But is acne a direct cause of stress?
The answer is…not completely.
At a Glance
We all get stressed and as we know…stress sucks.
Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez / Getty Images
But what about when our stress starts to have an impact on our skin?
While stress doesn’tdirectlycause acne, stress does change hormone levels.
Changes in hormones can cause us to breakout more.
While we can’t change our genetics, we do have some control over our stress levels.
Why Do Stress Hormones Cause Us to Breakout?
Sebum
Sebum is a slightly sticky substance we secrete from our pores.
People with larger pores may be more likely to have oily skin.
Each of these factors individually and together contribute to the ecosystem that gives rise to and perpetuates acne.
A dermatologist will be able to offer more insight.
Then, compare these time points to see if there are any correlations.
Is There a Way to Reduce My Stress?
This is highly personal, and doing it successfully can take time and more awareness.
Findand dedicate yourselfto the strategies that work best for you.
Try Time-Blocking
Let’s say you always have really busy Wednesdays and Thursdays.
It’s a good idea to plan those days out ahead of time to reduce your stress.
Products containing azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide are first-line acne treatments.
Doing this can help alleviate stress because you already built this into your day.
You’ll feel less rushed and it may even become something you look forward to doing.
In the moments we don’t feel so great about ourselves, practicing body neutrality can help.
A therapist can assist in creating a more manageable schedule.
A therapist can also help you work through any body image issues that you may be facing.
You deserve to feel beautiful in the skin you’re in.
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