3 ways to minimize stress acne
Stress has a VERY real impact on our skin and hormones. When our body is in a stressed or “fight or flight” state, it does not have the tools to heal. When under these conditions for an extended period of time or in situations where it’s not warranted, our body overproduces our stress hormone, cortisol, which has a cascade effect on our other hormones, inflammatory signals, skin, and more! Here are 3 of my favorite way to combat stress acne…
Prioritize quality sleep.
How often are we rolling out of bed in a groggy state, running on 5-6 hours of sleep, and then wondering why we don’t feel well? Sleep is one of the most important foundational aspects of health that bleeds into every other habit that we practice daily. Adequate and quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, and especially acne. During sleep, the body undergoes essential processes of repair and regeneration, including the renewal of skin cells. Lack of sleep disrupts this process, leading to increased stress levels and hormonal imbalances. Elevated stress hormones, such as cortisol, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, clogging pores and creating an environment conducive to acne development. Lack of sleep also weakens the immune system, making the skin more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Switch your coffee for matcha.
This is one of my favorite hacks! Unlike coffee, matcha is a type of powdered green tea that contains high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce skin inflammation. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and the “rest and digest” side of your nervous system. As it’s also more alkaline, it can be gentler on the digestive system for some individuals. Matcha also provides a more sustained and balanced energy boost compared to the often jittery and crash-prone effects of coffee.
Find a stress management practice that works for YOU.
It can be very frustrating to feel like you aren’t finding something that *clicks* when it comes to stress management. The connection between stress management and acne is very under-rated. Chronic stress can lead to an increase in the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which may trigger heightened activity in the sebaceous glands. This, in turn, results in excess oil production, clogged pores, and more acne. Stress compromises the body's immune system, making it less effective in combating inflammation and infection, further exacerbating things like acne. Implementing effective stress management techniques, such as meditation, exercise, and adequate sleep, is not only crucial for mental health but can also play a pivotal role in maintaining clear skin. Stress management can also be self-care practices such as spending 5 more minutes on your skincare routine, making yourself a nice meal, dancing…doing what intuitively brings you joy!
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