Stress and Acne – How is Stress Related to Acne?

Stress triggering acne has been a debatable topic for a long time now. However, many studies in the past as well as recent times have suggested that stress causes acne.

Most of these studies have observed and concluded that bad diet patterns during the period of excessive stress result in acne.

Stress may worsen acne in two different ways:

a)         Stimulating adrenal glands in order to produce more amounts of hormones

b)        Slowing down the process of healing

Adrenal glands located just above the kidneys tend to secrete epinephrine and norephinephrine under periods of stress and when adrenal cortex secretes male hormones.

These male hormones work towards producing hormones in amounts more than that is required and stimulates sebaceous gland in order to secrete more sebum.

This ultimately forms acne. It has also been proved that any type of psychological stress has the tendency to reduce the capacity of wound healing of immune systems by up to 40%. This is also true in the cases of acne.

Stress is known to aggravate acne and even worsen the overall skin condition. It tends to make adrenal glands over produce asteroid known as cortisol that in turn, makes sebaceous glands produce more amount of oil and make the skin oily.

This is the main reason that people feel inflammation of acne during stressful periods. Under stress one may also experience pus-filled papules.

It is a known fact that stress can damage the overall health of the body and one’s general well being. However, what one does not realize is that how dangerous stress can be to one’s skin.

Stress can result in dull, pale and lifeless skin. Stress has a tendency to produce hormones that further stimulate sebaceous glands and thereafter make them produce more oil.

The extra oil produced by sebaceous glands tends to clog pores and result in production of bacteria and inflammation. The end result is white heads, pimples and black heads. According to a recent study, it has been proved that severity of acne is increased due to extra levels of stress.

The study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the Stanford University’s school of medicine has proved that stress experienced by students result in acne and even worsens its effects on the skin.

Emotional stress experienced by an individual also results in acne formation. Stress reduction can easily reduce the effects of acne on the body.

In order to avoid problems related to acne, one needs to keep oneself miles away from stress. Here are some effective ways to do so.

a)         Exercise daily

b)        Meditate

c)         Take up a hobby

d)        Take out some time for yourself from the busy schedule

e)         Gang up with friends occasionally

f)          Maintain hygiene

g)         Seek professional help

h)         Take medication on time

i)           Adopt natural remedies

If you want an acne free skin, it is very important to keep stress at bay.

Follow all the directions mentioned above and fall in love with acne free skin.