Daily stress is here to stay and is now part of our daily lives, but did you know it can affect more than just your mental well-being? It can also take a impact on your skin, leading to wrinkles, breakouts, and irritations. Our body talks when it is under too much tension. This article will help you better understand if you are under too much stress and how it could affect your skin
Understand what Stress is
Stress appears as a physiological and behavioral response to an event in our lives, past or future, that makes us feel threatened, disturbing our mental stability.
Our body activates defenses in response to our perception of danger, whether real or imagined, giving an automatic “fight, flight or freeze” response.
A moderate level of stress can be beneficial, helping us stay alert and focused.
Otherwise, excessive stress will cross the line and enter unhealthy territory. It can negatively impact health, alter mood, decrease productivity, harm relationships and decrease overall quality of life.
Symptoms of stress
It’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and take proactive steps to reduce its negative effects.
Stress symptoms are our body’s way of signaling the changes it is experiencing, such as clammy hands or an accelerated heartbeat.
The physical symptoms of stress are generally the following:
- Feeling of tiredness;
- Back pain, muscle pain;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- High blood pressure;
- Dizziness and nausea;
- Headache;
- Chest pain;
- Faster heart rate (tachycardia);
- Loss of sexual desire;
- Frequent allergies and colds;
- Changes in apetite;
- Sleep disturbances,
- Hair loss;
- Changes in menstruation;
- Sweaty hands;
- Herpes.
The effects of stress on the body and skin
Stress will trigger reactions in the body and one of them is the release of cortisol, the “stress hormone”. If it is produced in excess it will:
- Increases oil production resulting in the appearance of acne or blackheads;
- Create inflammations in the skin that aggravate conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea;
- Lead to premature aging of the skin;
- Accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, promoting wrinkles and sagging;
- Dehydrate the skin;
- Damage the skin barrier, leading to water loss and leaving the skin dry and dull.
Warning signs on the skin
The skin can be a reflection of what is happening internally. Some common signs related to stress include:
- Sudden appearance of acne, especially in adults;
- Sensitive, red or peeling skin;
- Dark circles and swelling around the eyes due to lack of sleep;
- Loss of shine and vitality, leaving the skin looking tired.
How to minimize the effects of stress on the skin
Although there is no formula for eliminating stress for good, it is possible to take measures that can help protect your skin from side effects:
Skin Care
- Try adding products that contain chamomile, niacinamide or aloe vera into your skincare routine.
- Hydrate your skin every day with a cream rich in hyaluronic acid;
- Use sunscreen every day to prevent additional damage.
Wellness
- Do physical exercise to help you relax;
- Choose mindfulness and meditation practices;
- Get a good night's sleep, at least 8 hours a day;
- Eat carefully, reduce sugar and salt and focus on antioxidants such as vitamin C and E;
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Extra Tips:
- Avoid overdoing it with facial cleansing, which can further irritate sensitive skin.
- Include physical exercise in your routine to improve blood circulation.
When to Look for a Specialist?
If, despite taking every precaution to reduce the side effects of stress, your skin health is seriously affected or even with more serious cases of psoriasis and dermatitis, we recommend that you be monitored by a dermatologist to have treatment appropriate to your case.
Conclusion
Stress is rooted in our society, but the consequences it brings to the skin do not have to be permanent. Taking the right care, a balanced diet and lifestyle changes will protect your skin and restore its natural glow.
Remember: taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your skin.
