Don’t we all know it? Stress that not only settles in our heads, but also attacks our face with those annoying pimples. Yes, we are talking about stress-related acne. You know, those red bumps that seem to suddenly pop up when your stress levels go through the roof.
Stress and acne: what is the link between the two?
“It is true that stress is one of the causes that can cause pimples and pimples,” says dr. Jetske Ultee, skin expert and research doctor in cosmetic dermatology. Stress can have a significant impact on your skin, especially when it comes to causing or worsening acne. It is not so much the stress itself, but mainly the hormone cortisol that your body produces overdrive produces in response to stressful situations. “And that could be the culprit for your skin.”
The stress hormone cortisol helps the body deal with stressful situations by releasing energy and helping to regulate various body processes. Quite useful, but it should not remain in your body for too long. Then it can really bother your skin, among other things. ‘Stress makes your skin more susceptible to bacteria, which can increase acne complaints,’ explains Ultee. ‘And cortisol damages the barrier function of your skin, causing more moisture to evaporate and your skin to become dry and dull over time. Cortisol not only disrupts the barrier function, it also reduces the number of substances (antioxidants) in the skin that protect us against ‘attacks’ from outside. At the same time, sebum production is disrupted.’ The result? Your skin becomes more sensitive and restless. It has also been known for some time that stress can worsen skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The difference between regular acne and stress acne
Regular acne is caused by various factors, such as sebum production and inflammation. Stress acne is specifically linked to stress and is caused by increased cortisol production.
Stress acne can manifest itself in duller, drier skin with a weakened protective barrier. This form of acne can also aggravate other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, and is often accompanied by irritated skin.
Although the symptoms may be somewhat similar, distinguishing the cause of the acne is crucial in determining treatment and prevention.
Where are stress pimples located?
‘It is difficult to predict how your skin reacts to stress,’ explains Ultee. ‘Stress-related acne can appear in different places.’ For one person it may manifest itself on the chin or jawline, while another may develop eczema on the elbows or rosacea on the cheeks. ‘It varies from person to person and can depend on genetic factors and how sensitive your skin receptors are to stress hormones.’
If you suffer from certain symptoms due to stresstics‘, such as scratching or skin picking? Then it is logical that the skin reacts extra sensitively in those areas. ‘Especially because your skin barrier often functions less well during stress.’
The influence of chronic stress on the healing of acne
Persistent stress can make acne healing more difficult. ‘The longer stress hormones are active, the longer your body (and skin) is exposed to their harmful effects.’
It disrupts cell renewal, reduces the production of skin fats and disrupts the skin’s protective barrier. “This leads to duller, drier skin that is more sensitive to external influences,” warns the skin expert.
(Chronic) stress also has an impact on your hair. Have there been more hairs on your pillow lately? Are you shocked by your drain after every shower? This can also be related to stress. From the cause of hair loss due to stress to the best treatment for your locks, you can read everything about hair loss here.
What to do against stress acne? That’s how you approach it
‘Take good care of yourself with sufficient moments of rest, self care exercise, sleep and healthy food and drinks are not an unnecessary luxury for your health (and your skin),’ says Ultee. ‘Yes, especially when you’re busy.’
Tackling acne is a bit more nuanced, because it has multiple causes. ‘By examining the most important triggering factors of acne, you could reduce some of the complaints. Think of stress, the wrong skin products, dry or humid air, certain dairy products, fast sugars, smoking and abrasive clothing.’
According to the skin expert, skin with acne is by definition hypersensitive and irritated skin. So you have to treat and care for them gently. Here are a few tips:
- Do not over cleanse, scrub or steam your skin – ‘You damage your skin, which only causes more unrest,’ says Ultee.
- Cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild cleanser – This way, dirt and bacteria don’t stand a chance.
- Use an exfoliant daily – And preferably with salicylic acid. This prevents dead skin cells and sebum from accumulating.
- Stay away from it – ‘Squeezing it really makes it worse,’ says Ultee.
- Take a critical look at your diet – Specific foods, such as sugar and certain dairy products, can make acne worse. Healthy nutrition is important for healthy skin.
- Don’t keep muddling along – Consult a dermatologist or doctor in time. There are resources and treatments that help.
In short, stress and acne are closely linked. If there is any doubt about the cause of acne or insufficient results from self-care, expert advice from a GP or dermatologist is always advisable.
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2024-01-14 16:47:03
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