Acne is a condition in the skin that appears when hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Unfortunately, it is not just a teenager problem – we can get acne at any age. While acne is commonly linked to our hormones, it also appears due to certain medications, diet, and one that not everyone thinks about, your stress level.
Several follow-up studies have helped explain the connection between stress hormones and zits. While stress alone does not necessarily cause acne pimples (since age, hormones, acne-producing bacteria, and other factors are the main factors), it is clear that stress can cause breakouts and make active acne issues worse.
Time.com write an article, they write about a study done by a Dermatologist named Dr. Adam Friedman. He reports that a stress-related hormone called CRH, or corticotrophin-releasing hormone, as one reason.
He stated, “CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, and that binding drives up the skin’s oil production — which can cause pimples.”
These sebaceous glands are also immune organs, and they can create inflammation and really, and acne is basically inflammation on the skin. It is an immune response can cause swelling or redness.
Apart from biological causes of stress-related acne, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and changing up skin-care routines can further promote acne breakouts.
So far, these issues are related to acute (or short-term) stress. But, if you have chronic stress, it can affect the duration and eventual resolution of acne breakouts. Dr. Friedman says there is some evidence that shows chronic stress can also affect the immune system, mainly in the healing process.
This means that if you’ve been dealing with stress on the daily, your acne breakouts will take longer to get rid of and are more likely to result in scarring.
So… how can you prevent stress-related acne breakouts?
Practicing proven techniques that reduce stress is a good place to start. Mindfulness meditation and exercise have been proven to be stress-killer, as well as tai chi and yoga.
When you’re at work, try to organize your spaces, including on your computer, including cutting out your incessant email-checking habit can also help knock down stress. Try to stick to your typical eating, sleep, and skin-care routines.
Finally, if you can spot a stressful event on your horizon, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor for help. You could get prescribed some more strong topical treatments or oral antibiotics. Most of these treatments are better at preventing acne than treating it and if you an important event or something stressful coming up, contact your dermatologist.