Stress and Acne

Stress can have a negative impact on your whole body and your immune system. It is also known to accelerate the skin's aging process and makes the skin look dull. Since your skin is the largest organ of the human body, research has found that stress has a tremendous influence on your skin's health. It causes the skin barrier to compromise and eventually leads to a decrease in protection to harmful external irritants. This may eventually lead to rashes, eczema, acne and other allergic reactions.

Individuals with higher stress levels usually are more likely to suffer from severe acne problems and research has found that stress is one of the main causes of acne and other skin problems.

This article will inform you on how to reduce your Stress and Acne levels.

Stress is tension. Stress should be avoided whenever possible. It could be of physical nature (illnesses) or mental nature (anxiety, depression or anger) and results from emotional, physical or chemical causes. We are living in a money- and power-driven society and therefor often become overworked and exhausted. Reducing your stress levels will surely help you to maintain your health.

Stress does not only influence your quality of life, but can also cause moderate or severe acne. You should learn how to effectively manage stress in acne. Acne or other skin problems are usually signs or warning signals that your body sends out. So, stress actually can cause your acne. Resent studies has shown that acne can get worst in times of stress due to the fact that your body releases a chemical called CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone).

Emotional turmoil or any type of stress can cause the body to produce an excessive amount of hormones. CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) is released into the blood from the hypothalamus in the brain during times of stress. CRH creates a hormone, called Cortisol (stress hormone) that is responsible for creating extreme amounts of energy for the brain to cope with the stress. CRH also cause the oil glands of the skin to produce more oil and that leads to skin pores getting blocked. Blocked skin pores, combined with bacteria, dead skin cells or dirt, causes acne.

Stress is not always negative though, it could also be positive. Positive stress includes feelings of excitement for example when something good happens to you (getting married or achieving your life goals). Negative stress may include problems at the office, marital problems or financial issues. You have to keep in mind that any type of stress could have a influence on your body and therefor you have to try to manage your stress-levels, especially the negative stress factors.

Except for negative and positive stress, stress could further be divided into external or internal stress factors.

External stressors are much easier to control as it is triggered by your immediate environment such as prolonged exposure to the sun, oil or grease that are known to cause skin irritations. Skin problems caused by external stressors usually include whiteheads and blackheads. Protective clothing as well as sunscreen is recommended whenever exposed to these external stressors.

Examples of Internal stressors are anxiety, depression or fear. These emotions trigger a chemical reaction in your brain and can result in acne or other skin irritations. The result of acne caused by internal stressors are usually smaller inflammations.

Stress can be an important factor in the cause, maintenance and aggravation of acne and therefor it is essential for one to learn how to manage stress in acne. A person's life becomes more stressful with today's modern lifestyle and little time left to relax on a regular basis. One's body and mind never relaxes and that can lead to exhaustion, a breakdown, ill-health or even acne. People have to force themselves to relax and manage their stress on a regular basis or as often as their body and mind needs it.

Take a break. Your body needs and deserves enough time to relax and enough time to sleep. Relaxing does not exactly mean you have to become a couch-potato. Relaxing activities could include exercising, yoga or anything you enjoy doing.

• Exercise

Exercise is one of the best known methods of stress reduction. If done regularly, it will leave you feeling great by releasing tension and anxiety. Exercise causes the body to release a chemical called endorphin, a natural pain-killer that not only makes you feel good, but also effectively combats stress.

• Laughing

Endorphins are also released into the body when you laugh. Even simple laughter can help you to release stress naturally and while having fun. Watch a funny movie or go to a comedy club whenever you feel stressed out.

• Yoga

Stress release or management is one of the main goals ofyoga. You will learn how to focus on your breathing technique while connecting with nature on a spiritual and mental level.

• Healthy eating

Healthy eating habitsare also recommended. A diet that consists of enough fresh fruits and vegetables will have a positive impact on your health and your acne and could help to improve many other ailments.

• Caffeine intake

Stress levels can be increased by large amounts of caffeine. Try to reduce the intake of coffee, sodas or other caffeine-packed foods or drinks because it is unhealthy and can have many negative side effects.

• Meditation & Praying

Meditationis another form of relaxation that will help you to combat stress. It may be hard to master at first, but once mastered, it is one of the most relaxing and stress-releasing activities. Meditation as well as praying may help you to take care of yourself, spiritually.

• Power napping

Power Napping is another way to release stress. You will only need about 15 to 20 minutes to clear your mind and release some tension.

• Enough Sleep

Sleepis necessary for your body to rest, restore, heal and grow. Try to get an average of about 7 hours of sleep at night. You will feel and look a lot less stressed when getting out of bed in the mornings.

• A Stress Management Program

Take part in a stress management program. It will teach you how to release your inner stress and as well as some new relaxation techniques you could practice on a daily basis.

Prescription medicine could help you to treat your acne, but reducing your stress level will improve the overall condition of your skin and health. Now you can see that controlling stress is a lot easier than you thought, you only need to discipline yourself and repeat the activities that help you to relax on a daily basis.

Chris du Toit is the webmaster of the website http://www.AdultAcneCured.com Visit today for more great acne related information.

This information about Stress and Acne is not presented by a medical doctor and is informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, treatment or diagnosis. You are advised to always seek the opinion of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay in seeking medical advice because of something you have read or heard from anybody else.