections so that the lesions can be rid off at the earliest. The essential thing is to have a normal sleeping schedule. Even if one works late, one would need to sleep late. Continuous sleep irrespective of the time of the day is beneficial.
Exposure to sun can improve acne, however this is temporary benefit. Being out in the sun for prolonged periods can dry the skin and prod the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This would cause the skin to shed old cells more often, this dead skin in contact with the excess oil produced creates the ideal environment for comedones (blocked pores).
While it is true that sunlight can improve acne at first, the effects are often short-lived. Too much exposure will dry out your skin and make your sebaceous glands produce extra oil. This in turn will make old skin cells slough off more often. Dead skin cells combined with extra oil makes the perfect combination for creating comedones (blocked pores).
There is strong evidence to suggest that acne can be caused by stress. According to Katie Rodan, MD, a clinical dermatology professor from Stanford, “Ninety percent of my patients complain about what stress does to their skin. It has a huge impact, and it’s becoming a bigger problem every day.”
Anything that causes you a lot of stress comes across on your face. There is actually a physical reason for this. When you feel tense, your adrenal glands kick in, causing the hormone cortisol to course through your blood. This, in turn, makes your sweat glands work overtime producing oil. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, causing clogged pores and trapping bacteria; this causes even more acne, which will most likely be papules and not whiteheads or blackheads.
To eliminate stress completely from ones life is almost next to impossible as this is part of being a human. Nevertheless one can minimize the damages by having a healthy lifestyle. A well balanced diet coupled with sound sleep of at least seven hours every night can help build a stronger foundation. A healthy and well rested body can withstand stress more effectively. Regular exercise or regular walk can prove beneficial. It is imperative to relax, one can read a book, take a bath, practice yoga or any other activity that can make one happy and calm. This is the vital step for good health not only for the skin but for the whole body.
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