According to a December 2017 Gallup poll, eight in tenAmericans report they “frequently” or “sometimes” experience stress in their daily lives. The hustle and bustle of life, the highs and lows of parenting, relationships, and a myriad of other factors are all contributing components to individual stress levels. No matter the cause stress can really affect your skins appearance. Keep reading to learn how stress impacts the skin and what you can do to manage it.

Stress & Skin Triggers

Stress can exacerbate a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. When you are under stress your body’s defenses are lowered. According to dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried, MD, PhD, FAAD of Yardley, Pa when responding to stress, neuropeptides in their effort to protect the skin may cause skin inflammation, numbness, itching, sensitivity, and tingling. It may also cause a flare up of skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.  Stress can also trigger dermatillomania or skin picking disorder (SPD) an impulse control disorder whereby an individual picks at their skin to the extent that it causes wounds. In its mildest form individuals may pick at their lips, hair, and acne scars in times of intense emotional distress. Though they want to stop they cannot. The results of their picking range from bloodied lips to small patches of hair missing from the scalp. Individuals managing stress and its impacts on the skin experience a wide range of emotions from embarrassment, discomfort, and hopelessness. These feelings may lead to isolation, fractured relationships, and impaired self-esteem.

Stress & Aging

There is much evidence that suggests stress also impacts the rate at which our skin ages. Numerous publications have examinedthe physical features of past presidents at the beginning and end of their presidential terms. A close analysis of those pictures reveals how the stressful job of running the country can take a physical toll on the skin. Dark circles, wrinkles, under-eye bags, hair loss and grey hair were all noted. While we all naturally age with time, stress can definitely accelerate the aging process.

Stress Management & the Skin

One of the most important things you can do for your skin when managing stress is to protect its barrier function. The skins outer layer is its first line of defense when you experience stress. You can protect your skins barrier function by applying moisturizer to it on a daily basis and wearing SPF.  This will help strengthen the protection it provides during times of stress. Stress management also plays a vital role in keeping the skin healthy. You can manage stress by engaging in activities that support positive mental health.  Individual therapy, yoga, meditation, relaxing walks and adequate rest all contribute to a healthy lifestyle.  By incorporating these habits into your every day routine you help to manage stress and minimize the chances of having side effects on the skin.

YELLE Beauty is committed to your skin health and overall well-being. A daily skin care regimen can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and help manage stress levels. Our essential system is an ideal regimen to get you started on your skin care journey and help alleviate stress on the skin. Our formula is designed to protect the skins barrier function an important feature in stress management for the skin. Try it today!