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Writer's pictureAdvanced Laser Clinic

How Stress Affects Your Skin and Ways to Prevent Damage

Updated: Jun 24, 2023


Stressed face


There could be a scientific reason for your increased number of breakouts, uneven skin tone or texture, redness, or otherwise uncooperative skin. While you may assume it’s an ineffective skincare routine or a pillowcase that isn’t washed often enough, there could be more going on under the surface! Although stress is not visible, it is often the hidden cause of many skin problems.


You can encounter stress in any aspect of your life, meaning it’s incredibly challenging to avoid. Relationships, health, employment, financial stability, societal issues, and various other factors can all contribute to stress in your life. External factors are not always under your control, either, and sometimes all you can do is control the way you approach these situations.


While you can link skin problems to a person's genetic composition, many people notice traces of stress on their skin. Fortunately, there are now treatments for stressed-out skin, such as piano laser treatment and laser face lifting.



How Does Stress Affect My Skin?


Understanding how stress affects your skin will allow you to avoid these instances and prevent further damage. Here are some stress-induced skin problems you may encounter:



Breakouts


While acne is a common feature of adolescence, unpleasant breakouts and pimples are not exclusive to teenagers. Many adults from the ages of 18 to 21 have at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress each month. When you are stressed, your central nervous system can release a neuropeptide known as "substance P." It can then stimulate sebum production, resulting in oilier skin that is more prone to breakouts.



Dryness and Inflammation


Stress leads to a rise in adrenaline, which causes the release of cytokines. When this occurs, the skin may show its dissatisfaction with a pro-inflammatory response. As a result, your skin may become dry and irritated. It can also cause skin wrinkling, sagging, and a reddish texture, as well as general sallowness.



Decreased Collagen Production


Collagen production typically declines with age, but chronic stress can hasten the process, resulting in early indications of aging. Cortisol levels rise in response to stress. That destroys collagen and impairs the cellular matrix. It can then also cause wrinkles, loss of firmness, and fine lines, among other indicators of aging.



How Can I Combat Stress-Related Skin Damage?


While it can be impossible to avoid stress completely, you can find ways to keep it from taking over your life and showing on your skin. Here are three tips:


1) Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity—whether running, walking, lifting weights, or just dancing around—releases endorphins, which can help you cope with stress and improve your health. Many advocate the breathing strategies taught in yoga and deal with anxiety for dealing with daily stressors. If you've been sitting for a long time, get up and go for a five-minute stroll to increase blood flow and tissue hydration. Whenever you are stressed, taking a minute to practice deep breathing can help immensely.


2) Work on Your Skincare

It is critical to have an anti-stress skincare program. Applying sunscreen daily is a must, no matter your age or where you live. You can also use serums containing antioxidants, niacinamide, peptides, or nightly retinol depending on what is appropriate for your skin. These products and compounds have distinct benefits: reducing radical damage, soothing and calming your skin, and restoring hydration. Furthermore, it can be wise to seek professional help in places like Advanced Laser Clinic, a skin laser clinic in Point Cook, to provide the best solutions for your skin concerns.


3) Avoid Putting Pressure on Yourself

In the long run, stress can lead to more severe problems. It can aggravate anxiety, and if the underlying causes of worry are not addressed, it can intensify. If you find yourself anxious or stressed about something, give yourself some leniency. Extend yourself some grace, and avoid putting an unnecessary amount of strain on yourself. When you allow stress to consume you, it may affect your entire body, most notably on your skin.



Final Thoughts - Stressed skin


The skin is far more complex than what the naked eye can see. Making it healthy can be a challenging task. Furthermore, factors such as stress can have a significant impact on your skin. While it is up to you to respond to stressors that come your way, find ways to prevent them from affecting your health. Understanding stress and its consequences will give you direction on improving self-care and taking care of your biggest organ: your skin.


If you are looking for the best skin laser clinic in Point Cook, we at Advanced Laser Clinic are a great option! We offer state-of-the-art non-invasive procedures like laser hair removal, laser face lifting, and more to help you fight against stress-induced skin problems.

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