The surprising link between stress and skin problems
Whether it is emotional, physical, or mental, stress is an unavoidable part of the modern-day busy life. It all starts with your mind, but the impact is so powerful that it affects the entire body. While it is still easy to manage mild stress related to work or family issue, the real problem begins when it turns chronic. Prolonged and chronic stress can throw your immune system, digestive tract, metabolism, and hormones out of whack. Moreover, it can serve as a base for diseases like obesity, heart issues, Alzheimer's, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma.
However, very fewer people are aware of the fact that there is a direct link between stress and skin related ailments. If at times your skin feels excessively dry or if you notice unexplained rashes in your face, stress can be one of the reasons behind them.
The connection between stress and your skin
You might have read about the impact of stress on your emotional and mental health, but do you know that the pimple that erupts on your skin before a major event can be due to stress? The most common skin problems triggered by prolonged stress are rashes or acne, which can be stimulated before a job interview or due to some personal issues. The situation can get worse if you are already suffering from skin problems, such as psoriasis or rosacea.
Dr Kusumika Kanak, Consultant Dermatologist, shared, "Stress and skin problems are directly associated with each other in various ways." She explained that "when a person is stressed, the body releases adrenaline and free radicals, which increase the sensitivity and reactivity of the skin. In this way, stress not only causes skin problem but also aggravates it."
Not only this, if you are already suffering from skin issues, then stress might delay the healing process and at times make it worse. It can even have a negative effect on your nails and hair.
As per Geneticist Pranav Anam, Founder of The Gene Box, continuous and long-term stress may also increase skin ageing. He further revealed that "about 10 per cent of the population who experience any kind of skin eruption have a genetic predisposition to skin conditions like hives or acne. They are more likely to be vulnerable to disorders like anxiety or depression and experience a skin condition in response to stress."
Easy ways to ease the effect of stress on your skin
Stress is certainly unavoidable but is not unmanageable. You cannot run away from it, but you can keep yourself calm, cool and composed in all the situations. To deal with the symptoms of stress on your skin, here are a few things you can do:
- Even if you are tired, swamped with work or stressed, take good care of your skin. Neglecting it may be harmful to you.
-One of the best ways to manage your stress level is practising yoga or meditation. Take some time out to enjoy some quality time in your own company.
-Sleep is another important aspect. A good quality sleep of 7-8 hours is important for your overall health and to manage your stress level.
When should you worry?
Stress-related skin issues can be treated by both medicines and lifestyle modifications. Generally, hives go away in some ways without any treatment, but if your bumps are hard and filled with pus, do not underestimate the situation. This can be due to some underlying health conditions. If your skin problem persists from more than a 2-3 days then consult a dermatologist.
However, very fewer people are aware of the fact that there is a direct link between stress and skin related ailments. If at times your skin feels excessively dry or if you notice unexplained rashes in your face, stress can be one of the reasons behind them.
The connection between stress and your skin
You might have read about the impact of stress on your emotional and mental health, but do you know that the pimple that erupts on your skin before a major event can be due to stress? The most common skin problems triggered by prolonged stress are rashes or acne, which can be stimulated before a job interview or due to some personal issues. The situation can get worse if you are already suffering from skin problems, such as psoriasis or rosacea.
Dr Kusumika Kanak, Consultant Dermatologist, shared, "Stress and skin problems are directly associated with each other in various ways." She explained that "when a person is stressed, the body releases adrenaline and free radicals, which increase the sensitivity and reactivity of the skin. In this way, stress not only causes skin problem but also aggravates it."
Not only this, if you are already suffering from skin issues, then stress might delay the healing process and at times make it worse. It can even have a negative effect on your nails and hair.
As per Geneticist Pranav Anam, Founder of The Gene Box, continuous and long-term stress may also increase skin ageing. He further revealed that "about 10 per cent of the population who experience any kind of skin eruption have a genetic predisposition to skin conditions like hives or acne. They are more likely to be vulnerable to disorders like anxiety or depression and experience a skin condition in response to stress."
Easy ways to ease the effect of stress on your skin
Stress is certainly unavoidable but is not unmanageable. You cannot run away from it, but you can keep yourself calm, cool and composed in all the situations. To deal with the symptoms of stress on your skin, here are a few things you can do:
- Even if you are tired, swamped with work or stressed, take good care of your skin. Neglecting it may be harmful to you.
-One of the best ways to manage your stress level is practising yoga or meditation. Take some time out to enjoy some quality time in your own company.
-Sleep is another important aspect. A good quality sleep of 7-8 hours is important for your overall health and to manage your stress level.
When should you worry?
Stress-related skin issues can be treated by both medicines and lifestyle modifications. Generally, hives go away in some ways without any treatment, but if your bumps are hard and filled with pus, do not underestimate the situation. This can be due to some underlying health conditions. If your skin problem persists from more than a 2-3 days then consult a dermatologist.