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By Felicia Vance (Via: BlackDoctor.org)

How we feel on the inside could be affecting how we look on the outside. In fact, studies link factors that impact our emotional well-being — such as stress, depression and anxiety — to an increase in skin, hair or nail problems.

Have you ever wondered why your skin looks so dull despite all the skin care products you are using? Are you oftentimes troubled by the excessive oil produced by your skin? Is dry skin one of your primary problems?

Well chances are, most of these skin problems are brought about by stress. While it may be true that different people react differently to stress, when we come down on the physiological level, our bodies respond to it in very much the same way.

We All Get Stressed

No one is immune to stress. In small doses, stress can be good because it motivates you to get things done and keeps you on your toes. But ongoing stress can wear you down and make you sick, both inside and out.

Skin

Stress causes a chemical reaction in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, you break out more? This is because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, which tells your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Oily skin is more prone to acne and other skin problems. In addition, stress can also make it harder for skin problems to heal.

Stress affects skin in several ways, including:

Stress makes existing skin problems worse. For example, stress can worsen these conditions: psoriasis, a condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly causing skin sores; rosacea, a skin disease that causes persistent redness, swelling, pimples, and visible blood vessels, mostly on the face; and eczema, a group of skin conditions that cause the skin to become red, swollen, and itchy. In addition, stress can cause hives and other types of skin rashes, trigger a flaring of fever blisters, and, as mentioned, worsen acne.

Stress can interfere with daily skin care. If you have a million and one things to do or are absolutely exhausted, it is easy to take take shortcuts in your daily skin care. If you don’t take care of your skin or abuse your skin, it can aggravate skin problems.

Not only does stress affect the skin, skin problems can make those affected even more stressed. People with disfiguring skin problems, such as severe acne or psoriasis, may be so embarrassed by their condition that they become socially isolated and experience more stress, making the problem worse.

If you suffer from a skin problem that is not responding to treatment or reoccurs, consider the level of stress in your life, and take steps to minimize it.

Ways to Reduce the Effects of Stress on Your Skin

Although it is impossible to avoid stress completely, there are ways to handle it better. Here are a few tips that may help clear your mind and your skin.

•Don’t neglect your skin. Continue your daily skin care regime, no matter how tired or stressed you are.

•Get regular exercise — it’s good for your body and your skin.

•Take time for yourself to do something you enjoy — even if you only have ten minutes. Take a bath, read an article, or take a walk around the block.

•Practice stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or visual imagery.

•Stay well-hydrated.

•Get regular sleep — seven to eight hours each night is ideal.

•Learn to say no. Don’t feel pressured to do an activity if you don’t have to.

•Talk to someone. If you have something that is weighing on you or you feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, seek support from a friend or a professional therapist.

For optimal skin health, keep your stress in check. Not only will you feel better, but you will look better, too.

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