As you probably already know, your mental health inevitably affects every aspect of your life – and your skin is certainly one of them. Some experts claim that stress and other psychological conditions can cause various skin problems, so keep on reading to find out which ones and how to deal with them properly. Just keep on reading and learn something new today!
It can cause acne
In case you aren’t aware of it, the truth is that our skin is prone to experiencing all kinds of problems during times of stress and trauma – and acne are just one of those problems. This condition is caused by inflammation, which is a result of stress and anxiety that often leads to cortisol imbalance. This is because cortisol is our body’s main stress hormone and our natural built-in alarm system which is responsible for keeping the inflammation down. When you’re under too much stress for an extended period of time, your body will start to produce more cortisol and therefore result in your sebaceous glands producing thick oil that clogs the pores when combined with dirt and dead skin cells. Such an environment promotes the growth of bad bacteria, which is when acne breakouts are about to happen.
It can speed up the process of aging
Apart from causing breakouts, your bad mental state caused by anxiety and stress can also speed up the process of aging, which is another potentially problematic issue you should be aware of. It’s good to know that premature aging happens due to increased levels of cortisol, and this is because high levels of this hormone are said to reduce the production of DHEA, which is known as an anti-aging hormone. Needless to say, pigmentation spots and prominent wrinkles and fine lines are just the first signs of aging caused by high levels of stress. It will also compromise the firmness of your skin and its natural glow, but remember that nothing will help you fix those issues if you’re constantly upset or stressed out – not even the most expensive skincare products.
It can cause rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis
Did you know that hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients that can also be found in our skin? That’s right, so make sure to understand that high levels of cortisol are highly likely to disrupt your skin’s natural ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, your skin will become much drier and rougher, which, when combined with inflammation caused by stress, can result in skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Each of these conditions is known for flaky and itchy skin that causes a lot of discomfort on a daily basis, and it can be further exacerbated by chronic stress and other emotional factors that can affect your skin in more ways than you can even imagine.
How to keep your skin healthy in times of stress?
•Seek professional help
Seeking professional help is another important thing you can do for yourself – both for your mental health and for your skin. When it comes to your mental health, seeing a therapist can be a fantastic way to tackle your emotional issues and lower your stress levels with success. Once that’s done, you can start looking for certain treatments that can improve the condition of your skin. You should know that almost all of these issues can be tackled with the help of medical dermatology, so bear that in mind and we’re sure that you’ll make the right decision.
•Choose chemical-free skincare products
When it comes to keeping your skin healthy in times of stress, your skincare routine is one of the most important factors you should take into consideration. During those times, your skin will already be inflamed, which is exactly why you should skip conventional skincare products that are often full of potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, choose chemical-free, organic products that are appropriate for all skin types. These won’t further irritate your skin as they are very gentle, so give them a try and you’ll do a great thing for your skin.
•Allow yourself some time off
Allowing yourself some time off is absolutely essential in times of stress, so don’t wait any longer and take a necessary break. This is particularly true if you’re always in a rush and have almost no time just for yourself, so slow it down a little bit and do whatever makes you happy – at least for half an hour a day. So, grab your favorite book and read it once again, watch a movie, or lay in your bed and do nothing at all. As simple as that!
As you can see, your mental state can affect your skin in more ways than you can possibly imagine – especially when you’re stressed out for a long period of time. If that’s the case with you, just stick to our tips, follow our guidelines, and you’ll do everything you need to stay as healthy as possible. That’s a promise!
Emily Wilson is a business psychologist with a passion for the law. Researching, exploring and writing are her favourite things to do. Besides that, she loves travelling, music and animals.