Stress affects your skin, negative effects of stress on skin

There is no doubt that life is full of challenges. From everyday stressors like work or school to unexpected events like a pandemic or the loss of a loved one, we experience different types of stressors throughout our lives. Such incidents not only harm your mental health but also reflect on your skin, which has many effects on your skin.

When the mind or body is distressed, our brain produces hormones that cause our adrenal glands to release the stress hormone cortisol. Our skin has receptors for this stress hormone and their activation leads to various changes in our skin. These changes appear in the skin in the form of increased inflammation, poor wound healing, excess oil and sebum production.

Clinic Dermatech Consultant Dr. Kalpana Solanki gave more information about this. Stress is dangerous for your health as well as your skin, says Kalpana Solanki.

Find out how stress affects your skin here

1 Swelling begins to rise

Stress triggers the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, which cause inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can increase skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

2. More pimples start to appear.

Stress stimulates the production of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body. Elevated cortisol levels increase oil production in the skin, which can also lead to acne.

Also read

3 Skin becomes dry and red

Chronic stress weakens the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental irritants and pathogens. The barrier protects the skin, but breaking the barrier can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness and redness in the skin.

4 Wrinkles start to appear prematurely

Chronic stress accelerates the skin aging process. Chronic stress increases the production of free radicals, which damage collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, lines and loose skin.

To keep your skin healthy, deal with stress in this way

1 Make sure you get enough sleep

Sleep is an important part of overall health, and it’s vital to your stress levels. According to the American Psychological Association, people who experience low stress levels sleep more than those who experience high stress levels. But it’s hard to sleep when you’re stressed or anxious.

2 Pay attention to an anti-inflammatory diet

Too much cortisol can cause inflammation, which is a major cause of skin problems. But you can lower your cortisol levels with a healthy diet. Focus more on anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and fatty acids.

3 Focus on creative things

You may not be able to avoid stress, but you can definitely manage it. So try to incorporate some stress management techniques into your daily life. You can try stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga and journaling.

Also Read- Seeing these 5 things in a relationship is a negative sign that means the spark is starting to wane.