Don’t we all know? Stress that not only settles in our head, but also attacks our face with those annoying pimples. Yes, we’re talking about stress-related acne. You know, those red bumps that seem to suddenly appear when stress levels skyrocket.
Stress and acne: what is the link between the two?
“It’s true that stress is one of the things that can cause pimples and pimples,” says Dr. Jetske Ultee, a skin expert and research doctor of cosmetic dermatology. Stress can have a significant impact on your skin, especially when it comes to causing or worsening acne. It’s not so much the stress itself, but above all the hormone cortisol produced by the body overdrive produces in response to stressful situations. “And that could be the culprit in your skin.”
The stress hormone cortisol helps the body deal with stressful situations by releasing energy and helping to regulate various bodily processes. Quite useful, but should not stay in your body for too long. Then it can really bother your skin, among other things. “Stress makes skin more susceptible to bacteria, which can increase acne disorders,” explains Ultee. “And cortisol damages the skin’s barrier function, causing more moisture to evaporate and causing skin to become dry and dull over time.” Cortisol not only disrupts the barrier function, but also reduces the number of substances (antioxidants) in the skin that protect us from “attacks” from the outside. At the same time, sebum production is stopped.’ The result? Your skin becomes more sensitive and restless. It has also long been known that stress can worsen skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The difference between normal acne and stress acne
Regular acne is caused by various factors, such as sebum production and inflammation. Stress acne is specifically linked to stress and is caused by increased cortisol production.
Stress acne can result in duller, drier skin with a weakened protective barrier. This form of acne can also aggravate other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, and is often accompanied by irritated skin.
Although the symptoms may be somewhat similar, distinguishing the cause of acne is critical in determining treatment and prevention.
Where are stress pimples found?
“It’s difficult to predict how your skin reacts to stress,” explains Ultee. “Stress-related acne can appear in different places.” For one person it may show up on the chin or jawline, while for another it may develop eczema on the elbows or rosacea on the cheeks. “It varies from person to person and may depend on genetic factors and the sensitivity of skin receptors to stress hormones.”
If you suffer from some symptoms due to stresstic‘, like scratching or picking your skin? Then it is logical that the skin reacts particularly sensitively in those areas. “Especially because the skin barrier often works less well during stress.”
The influence of chronic stress on acne healing
Persistent stress can make acne more difficult to heal. “The longer stress hormones are active, the longer the body (and skin) is exposed to their harmful effects.”
It interrupts cell renewal, reduces the production of skin fats and destroys the skin’s protective barrier. “This leads to duller, drier and more sensitive skin to external influences,” warns the skin expert.
(Chronic) stress also impacts hair. Has there been more hair on your pillow lately? Are you shocked by your discharge after every shower? This can also be related to stress. From the cause of stress-related hair loss to the best treatment for your locks, you can read all about hair loss here.
What to do against stress acne? That’s how you approach it
“Take care of yourself with sufficient moments of rest, self-medication exercise, sleep, healthy food and drink are not unnecessary luxuries for your health (and your skin),’ says Ultee. “Yes, especially when you’re busy.”
Dealing with acne is a little more nuanced, because it has multiple causes. ‘By examining the most important acne triggers, you can reduce some complaints. Think about stress, the wrong skin products, dry or humid air, some dairy products, fast sugars, smoking and abrasive clothing.’
According to the skin expert, acne skin is by definition hypersensitive and irritated skin. So you have to treat and care for them gently. Here are some suggestions:
- Do not clean, scrub or steam the skin excessively – “You damage your skin, which just causes more messes,” Ultee says.
- Cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser – This way dirt and bacteria have no chance.
- Use an exfoliant every day – And preferably with salicylic acid. This prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum.
- Stay away from it – “Squeezing it really makes things worse,” Ultee says.
- Take a critical look at your diet – Specific foods, such as sugar and some dairy products, can make acne worse. A healthy diet is important for healthy skin.
- Don’t continue to confuse – Consult a dermatologist or doctor in time. There are resources and treatments that help.
In short, stress and acne are closely linked. If you have any doubts about the cause of acne or insufficient results with self-care, the advice of a family doctor or dermatologist is always advisable.
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2024-01-14 16:47:03
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