Work anxiety is becoming frequent. Although offices have resume back while some of them are grappling with hybrid working models, stress continues to hamper daily lives. But did you know that your skin can show anxiety and stress whenever you are experiencing it?
Over time, studies have shown that both acute and chronic stress can negatively impact your skin quality.It could further trigger numerous skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasisand even hair loss.
Connection between work anxiety and skin
The skin and brain are intertwined. The psychological stress from the brain can transfer to your skin. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression can lead to new skin problems or flare up the existing ones.
When a person feels stressed out, their sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones known as adrenalineand cortisol, thereby increasing the oil production on the skin glands. This can further result in acne breakouts and clogged pores.In addition, chronic stress constantly increases the levels of these hormones and adversely impacts the health of our skin.
Moreover, anxiety and stress can cause internal inflammation. The human body, under pressure, makes the immune system overreactiveby activating an inflammatory response. Stress affects the balance of bacteria in your gut that leads to release of inflammation. This internal inflammation can show its effect externally too and make you experience skin conditions like acne and breakouts.
People with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, rosaceaand psoriasisare more sensitive to flare-ups when stressed out.Remember, psychological stressors can contribute to skin being stressed out too. Environmental stressors can contribute to psychological stress, via skin, kick-starting the stress cycle.
How can stress affect your skin?
1. Stress causes acne on skin
The stress hormone cortisol triggers an overproduction of sebum on the skin glands thereby causing acne breakouts.
2. Stress impacts the immunity
Stress impacts the immune system resulting in sensitive and reactive skin. It can also causeredness on the skin, hives, and rashes.
3. Stress leads to inflammation
It can deteriorate inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasisetc., leading to flare-ups. Anxiety or stress can make you scratch your wounds and scabs and worsen up your condition.
Tips to keep your skin healthy
1. Maintain a skincare routine
First and foremost,it is essential to maintain a good skincare routine, even if you are drained out or feel tired. Try to stick with a skin routine no matter what. Step 1: cleanser, step 2: toner, step 3: moisturizer and step 4: sunscreen.Apply sunscreen with minimum 20 SPF regardless outdoor or indoors.
2. Eat a balanced diet
Add whole foods and fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to your diet. Avoid consuming processed, packaged and sugar-loaded food as they do not only impact your skin but also affect overall health.
3. Adequate body rest
It is important to get adequate rest to your body. Sleep for minimum 7 hours, allow your body the time to heal and rejuvenate. Sound sleep improves energy levels, cognition ability, and mood.
4. Stay physically active
It is essential to keep yourself physically active. Therefore, exercise daily as it releases feel-good hormones that improve your energy.
Bottomline:
If the above does not help, seek a professional help. Stress harms your skin and overall health. Give your skin a chance to heal and revive.
