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How Stress Affects Your Skin

Stress has a destructive relationship with our skin. Everything in the body is correlated, so it transpires onto our most outer layer. Stress has an immense impact on both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors of our skin, which can cause the body to react in various negative ways. The skin is much deeper than just the outer layer, as our mind and the organ work together. If you are a victim to stress and might possess stress-related symptoms, ask yourself the following:

  • How am I eating?
  • How am I sleeping? Have my sleeping patterns changed?
  • When my skin issue started, what was going on in my life?
  • Are my symptoms stress related?

Understanding Your Stress Hormone & How it Works

Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone which fuels the its’ “fight-or-flight” response. This hormone is released during periods of stress which in return increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, respiration and muscle tension. Cortisol also reduces the body’s system functions that are not needed during times of crisis, such as the reproductive, digestive and immune systems. Other functions of cortisol include:

  • Regulates blood pressure
  • Increases the body’s glucose production (blood sugar levels)
  • Enhances the body’s energy and restores balance
  • Assists in memory formation
  • Controls your sleep/wake cycle
  • Regulates inflammation

How does cortisol work? Two glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary, sense if the bloodstream contains the right level of cortisol. If levels are too low, the brain adjusts the amount of hormones it produces. The adrenal glands sense these signals and then determine the amount of cortisol to release. Most of the cells in the body contain cortisol receptors, which receive and use the hormone in various ways. The body’s needs vary from day to day, which causes the level of cortisol production to rise and fall accordingly.

 Stress vs. Skin

The major concern with stress and skin is inflammation. When stress affects the body through the skin, it can develop through three different skin conditions: acne, rosacea and psoriasis. The common denominator between these stress-caused symptoms is the reddish color, which comes from inflammation.

Acne

During periods of excessive stress, one may experience more acne-related breakouts than usual. High levels of cortisol result in elevated sebum (oil) production which causes pores to become clogged. Once pores are clogged, the development of inflammation and bacteria cause acne to form.

Rosacea

According to the National Rosacea Society, there have been multiple scientific studies on how the process of facial flushing and redness are linked to high levels of stress. Heat and stress are triggers of rosacea and can cause redness flare-ups to the skin.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis and stress have an intertwined relationship. Stress causes psoriasis, while psoriasis can cause stress. While professionals are not sure how stress directly affects psoriasis, they assume it has something to do with the immune system and its functionality.

Stress can also accelerate the aging cycle in the body, resulting in wrinkles and dark circles. Wrinkles form as a result from dehydration and loss of collagen. Similarly, dark circles are largely related to dehydration in the body and a lack of sleep. To combat the effects stress has on wrinkles and under eye circles, one must stay hydrated and conscious of their stress levels.

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist

As the effect of stress on the skin comes off as quite complex, it is important to refer to a professional with all of your skin-related concerns. Some stress-related skin questions include the following:

  • How can I combat stress-related symptoms with my specific skin type?
  • What signs/symptoms should I look for when deciphering stress-related skin conditions?
  • How can I manage my cortisol levels?

If you struggle with stress-related skin symptoms, seek professional treatment right away. There are various means of treatment and remedies to have you feeling the absolute best in your own skin. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are licensed professionals who are experienced in hundreds of skin conditions. To make an appointment visit us online or call (865) 690-9467.

ABC’s of Hair Loss

Everyone has at some point seen excess hair build up in a hair brush, the floor or even a vacuum cleaner. It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day. Hair loss shouldn’t alarm you. However alopecia, or significant hair loss, is caused by a variety of triggers and can be harmful. Things like stress, vitamin deficiency, genealogy, hormones and many other potential issues can trigger hair loss.

Stress

Hair loss due to stress is extremely common over all ages. Keeping your hair from falling out and de-stressing work hand in hand. Be sure to get a good night sleep as often as you can, and when you’re not sleeping remember to drink water and focus on breathing. By keeping your body happy, you also will keep your hair happy.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause. Male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia are medical terms involving hereditary hair loss. Be sure to take note of your family history with hair loss, as that could be an underlying cause. Hair loss is nothing to be alarmed by, because it is triggered so easily by different factors. If your hair loss does become an issue, it is good to know that you have options.

If your hair loss becomes chronic, and you start to notice empty patches, give our team a call and together we can figure out your best option on the way to healthy hair. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group at (965)690-9467.

Stress & Your Skin

Stress affects more than just your work and social life. Your body and your skin can give you telltale signs of stress. So what are these signs?

Skin can appear more aged. Research has linked work-related stress to the accelerated aging of your skin. The cells involved in the regeneration of skin become damaged, hindering skin turnover. Dead skin cells begin to buildup and look dry and dull. Stressed facial expressions such as furrowed brows and frowning cause wrinkles and lines which, combined with decreased cell turnover, become more and more noticeable.

If you’re prone to unhealthy eating during stressful times and not getting adequate sleep, then you’re robbing your skin of its vibrancy. Your body’s energy is maxed out with breaking down the fast food and trying to function on little sleep. The cortisol from the unhealthy eating remains in your skin and breaks down your skin’s barrier. So you’re harming your skin on the inside and the outside.

Stress can also cause brittle nails, increased acne and even hair loss. Your body needs a break every now and then, so push the pause button and relax! Go get a manicure, prepare a bubble bath or book a full-body massage. It’s okay to treat yourself every now and then. Your skin will thank you.

How to Face the Holiday Parties with Confidence

stress free holiday party pic

You’ve prepared yourself to meet the in-laws or face another huge family holiday gathering. It can be pretty stressful! And with your calendar filled to the brim with work events, friendly soirees and holiday parties, you don’t have time to deal with a break out.

During the winter, your body craves moisture. So give it what it wants and make the switch to a creamier moisturizer. Oil-based moisturizers help during the winter by creating a protective barrier that helps retain moisture. Keep in mind, expensive doesn’t always mean better. But before making any moisturizer decisions, consult one of our certified dermatologists to determine the best product for your skin type.

Another great way to rev up your hydration is to drink water. Drink the daily recommended amount of water each day, if not more! This helps all of your organs function a little better – your skin, your liver, even your heart! A quick tip for your holiday parties – drink a glass of water between the punch, wines, and cocktails to prevent over-indulging and to lower your sugar intake.

When traveling, be sure to pack an exfoliating cleanser to replenish your skin after a long road trip or plane ride. Make use of a quality moisturizer, sunscreen and gloves. You should enjoy your holidays to the utmost. Don’t let break outs or dry skin ruin the festivities! Call us and let one of our professionals help you shine as you hit the holiday party scene.

Stress Proof Skin

There are some days, even weeks when stress is inevitable. Deadlines pile up, everyone needs you at once, and it seems never ending. We’ve already talked about how stress affects your skin. We even found an infographic on Huffington Post. So here are our tips for stress-proofing your skin:

  • Drink your recommended amount of water each day. Staying hydrated helps with organ function – including the biggest organ of all, your skin!
  • Work out 3-4 days a week. This will decrease tension, boost circulation and even keep inflammation at bay. A long walk can do wonders for both your health and your skin.
  • Block out 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Anything less -can cause your body to release cortisol which increases dryness and inflammation of the skin.
  • Try journaling at least once a week. Or designate a “vent” buddy. Studies have proven that simply talking to someone, not necessarily about what’s bothering you, can vastly improve your mood.

We can’t predict every stress that comes your way but we can better arm you for when stress hits. It’s best to consult a doctor when adjusting your skincare regimen and your primary care physician before beginning any physical activity. Feel free to call and schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists today.

If you have any questions about stress and your skin or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.