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The Toll Stress Takes on the Skin

Life can be a hassle. That’s why you need to treat yourself to some off days to unwind and chill with as little stress as possible. Nonetheless, stress is a part of everyday life, but it can also negatively affect your skin’s health. Here are some tips we know can help you look healthier and younger as you tackle life’s challenges.

The Impact of Stress on Your Skin

While stress can be both mental and physical, our bodies react to it in the same way by releasing hormones to help control pressure. Cortisol, the stress hormone, regulates glucose, blood pressure, and levels of insulin. It is instrumental in metabolism and is the hormone responsible for your “fight or flight” response in agitating situations.

However, high levels of cortisol can damage your body as well as your skin. They can bring about skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, acne, wrinkling, hives, dry and itchy skin, gray hair, and even alopecia. It’s okay to be in hectic situations, but too much of it could be harming you and your skin.

How to Relieve Stress

The best cure for stress-damaged skin is, of course, to be less stressed. That may seem like a long shot, so here’s what you can do to get temporary relief:

Exercise

A good workout, be it running, walking, or going to the gym, is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Having limited resources or time should not deny you this. Just put on that song that gets you going and enjoy a good dance. Break a sweat, get your blood pumping, and have a relaxing bath after. You will feel much better, and your mind will be more unclouded.

Get Enough Sleep

When you fall asleep and enter the REM (rapid eye movement) state, several things happen. Cortisol levels and your body temperature drop significantly, your muscles become immobile and relaxed, and your body finally gets to take a break, thus allowing your skin to heal. Set aside a few hours in your busy schedule to get that much-needed sleep for your skin and your mind too. Remember, naps aren’t just for children! Embrace your nap time and your skin will thank you.

Get a Facial

Ah, yes! The skin’s hero. A good facial is not only relaxing but also beneficial for your skin. It boosts the flow of blood, activating your sympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, promotes the production of collagen cells and also cheers you up. It improves acne and rejuvenates the skin by clearing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Stay Hydrated

When you are stressed, your heart rate goes up. You start breathing heavily, which means you are losing a lot of fluids. Staying hydrated throughout the day cools your body down and lowers the levels of cortisol produced. This improves your skin’s elasticity, keeping your skin looking younger and with a healthy glow.

Pay Attention to Your Skin Care Routine

It’s quite obvious that when you are stressed, some routines like your skincare take a back seat for a while. It is important to always keep your routine alive, especially by exfoliating and deep cleansing at least once or twice a week. You can even add a dermatology treatment to your weekly routine like a chemical peel that will improve the texture of your skin, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and the overall tone of the skin.

These tips will help you reduce your stress and ensure your skin stays looking young and vibrant. If you’re in Cincinnati, Ohio and want more personalized advice on how to manage your stress and skin, our experts at The Dermatology Group can help! Give us a call today!

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