Stressing or getting anxious over anything has become quite common due to the hectic work schedules and pressure to stay afloat in the work culture. Some are swimming through the pressure of getting used to office work wherein some are still fixing themselves in the hybrid working model. Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. Studies are showing the terrible impact of chronic stress on the skin’s health. According to experts, stress or anxiety definitely harm your healthy skin. It could further trigger other skin conditions such as acne, hair loss, eczema, or psoriasis.
The Connection
Our brain and skin are interlinked. The more you stress, it more it reflects on your skin. Not having a sane mind can aggravate other health conditions or skin problems in the future as our nervous system releases hormones. This process accelerates the production of oil in our skin glands, clogging the pores and resulting in breakouts. Higher level of anxiety and stress further triggers internal inflammation.
Our body usually under tremendous pressure triggers the immune system to react, activate and send an inflammatory response. Stress imbalances the bacteria in your gut while releasing inflammation.
Ways of stress affecting the skin:
- Stress can lead to acne on the skin
The stress-causing hormone, called cortisol stimulates an overproduction of sebum in the skin glands. This further leads to acne and breakouts on the skin.
- Stress can hamper immunity
Stress can affect the immune system. This triggers the skin to become more reactive and sensitive while causing redness and rashes.
- Stress can cause inflammation
Those who stress can get deteriorated inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, etc., leading to alleviated conditions. Anxiety or stress may lead to itchy skin and wounds which may worsen the mental condition.
Ways to keep the skin away from mental stress
- Maintain a healthy skincare routine
It is mandatory and non-negotiable to maintain a healthy skincare routine, even when you are feeling low and stressed. The best you can do is to formulate a healthy skincare routine that you can follow daily, even when you are under stress. Although you might not seem energetic enough to carry out your daily skincare routine, those who don’t follow up religiously might suffer from severe skin issues.
- Eat a balanced diet
Eating whole foods, including plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet can take your mental health and skin a long way. Restrict sugar, refined, and processed food intake as they may negatively impact your skin, including overall health.
- Rest properly
Resting is crucial after a long tiring day. Those who don’t give enough rest to their body might find difficulty in healing and have more inflammation in the body. An adequate amount of sleep helps aid performance, mood, and cognition ability.
- Stay physically active
Ensure to stay physically active as much as possible. Regular exercising aids at releases feel-good hormones that further enhances the energy within the body.
