Do You Have Stress Related Acne?
Are you suffering from stress related acne? Has anyone told you that stress does not cause acne? Don't listen to them. Stress elevates hormones in the body that act like androgens, causing the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than is needed. This oil combines with dead skin cells and clogs the pores. Once the pore s clogged, the bacteria, p. acnes, begin to colonize and form the classical zit. A whitehead full of pus, which needs to be dealt with appropriately to avoid lifelong physical and emotional scars. Where you live, work and vacation all have an effect on your stress levels. In turn the stress levels do effect your skin. We will cover items that can act as triggers to acne flare-ups and what you can do to avoid them.
Comedones (blackheads) on the job
Because some part of your skin is always in contact with your surroundings, it's important to pay attention to the things you come in contact with regularly. You may be exposed to comedogenic (pore-clogging) substances on the job without even knowing it; although these substances are not the cause of your pimples , they do exacerbate it. For example: the airborne grease in a fast-food restaurant can create an invisible film on your skin, clogging your pores. Most industrial oils: the kinds used in cars, factories and bicycles are comedogenic as well.
Acne and Sleep
One of the simplest ways you can do your skin well may surprise you: sleep! Researchers and mothers around the globe agree that a good night's sleep of at least eight hours can do wonders for your complexion. How? It is true that a strong and healthy body has the likelihood to have a stronger immune system. A healthy immune system will not prevent acne entirely but it will help fight the infection, which helps your lesions heal faster and more thoroughly. Fortunately, your body isn't picky; uninterrupted sleep during the daytime is just as beneficial. So if you work late, then you should sleep late and try to stay on a regular schedule.
Sun and Acne
While it's true that small amounts of sun exposure may appear to improve acne, don't be fooled; the benefit is temporary and is really just hiding the inconsistencies in the color of the skin. Consistent sun exposure will cause your skin to become dry, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. It is also true that skin that is consistently exposed to the sun has to slough off more old cells and more frequently; when you combine the extra oil and extra dead cells, you create a conditions that are ideal for comedones (black heads), or blocked pores to form. So if you are going to spend a lot of time in the sun you will want to shield your skin with sunscreen. Find oil-free sunscreens that provide a SPF 15 protection level from UVA and UVB rays.
Stress and Acne
The stress and acne relationship is one that you need to pay attention to. Now validated by research, stress does play a larger part in acne breakouts. As much as ninety percent of dermatologists' patients bemoan about the results that stress has on their skin. It does have a direct correlation, and it is seen as becoming a larger problem with each passing day, says Katie Rodan, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University.
How is it possible that acne would appear on your face from stress, emotional anxiety and a number of factors in your life? The connection is purely chemical. When you become tense, your adrenal glands flood your bloodstream with the hormone cortisol, which trigger the sweat glands in your face to produce more oil. When your sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum there is a higher probability that this excess oil will mix with dead skin cells and clog your pores, trapping bacteria inside. The result? More acne, primarily inflamed papules rather than blackheads or whiteheads.
So what actions can you take to mitigate the effect of stress on your acne? Of course, you can't remove all the stressors from your life, that's a part of being human. As we have seen, you can prevent its severity by leading a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and at least seven hours of sleep every night will help you build a strong foundation. If you're well fed and well rested, you're less likely to feel irritated by the events of your day. Another great and important thing is to get exercise everyday, even if it is just a short walk after lunch of in the evening. Lastly, it's important to take time from each day to relax by reading a book, taking a bath, practicing yoga, or doing whatever makes you happy and calm.
It's an important step towards overall good health, and therefore the health of your skin. Like anyone with acne you want to learn all you can to empower yourself and see an end to your acne so