Stress & Skincare by Martha Escobar
Have you experienced sudden acne breakouts or eczema flares up during stressful times? We all experience stress, and for most of us, 2020 was very stressful. According to a survey conducted by Morneau Shepell, in April 2020, 49% of respondents reported having more mental stress. It is no surprise that feeling stress is bad for our well-being. Stress also wreaks havoc on our skin. When we are under pressure or experiencing uncertainty, skin problems such as acne, dryness, or irritation may arise, making things worse.
EFFEC TS OF STRESS ON YOUR SKIN Our bodies are brilliantly designed and created to survive. There’s a beautiful and powerful connection between our brain and skin; they are constantly communicating. When we are under stress, our adrenal glands produce steroid hormones, including cortisol, the “stress hormone.” However, when cortisol levels are too high, it stimulates oil production leading to an oily complexion, clogged pores, and acne. It decreases the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, which leaves skin dry. It weakens its natural barrier, resulting in loss of moisture and reducing the function to self-repair. Also, chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema worsen causing flareups.
HELP YOUR SKIN IMAGE: MARTHA ESCOBAR
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There are many lifestyle changes to help reduce stress and its effects. Unfortunately, a survey conducted by Mental Health America reported that 63% engaged in unhealthy behaviors to combat work-related stress. One of them can be neglecting our self-care and skincare. Sometimes the last thing we think about is our skincare regimen. However, following our daily skincare regimen helps prevent and decrease the adverse effects, including combating stress-related cortisol. If you are having a stressful week or day and following a skincare regimen feels overwhelming, the best thing to do is keep it simple. Keep your skin
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