What You Need to Know About Stress Acne
Is acne one of the side effects of stress? Find out what experts say about stress acne, and how to stop acne from ruining your skin.
Stress manifests in our bodies in different ways: dry skin, oily hair, dark circles around the eyes. It can be a one-time event or a long-term condition called chronic stress, which has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, even hair loss and skin problems. Clinical researches reveal what doctors have long suspected about the relationship between stress and acne.
Does Stress Cause Acne?
There are two separate studies that tried to establish the relationship between stress and acne. In 2003, researchers from Stanford University found out that students reported worse acne during exam periods when they experience higher stress levels. This was supported by a study in 2007 by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, as published in the Swedish medical journal Acta Derm Venereol.
In both studies, the researchers did not claim that stress alone can cause acne (there are many causes of acne) but they concluded that there is a clear correlation between stress and acne. According to BCC News which first reported the results of the Stanford University research, stress has also been found to worsen the symptoms of other skin diseases such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, and atopic dermatitis.
However, the stress-and-acne relationship is not one way. In the journal Archives of Dermatology, researchers from Stanford University claim that the reverse is also true: acne causes stress as well. Their findings show that anxiety and stress tend to rise when people develop acne.
But the connection does not end there. According to the Mayo Clinic, while stress cannot directly cause acne, people who have pre-existing acne find that their skin problem worsens when they are under stress.
As you can see, the relationship between stress and acne is far more complex than a simple case of cause and effect: first of all, stress is clearly related to acne. Secondly, having acne can be stressful, which is another way of saying that acne can cause stress to those suffering from it. Lastly, stress can worsen acne. The relationship appears circular in that:
a) Stress can contribute to the development of acne;
b) Acne can heighten stress; and
c) Stress can worsen the acne.
Now that you know the facts about stress-related acne / stress acne, it’s time to talk about acne treatment and acne stress control.
Effective Acne Treatment: Dealing with Stress Acne
Stress is a fact of life. No matter how careful you are, it will always be a recurring thing you have to deal with in life – from simple things like getting struck in traffic on your way to an important meeting, to losing a loved one. Don’t let acne crop up and feed off of your stress. There are many things you can do to minimize stress and clear acne.
How to Stop Stress Acne Using Effective Acne Treatment
There are many over-the-counter topical medications available for treating stress acne. One of the most reliable and effective stress acne treatments available in the market is the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control which stops 70% of acne from emerging, based on clinical trials results. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control product line features 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment, Oil Free Acne Wash, Triple Action Toner, Power Clean Scrub, and Power Gel Cleanser.
How to Stop Stress Acne Using Stress Management
For people interested on how to stop acne, there are many solutions provided by dermatologists, from cleansers, creams, and other medication, to non-surgical skin procedures. However, given that there is a clear connection between stress and acne, one of the simplest procedures to clear stress-induced acne is stress management. Here are some stress-busting steps you can take towards having clear skin:
- Avoid sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation affects your body’s ability to fight off infections and heal itself of health problems such as acne.
- Exercise. Exercise and other activities that get you moving help to release serotonin – the hormone responsible for the “feel good” mood you get after exercising. This relieves stress and tension, which helps you think more clearly.
- Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, taking bubble baths, walking in the park, or just relaxing at home after a hectic week.
Stress management not only helps you with stress acne, it can also alleviate your overall stress levels so you can better face your everyday challenges.