Fiona Tuck explains the relationship between stress and skin – and how to minimise stress-triggered skin problems.
We all get stressed from time to time but long term, chronic stress can be detrimental to not only our health but also our skin, hair, and nails. Our emotions and the way we react to everyday situations can have a powerful effect on skin health. Since stress is a part of life, what matters is how you handle it.
How Stress Affects the Skin
Stress causes a chemical response in the body that makes the skin more reactive and sensitive. Using gentle products rich in antioxidants and soothing ingredients can support the skin during stressful times. Stress can also cause fluctuations in hormones make it harder for skin problems such as acne to heal.
Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, you break out more? This is because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, which tells your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Oily skin is more prone to acne and other skin problems.
Stress can also aggravate skin problems. For example, stress can be a trigger for psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema flare ups. Stress can also contribute to hives, skin rashes and trigger the cold sore virus in infected individuals. Skin problems can also be stressful. Some people are so embarrassed by their skin that they keep to themselves, which adds more stress, worsening the problem.
5 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Stress on Your Skin
If your client is suffering from stress-induced skin conditions, try giving them the following advice:
1. Look after your skin. Take care of your skin, even if you’re tired or stressed. Avoid overstimulating a stressed skin with hydroxyl acid and retinol based ingredients and look for soothing antioxidants and vitamins such as Goji berry, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Aloe Vera and Canadian wil¬lowherb.
2. Exercise. Regular exercise is not only good for your skin and the rest of your body; it is one of the best ways to reduce stress levels in the body.
3. Take time for yourself to do something you enjoy, even if you only have ten minutes. Take a warm bath with Ep¬som salts to aid relaxation or read a book.
4. Count to 10. When things all seem like they are too much, take a deep breath and remove yourself from the environment. A quick walk around the block can calm you down and change your whole perspective on a situation.
5. Practice stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or visual imagery.
Fiona Tuck is managing director of Skinstitut, visit http://www.skinstitut.com/