CAN STRESS CAUSE SKIN PROBLEMS?
Stress can affect our bodies in all kinds of ways. We already know stress can be bad for our weight and our emotional health. But what about skin problems caused by stress? Doctors believe that stress has such a negative effect on our skin’s health, dermatologists have come up with a name for it: psychodermatology.
Stress can cause itchy skin, hives, rashes and a variety of other conditions and diseases. Find out what conditions your stress might be affecting — and how to soothe your red, itchy and irritated epidermis.
Dry Skin
Technically, stress can cause dry skin — just maybe not in the way you think. While stress is known to raise cortisol levels (and cause oily skin), you may end up with dry, flaky skin anyway after a stressful week at work.
Most people tend to self-medicate to deal with stress. You’re trying to stay focused, so you indulge in that second or third cup of coffee each day. You can’t sleep at night (probably because of all the caffeine), so you end up tossing and turning for eight hours. To unwind, you start drinking an extra glass of wine at night.
And for the love of yoga, in the midst of all of your meetings, errands, conference calls and to-do lists, are you remembering to drink eight glasses of water a day?
That question was rhetorical. We know you’re not.
So while stress might not cause dry skin directly, it has been known to lead to behaviors that will cause your skin to flake.
The Solution
Try to avoid self-medicating with coffee, alcohol and salty foods. Make sure you increase your water intake when you’re starting to feel stressed. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on your skincare regimen before bed, thinking you’ll gain an extra few minutes of shut-eye. It’s important to keep your skin as hydrated as possible during stressful times, so you’ll want to use a good moisturizer and a nighttime serum.
Protect the skin cell from water and moisture loss during the day with Hydamemory Essence, Hydramemory Serum followed by Hydramemory Cream. In the evening, I recommend a few drops of antioxidant rich Renight Oil massaged into the skin with purified water then, Renight Cream. Renight will work with your body’s natural healing processes, repairing the depleted skin cell while you sleep. The aroma will relax the body and lull you into a deep, restorative sleep.
Acne
Oh holy yoga blocks. Now you’re going to tell me that stress is the reason my face is breaking out, too? Just tell me. Does anxiety cause acne? Does it?
Well, maybe.
Stress acne is definitely a thing. Whether or not you have it depends on your level of stress. As you know, stress can ramp up your cortisol levels, and high levels of cortisol can cause oily skin. Stress acne can manifest itself just about anywhere: you can get stress acne on your forehead, on your chin — and even on your neck.
If you have teens in the house, you might hear them complaining about stress zits. Your hormonal kids are probably under pressure thanks to finals, after-school activities and whether their faces will clear up for the prom. Stress acne can be a double-edged sword; you can’t get rid of it when you’re stressed, but the acne itself is so stressful that it’s hard to avoid.
The Solution
Try to use a combination of breathing exercises, meditation and physical exercise to combat stressful situations. Simply taking a “time-out” to focus on your breath for a few minutes can help lower your body’s cortisol levels. Wash your face with a good cleanser to ensure any existing blemishes don’t get infected. You may even want to use a topical acne cream to help spot treat pimples.
For adult acne, I recommend Skin Regimen Cleanser, Micro Algae Essence, Tea Tree Booster to spot treat followed by Tripeptide Cream. This skin care routine will treat blemishes without drying out your skin.
If you have oily skin, I recommend Comfort Zone Active Pureness Gel Cleanser, Toner, Corrector and Fluid.
Rashes and Hives
Rashes and hives are both the result of of dysbiosis — or, too much bad bacteria in your digestive system. Stress hormones can end up knocking your gut bacteria out of whack.
Yes, you can get an anxiety skin rash.
In addition, stress can also make you turn into the Incredible Hulk of Your Kitchen. You might end up eating things you’d never dream of in a stress-free environment. Pickles with cottage cheese and leftover McDonald’s French fries, anyone?
In order to keep your gut bacteria in check, you’ll need to keep your stress levels low and try to avoid foods that might mess up your bacterial balance.
The Solution
Lower your stress levels by using a combination of deep breathing, meditation and aerobic exercise to help keep your gut bacteria at healthy levels. Yes, breathing again! Deep breaths kick on the part of your autonomic nervous system that controls digestion. When the body is stressed, our biological brain is preserving energy for an anticipated attack. To preserve this energy, digestion is slowed. Further aid your digestion by talking to your doctor or naturopath about whether or not a probiotic is right for you. Keep your cravings in check by stocking your fridge with plenty of healthy snacks to help curb hunger. Eating a banana instead of that chocolate chip cookie will lower food induced inflammation in the gut.
My recommendations for rashes and hives: less is better. Discontinue using anything that stings or burns the skin. Soothe with cool temperatures and avoid hot water. Cleanse morning and night with Comfort Zone Remedy Cream to Oil Cleanser. Follow with calming Remedy Toner, Serum, and Cream.
Flushing and Rosacea
While flushing and rosacea are two skin ailments that look alike, the two are very different. Flushing is simply when your skin gets a little red due to a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, food and drink — and yes, even stress.
Have you ever felt your face get red when you’ve gotten embarrassed or upset? It’s just your fight-or-flight response and a rush of adrenaline. And guess what? This adrenaline spike can happen whenever you get stressed.
Like flushing, rosacea is flared by alcohol, spicy foods and changes in environmental temperature. Unlike flushing, rosacea is a medical condition that can cause a flushing of the skin and red, raised bumps.
The Solution
Remember that stress can cause flushing and rosacea flare-ups. When you feel yourself getting upset or frustrated, focus on your breath and take deep breaths. Count to five as you inhale and exhale. This initiates the response of your parasympathetic nervous system and lowers the heart rate and takes the body out of an emotionally reactive place. It’s okay to excuse yourself from a stressful situation, hot room or alcohol-infused evening. Some rosacea sufferers find lavender oil to help calm their skin and ease their symptoms.
Psoriasis and Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are two other skin issues that are commonly mistaken for each other. While psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, eczema is a hypersensitive reaction to creams, soaps, dye, fabrics and food allergies. Psoriasis can manifest as white, scaly stress spots on the skin, and eczema manifests as a itchy, red, flaky rash.
Both psoriasis and eczema are exacerbated by stress. It doesn’t make matters worse than most sufferers of both conditions become stressed because they suffer from psoriasis and eczema.
The Solution
Are you doing everything for everyone else and not taking time for you? What helps you reset and down regulate? Schedule time for self care and time away for you. Lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes if that’s all you can do. Taking time away from the demands of life enables the body to heal. Stress is not a bad thing. Stress can be used to motivate and be productive. However, Our biological systems were not meant to be in constant stress. The body’s stress regulating hormone initially reduces inflammation. Over long periods of time, this hormone begins to cause inflammation and disease. The practice of self love and self compassion are essential for healthy skin and a healthy life. We are not meant to do it all. To manage insecurity about your skin, repeat this calming mantra: “I accept myself completely even though my skin is not perfect. I am beautiful even though my skin is inflamed.” This cultivates self acceptance despite any perceived imperfection.
For itchy eczema and cracking psoriasis, I recommend Comfort Zone Eco Certified Sacred Nature. This product family is loaded with nutrient rich ingredients like Shea Butter and Butterfly Bush extract that will heal and protect your skin. Sacred Nature Body Butter is my all time favorite product! Any time I get a spot of eczema from over washing my hands, this delicious cream relieves the itch and eliminates red bumps over night.
For ongoing skin conditions, talk to your doctor about topical creams that might help ease the pain.