How Chronic Stress Affects the Skin

The skin and the mind are intimately connected. When stress becomes overwhelming, someone’s mental state can have a drastic impact on the condition of their skin. From increased acne to premature aging, your mood can regulate the overall health and appearance of your hair, nails and skin cells. At the Harley Institute, we help our Atlanta, Georgia area clients look and feel their best at every stage of life. If you’re concerned that your stressful lifestyle is creating a negative impact on the quality and condition of your skin, then it’s important to address the issue right away. Here is some more information on stress related skin problems and what potential non-surgical solutions. 

How Does Stress Cause Skin Issues?

The relationship between mental health and skin is so powerful that an entire field has emerged to study it. Psychodermatologists have discovered a myriad of ways that stress can affect skin health. In rare cases, some individuals may cope with their overwhelming anxiety by pulling their hair, picking at their face or otherwise marring the surface of their skin. However, more subtle stress can also lead to severe symptoms. For example, excessive amounts of stress usually create an unhealthy surge of cortisol, which can trigger oil production and create the perfect environment for acne breakouts. Long term endocrine imbalances can also trigger autoimmune problems that affect the skin such as hives, eczema and vitiligo. Eventually, such fluctuations in hormone levels can instigate premature aging due to a decrease in the production of healthy skin cells and essential proteins like collagen and elastin. 

Preventative Measures to Reduce Stress and Poor Skin Conditions

The best way to keep stress and skin problems at bay is through preventative care. Taking care of your health and mental wellness is essential. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep every night. Keep an eye on your diet and make room for exercise at least three days per week. These healthy habits will curb stress and help your body maintain equilibrium long term. Doing this will mitigate cortisol release and hormone fluctuations.

What to Do About Skin Problems That Have Already Occurred Due to Stress

Unfortunately, remaining stress free is difficult in the modern world. Relationship problems, parenting issues, career pressure and traumatic life events can cause many people to develop chronic stress and anxiety. If you have already been suffering from acne problems, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, early aging or other related skin conditions due to your high stress levels, there are methods that can help relieve the severity of your symptoms. You may be trying to avoid excessive dosages of medications or cosmetic surgery, and desire a healthier approach to healing. Thankfully, advancements in technology and science have provided many non-surgical, non-invasive treatments and therapies that offer incredible benefits. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can rebalance hormones, which in turn might reduce the anxiety and stress that comes with menopause or other events that can destabilize the body. Laser Genesis, Ultherapy and Lipo Contouring also offer solutions for reducing acne scarring and skin damage caused by developing various conditions triggered by chronic stress. 

Need Help with Your Stress Induced Skin Troubles? Visit the Harley Institute 

Are you interested in finding new ways to relieve stress and improve the quality of your skin’s health? Then visit the Harley Institute in Atlanta, Georgia today. Dr. Harley and her team of specialists are ready to help you find a solution that fits your unique needs. Contact our office to learn more or to schedule your first consultation.