You've probably wondered about the link between breakouts and stress.Doesn't it always seem like you get more breakouts when you're really stressed out? There is a scientific reason behind it.Cortisol, a stress hormone, triggers the increased production of sebum which creates more oily skin. The excessive sebum can cause more breakouts: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts in acne prone skin. So how do you learn how to relax and get your stress levels and skin under control?Many long-term skin conditions can benefit from psychodermatology.
The link between psychology and the skin is an interesting one."Psychodermatology", is a fairly new term. While this isn't an official medical field, it studies the link between body and mind, and in particular, the effects of the mind and stress levels and impacts on your skin. "A psychodermatologic disorder is a condition that involves an interaction between the mind and the skin," says American Family Physician Journal.
Ok, so we know stress can show up in your skin.So what can you do about it?Relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy, are some of the ideas used in psychodermatology. There is even a book about it, Skin Deep: A Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin.Resolving root issues that are causing stress is one of the goals of the book.The book was authored by Grossbart and Sherman, a clinical psychologist and medical science writer, respectively. The book explores the mind and body link, and offers several techniques that include relaxation, imaging, hypnosis, and psychotherapy to help address root causes on long-term skin problems.
While psychodermatology treatment is most often used to treat eczema and psoriasis, the techniques will definitely help manage your stress levels to help acne prone skin, as well. If you don't want to see a trained psychodermatologist, or get the book, you can do your own experiment. Start taking yoga classes, or try some meditation tapes or DVDs.See if your skin improves when you incorporate relaxation techniques into your regular routine.Managing stress is a good goal for both your body and your mind, and you are likely to feel better.
The next time you know a stressful event is coming, like a big exam, wedding, or job interview, don't sit back and wait in fear for another massive breakout--do something about it. Try to learn how to relax and you could possibly short circuit the stress/skin reaction.
Learn more about psychodermatology and acne treatment options:
1 comment:
Now I can visualize how breakouts is related to stress.. And how stress triggers the development of acne. This new term psychodermatology explains why one must avoid being stress if he/she wants to avoid acne. baby eczema
Post a Comment