To heal stressed skin, tackle stress. Here's how.
Managing stress can seem almost impossible, given that so many modern stressors are systemic.
Yet, according to dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery Lloyd, "90% of our stress is not the stressor itself, but the way we deal with that stressor."
In other words: while meditation can't alleviate global warming, it can, at the very least, brighten your complexion.
“Crying is stress relief and helps lower cortisol levels,” said Dr. Purvisha Patel, dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.
"It can lead to fewer breakouts." She notes that orgasms have a similar effect on cortisol and are, obviously, more pleasurable.
Dr Ciraldo said. "These are things that we can do for our skin and for ourselves that cost nothing, but the rewards are great."
There are many ways that stress physically affects your skin:
- Cortisol, a stress hormone, causes an overproduction of sebum (oil) in your skin glands, which causes acne breakouts.
- Stress impacts your immune system, makes your skin more responsive and sensitive, and triggers rashes, hives, and redness.
- Stress exacerbates existing inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, leading to flare-ups.
- Stress can make you jittery or anxious, prick you with scabs or acne, or scratch your skin until it turns red or breaks.
Tips for keeping your skin (and your mind) stress free.
There are many things you can do at home to reduce the effects of stress on your skin.
Maintain a good skin care routine every day, even on days when you are feeling overly tired or anxious.
If stress is making you feel tired, you may not want to remove your makeup and wash your face before bed. But still try to stick to your routine, as neglect could make your skin problems worse.
- Regular exercise.
Exercise releases feel-good hormones that will improve your energy, mood, and outlook.
- Eat a healthy
Eat a healthy, balanced diet with whole foods and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed foods that are high in sugar trigger more inflammation inside your body.
- Get enough sleep
Get enough sleep. Sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and heal, and good sleep improves your mood, energy levels, and cognition.
- Take time for yourself
Take time for yourself. Find the time to engage in a relaxing and invigorating activity that makes you happy:
Read a book, take a hot bath, get a massage, listen to music, meditate or practice yoga and deep breathing exercises.