The Impact of Stress on Your Skin and Hair

Stay Young Bureau

Apr 3, 2023

Stress

Stress is an unavoidable aspect of existence, affecting your mental and physical well-being irrespective of the size or nature of your stressors.

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How to Control Stress?

Board-certified dermatologists would suggest stress management techniques, also referred to as mind-body practices, that cater to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

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Skin & Hair Affected by Stress

Board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr MD, FAAD, explained how the brain and skin are closely interconnected and communicate with each other.

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Skin Conditions Under Stress

They emphasized that chronic stress can have adverse effects on the skin, making it more vulnerable to the following conditions:ItchInflammationIrritationInfection

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General Symptoms

The skin, being the body's largest organ, can be an indicator of internal health. When you are under stress, your skin may exhibit heightened inflammation, delayed wound healing, and worsened skin conditions.

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Affect of Stress

When under stress, your glands tend to produce more oil, leading to the aggravation of acne in individuals who are susceptible to breakouts.

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Caution

Stress can worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, triggering their flare-ups.

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Skin Aging

Stress hormones can accelerate the aging process of the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, and disrupting rejuvenation. This can result in more fine lines and wrinkles, highlighting the significant impact of stress on skin aging.

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Hair Thinning

Stress can cause hair thinning and loss by impacting its growth. Although it is usually temporary, immediate attention is crucial to avoid permanent damage.

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Skincare Routine

Dr. Barr notes that stress can affect more than just your skin and hair. Managing the stress response is a valuable component of any skincare routine, according to Dr. Barr.

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Dr. Barr Says

Taking a holistic approach and considering all the factors that affect our skin is crucial for proper skincare, highlighted Dr. Barr.

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Dermatologists

If stress is impacting your skin, hair, or nails, it could be a factor in more severe dermatological conditions. To address the issue, consider making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

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Practice These

To achieve optimal results, it's recommended to combine mind-body practices with other treatments. Some commonly used mind-body practices include:MeditationAcupunctureVisualizationBreathworkTai chi or qigong, andYoga

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