If you think your mind is the only thing under pressure when you are stressed, think again. As the largest organ of your body, your skin assignment is to protect you from harmful factors, inside or outside your body. Chronic stress can play havoc on you and it may show in your skin. Stress effects on your skin vary according to the individual. The most common stress effects on skin are as follows.
Rashes
Stress rash can appear anywhere on your body. The skin works in layers; each layer relying upon the other to keep you healthy. The cells of the skin attempt to stack tightly to create a cell barrier that blocks out nasty bacteria and toxins in your skin. When your skin is experiencing stress, this natural protection diminishes leaving you vulnerable to bacteria caused rashes. Eczema and psoriasis triggered by stressful situations like the start of a new job or return to school is not uncommon.
Acne
According to some health professionals, stressed people tend to have more instances of acne that calmer people. Reducing stress with relaxation therapies has proven to reduce stress-induced acne.
Drying Skin
The lipid barrier of skin is affected by stress. When under stress this crucial barrier restricts the flow of fluids that moisturize your skin, leaving the skin's surface dry and tight.
Dull Looking Skin
Chronic stress effects the skin cells ability to produce and slough off. This build up of skin cells makes your skin look dull and sickly.
Wrinkles and Lines
When you are stressed, you have a tendency to frown, which causes wrinkles and lines. Even if you are attempting to force yourself to smile to counteract the wrinkling, it will not last. The only way to keep a natural, smile that is healthy for your skin is to lose the stress. Furrowing around the mouth, nose and forehead is common for people who experience continual stress. This type of chronic stress can cause premature aging in the skin.
Dermatitis
Stress is not just a temporal factor; it is chemical. Stress in the body is converted into a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a natural steroid that has the ability to make you more susceptible to the flu or a bug. Dermatitis is another skin ailment produced by this steroid. Dermatitis is itchy and causes your skin cells to shed chronically. Laughter and less stress has been proven to help people who suffer with dermatitis.
Stress is a real health factor with real health consequences. While there is no way to live an entirely stress free life, we can keep stress from taking over our lives causing us health issues. Take care of your skin by de-stressing.
