Does Stress Related Acne Exist?
Although some people think stress has nothing to do with the quality of your skin
, science tells us a different story. Stress elevates hormone levels in the body that cause the sebaceous glands to secrete excessive sebum, which is the natural oil that combines with dead skin cells and clogs the pores. The bacteria then colonize in the hair follicle and a zit is born. Your job, daily schedule and how you spend your off time all have an impact on your stress levels and thus, your skin.
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; while these substances are not the cause of your acne, they can aggravate 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 work (or play) in the sun, it's important to protect 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 large impact, and it's becoming a bigger problem every day, says Katie Rodan, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University.
You may ask, "How can stress cause acne to appear on my skin?"? 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.
What can you do about the relationship between stress and acne in your life? We realize that removing all the stressors from life is not realistic, stress is part of life. 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. Finishing, it is vital to your skin health to take each day to do something you like and will reduce your stress levels. Do you like to read a book, take a bath, go for a walk or do yoga? Do what will make you happy and calm your nerves.
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
by: Bill Wynne
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