Is Your Skin Stressed Out?
Last Updated on July 7, 2017 by Venessa
Getting a zit might not be that random, after all.
Here’s the latest on why your face is acting up and what you can do about it.
Skin flare-ups can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know the cause. Most dermatologists say stress can actually be the culprit.
After all, when you are under pressure, your body produces hormones that wreak havoc on your face: 
Your skin cells can lose water and dry up or Your immune system weakens and allows zits and rashes to break loose.
Luckily, psychodermatologists (dermatologists who look at the psychological root of skin ailments) have smart solutions.
Read on to find out how you can calm yourself – and your skin.
SKIN FLARE UP #1 : ZITS
Not all acne is created equal.
Seriously.
If excess oil is to blame, your zits usually come and go within days.
Stubborn pimples are a different story.
When you are overwhelmed, your body produces certain neuropeptides.
At low doses, they may kill bacteria and viruses but, at higher levels of stress, they generate inflammation that can clog your pores and limit your body’s ability to slough off dead skin.
The result? Blemishes might not budge for months.
MENTAL FIX
You’ve heard it all before, but it is true.
Working out does pay off!
Getting regular exercise releases endorphins.
Endorphins act as a natural inflammatory agent and help you de-stress.
and Obagi Nu-Derm Toner, 6.7 fl. oz.
Also! I know it is normal, I am this all the time – I get upset about my zits!
But don’t. Control yourself.
A psychodermatologist claimed that anger is a common response to acne and stems from feeling unable to correct the situation. Since rage aggravates stress and breakout, it’s key to regain a sense of control.
Try decluttering your space at home and workplace to feel more relaxed.
BEAUTY FIX
Tone down redness and shrink zits by applying a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream like Kirkland Signature Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Cream 1% with Aloe, 2-ounce (pack of 4)
on spots once or twice a day.
In addition, wash with a cleanser or use a cream containing salicylic acid twice daily to kill bacteria, unclog follicles, and slough off dead cells. Here are my favorites:
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According to experts, you should make sure that you use products to cater to your skin type. Products that contain heavy moisturizing ingredients might worsen your acne.
If you want to soothe inflamed skin, look for skincare that has light, calming ingredients, like toner or moisturizer with aloe vera or chamomile.
If breakouts persist, ask your dermatologist about prescription options, corticosteroid injections, or oral antibiotics, which can help decrease swelling.
SKIN FLAREUP #2: DRYNESS
No matter how much moisturizer you use, your skin is still so dehydrated that it flakes.
What’s Going On?
Stress breaks down your skin’s natural barrier and compromises your ability to retain moisture, causing intense dryness.
Mental Fix
When your skin is as arid as the Sahara, getting plenty of sleep is crucial to healing.
Since your body replenishes moisture and repairs everyday cell damage as you sleep, make sure you get your daily quota of Zzz’s.
To melt away worries, try relaxing by massaging coconut oil. The oil relieves stress as it smoothens away dryness.
BEAUTY FIX
To preserve as much of your natural oils as possible, use a hydrating wash without sulfates (chemicals that can parch your skin) listed on the back label, and lightly massage in cleanser with just our fingertips – using a washcloth tends to strip away moisture. I love Cetaphil for this!
In the shower, gently run the bristles of a paddle hairbrush over your body. I use this!
Massaging yourself will stimulate your skin’s receptors and lower your stress levels.
Keep the water temperature lukewarm (intense heat can diminish your hydration levels, and apply a thick cream within a few minutes, after you shower to sea in moisture.
Look for products that contain ceramides or dimethicone, which reinforce your body’s own protective shield. My all-time fave: Physiogel Body Lotion with Lipids which I buy online at Lazada Philippines!
SKIN FLAREUP #3 PICKING ON YOUR SKIN
Guilty!Sometimes I find myself scratching at my skin, and now, I am starting to get a really ugly scar.
What’s going on?
Picking is a nervous habit that usually intensifies in times of pressure. Many people do this to release anxiety.
MENTAL FIX
Find a healthy stress outlet, like playing a sport. If you usually pick at your skin unconsciously, get a stress ball.
By the way, I love love these FUN Emoji Face Squeeze Balls- 12 ~ 3” Stress Relax Emotional Toy Balls ~ Fun Office Holiday Gift ~ Stocking Stuffer ~ Gag Toy
!
Toss out magnifying mirrors and install a low-watt bulb in your bathrooms so imperfections won’t be as perceptible (It is best to apply makeup in natural light, anyway).
Train your brain to focus on relaxation.
BEAUTY FIX
Cover spots with concealer – If you can’t see them, you won’t be tempted to pick.Lotions with licorice extracts or ask your dermatologist about laser treatment.I love Lancome Blanc Expert High Potency Whitening Spot Eraser!
SKIN FLAREUP #4 – RASHES
Seemingly out of nowhere, you develop a mysterious red, prickly, itchy rash that spreads across your face or body.
WHAT’S GOING ON
Anxiety depletes your skin’s protective barrier, making you more susceptible to irritants that invade your body and trigger a reaction.
MENTAL FIX
Try picturing calming imagery, or pick products with relaxing scents – green tea, lavende, and jasmine are top picks. For a perky pick-me-up, stash your products in the fridge so smoothing on a velvety moisturizer or squeezing gel wash becomes a sensual experience.
Visualize yourself swimming in a mountain spring. Your mind brought this rash upon you, and it has the power to make it vanish, too!
Gently massage in the lotion for 10 seconds. Try taking yoga or pilates, too – the deep breathing will help you chill out.
BEAUTY FIX
Stick to your hypoallergenic makeup and cleansers that baby your skin. I have always been a VMV Hypoallergenics user, I love all their products and you might want to try them!
Also try to avoid scratchy clothes and hot environment that opens your blood vessels and releases histamines, making rashes itchier, redder, and more swollen.
