How to Combat Stress Acne
“My ability to turn good news into anxiety is rivaled by my ability to turn anxiety into chin acne. “ -Tina Fey
Acne is caused by dirt, oil, and dead skin clogging your pores. So why do pimples always seem to form when you're stressed or anxious?
Stress acne is a real pickle. Here's why it happens —
and the best ways to prevent and treat your stress-related breakouts.
Why does stress cause me to breakout?
Stress causes acne by releasing the hormone cortisol, which may make your skin more oily.
To prevent stress acne, wash your face regularly, exercise, and eat healthy foods.
Stress acne can be treated by using vitamin A cream (if appropriate for you), managing your stress, and not touching and picking at your face.
How to prevent stress acne
The best way to prevent stress acne is to maintain a regular skincare routine and make certain lifestyle changes.
Limit foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates
A 2016 study showed these types of foods can worsen acne. As the American Academy of Dermatology explains, sugary or high-carb foods cause a spike in blood sugar, which causes inflammation in the body. The body increases sebum — or the oil on your skin — during this period, which can lead to acne.
Exercise regularly
Not only is it a great stress reliever, it can increase blood flow to the skin. Increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to skin cells and thus reduces acne flare ups.
Wash your face!
Wash your face twice a day no matter what. Morning and night, along with an effective anti-acne skincare routine.
Don’t clog your pores
It’s easy to hide your acne with extremely heavy makeup. Use an oil free foundation and non comedogenic products if you are prone to acne.
Clean your makeup brushes
Makeup brushes can build bacteria very fast, so aim to clean brushes once a week. At the very least, every two weeks. Just use warm water with mild soap will do the job!
Keep up your sleep routine
Sleep allows your skin to repair during the night. Lack of sleep can lead to drier, thinner skin that's more prone to acne.
Avoid dairy
When under stress, we may turn to dairy-based treats like ice cream, low quality chocolate, and sugary drinks. Try to avoid dairy for at least two weeks and see if your acne improves. Many studies have found that those who consumed dairy increased the likelihood of developing acne. Do not fully exclude a food group without consulting your doctor first.
Consume caffeine in moderation
If your chronically tired, avoid leaning too heavily on caffeinated beverages. Drink more water and tea. Caffeine is a diuretic which can dehydrate your skin. Dry and dehydrated skin is more susceptible to acne if your skincare routine doesn't accommodate the extra dryness.
How to treat stress acne:
Deal with zits the right way. Cleanse the skin, steam the affected area and use a good spot treatment.
Try a Vitamin A cream
Vitamin A creams clear out pores and have an added anti-aging benefit. Do NOT use if your are pregnant or nursing.
Don't pick at your skin
You are just spreading the bacteria which will give you even more acne. Also picking can cause permanent scarring.
Pop pimples correctly!
I know your going to do it, so at least let me teach you how to do it the right way so it will cause the least damage to your skin. Don’t even touch deep-set nodules and cysts. You will just spread the bacteria and make it way worse. Go for those white pustules that burst at the slightest pressure. If they are not budging, leave it alone!
Don’t be a stress ball
The best way to treat stress acne is to fix it at its source. Start incorporating stress-reducing activities. Take walks, talk to a friend, take deep breaths and stretch throughout the day. Little things like that may reduce subsequent acne flare-ups.
When to see a dermatologist
If your acne won't go away with your best efforts, you might have to see dermatologist to determine your best source of action.
The Takeaway: Stress contributes to acne, and acne can exacerbate your stress. My best advice, go take a vacation. Even if that means sitting in your backyard with a cocktail.
Information sourced from Insider Magazine