Job, bills, heartbreak and loss are all a part of life. While these things are inevitable, the stress that comes along with it can sometimes be a lot to handle. Many young adults are losing sleep due to stress and the effects not only trickle from the brain to the body but can also show up on the skin.
Identifying these symptoms and learning how to manage the effects of stress on your skin can help solve the problem. If you have tried every DIY remedy, spot treatment, skin treatments and nothing seems to work, maybe your body is too stressed. Here’s everything you need to know about what stress can do to your skin.
Acne
One of the most common symptoms of stress is acne. If you have acne-prone skin it is common to experience an acne flare-up. Stress releases cortisol in the body which can throw all the other hormones in the body off balance and lead to breakouts on your face and body.
Another reason for acne could be the imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut caused due to stress.
Dehydration and dullness
Sleeplessness, eating unhealthy, lethargy and dehydration are some of the common signs of stress. But in the long run, these problems can lead to dull skin and wrinkles.
It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and load your plate with colourful vegetables and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Yoga and meditation will help relax your mind and body and promote better sleep.
Eczema
Eczema is a sign of an overactive immune system that often gets triggered by anything, from irritating ingredients to stress. This skin condition weakens the skin’s barrier and opens the door to irritation and dryness. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of your skin at all times and keep it moisturised to protect it from dryness.
Psoriasis
A chronic skin condition, psoriasis causes the skin to form thick, red patches that appear to be covered in white scales. Stress can make this condition a lot worse, however, using rich moisturisers and retinoid creams can keep the condition under control.
Under-eye bags
Another common and the most obvious sign of stress and anxiety is under-eye bags. The fluid pools below the lower eyelid area causing the area to look puffy. Keep your electronic devices like phones, tablets and laptops aside at least an hour before sleep to promote better and relaxed sleep.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Dec 16, 2019
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.