Acne due to stress and anxiety

What is stress?

When psychologists and doctors talk about stress, they mean a set of nervous and somatic reactions in response to a sudden change in the external environment, or to the appearance of an irritant. It is common to understand a stressful situation as associated with troubles, deprivations and difficulties. However, sudden positive events and changes are no less stressful for a person.

Nervous tension itself, although it temporarily disrupts homeostasis, does not cause fatal changes for the body. Over thousands of years of evolution, the nervous system has learned to cope. It is much worse when stress is permanent and tension is not followed by relaxation. In this case, resources are depleted, survival mode is activated, the immune system is suppressed, and the cardiovascular system suffers. The skin, as the largest organ of the body, cannot help but react to internal processes. Acne is one of the likely manifestations of stress.

Main provoking factors

Acne on the face most often occurs for the following reasons:

• changes in hormones;
• chronic pathologies;
• taking hormonal medications;
• insufficient skin care;
• endocrine disorders;
• poor nutrition.

The most common cause of rashes is hormonal changes in the body. This phenomenon is often observed during adolescence, during pregnancy and menopause in women.

Acne can affect not only the face, but also other parts of the body. Such rashes are difficult to treat, as they are associated with a riot of hormones in the body. Usually the problem goes away on its own after the end of the restructuring in the body.

Endocrine disorders, which often result in pathologies, can also cause surges in the functioning of the hormonal system.

Taking medications containing hormones can also lead to dermatological problems. Medicines of this type include contraceptives, which a girl or woman can often use.

Secondary causes of acne development are insufficient or improper care. Poor cleansing of the skin and the use of low-quality cosmetics leads to the fact that the sebaceous ducts become clogged with sebum and dirt particles, resulting in the formation of a rash.

A person who is accustomed to frequently eating junk food, which includes all fried and fatty foods without exception, often suffers from acne. Food products in this category activate the intensive work of the sebaceous glands, resulting in the active proliferation of bacteria that provoke inflammatory processes in the dermis. Proper and thorough care of the epidermis, as well as avoiding unhealthy foods, will help you get rid of this type of acne.

Acne from stress: main causes

The fact that stress can trigger acne is largely due to cortisol, a hormone that the adrenal cortex produces when we need to mobilize as much as possible to solve complex life problems. Under its influence, blood vessels constrict in order to save body heat, sweating and the release of stress hormone metabolites through sweat increase (dogs feel them when we are afraid), the sebaceous glands work more intensely, trying to protect the skin from damage.

Evolution is wise. Our ancient ancestors easily survived the cold, harsh winds and scorching sun, because during difficult periods their skin became oilier and received a natural barrier from the aggressive environment. This has allowed humanity to survive to this day.

A useful survival mechanism is now much more often redundant. Crush on public transport, family discord or dissatisfaction with salary are in no way related to a threat to physical existence. However, the endocrine system triggers the sebaceous glands again and again in response to signals from the nervous system.

Not only cortisol itself is associated with increased secretion and the appearance of acne. Depending on the nature of the stressful situation, other hormones and factors are included in the process that need to be understood in order to prevent and treat unwanted cosmetic defects.

Lack of sleep and overwork

Normally, an adult needs at least seven hours of sleep to recuperate. During rest, the hormone melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms, is intensively produced. Without it, a person’s internal clock malfunctions, day and night are confused, and the sleep-wake pattern can be disrupted to such an extent that the brain cannot withstand overload and actually starts the process of self-destruction. It is very important to sleep in complete darkness. When exposed to light, the production of melatonin decreases by about 70%, and the stress hormone cortisol increases proportionally.

Sleep deprivation triggers a fight for survival in the body. Small capillaries approaching the surface of the skin narrow, and cell nutrition is reduced. The upper layer of the epidermis becomes denser and keratinized. The sebaceous glands secrete more secretion, but due to the forced lack of moisture and pores clogged with dead scales, it is difficult for it to come to the surface. Instead of a thin lipid film, comedones are formed.

Excessive exercise

Not only hard physical work is recognized by the body as stress, but also intense training in the gym. This is especially true for everyone’s favorite cardio workouts. The nervous and endocrine systems read prolonged physical activity unambiguously. If you have to run for a long time or work hard, it means that life is under threat, conditions are unfavorable, and it’s time to turn on defense mechanisms.

This is how the body begins to behave directly opposite to expectations. It retains water, makes it difficult to part with fatty tissue, increases appetite, while slowing down digestion, reduces libido, and makes the skin more oily.

Moderation and variety are important in everything. Anyone who works a lot must rest a lot, otherwise chronic stress will not be long in coming.

Difficulties in personal life and at work

Social stress affects a person more than biological stress. Ultimately, after training or hard work, the body itself will want to relax. If a stress reaction is triggered by a social factor, it is extremely difficult to avoid, isolate, or even simply relieve stress.

The body reacts to problems in the family and at work in the same way as to an external challenge. The ancient “hit and run” reaction is triggered, but the criminal code prohibits hitting, and there is nowhere to run. Therefore, a person is in constant mobilization; the adrenal glands produce cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn make all tissues and organs work differently. The skin suffers from intoxication, deficiency of water and vitamins, overproduction of sebum and decreased immunity, due to which bacteria and mites quickly multiply in comedones.

Pimples that appear due to nervousness take a very long time to go away. This is due to the slow elimination of cortisol and its derivatives from tissues. It is impossible to recover unless you reconsider your relationship with stress and learn how to relax correctly.

Acne from stress: indirect causes

The body's response to stress is not only about hormones and somatics. In the process of defense, the psyche implements many behavioral factors. This is the reason why different people behave the same way in moments of nervous tension.

Diet

Eating behavior during stress develops according to two possible scenarios:

• Increased appetite when a person tries to compensate for the lack of positive emotions and joy hormones through food. Especially after the difficulties experienced, I crave sweet, fatty and spicy foods. Enjoying your favorite foods partially compensates for hormonal imbalances, but does not solve the problem of chronic stress. Against the background of constant problems, a person develops food addiction. Or food intake becomes reflexive in nature and turns into compulsive overeating. An increase in sugar and unsaturated fats causes the pancreas to produce more insulin, which in turn stimulates sebum production.
• Loss of appetite to the point of exhaustion. Difficult experiences when “a piece of food won’t fit into your throat” can last for weeks and months. At the same time, limiting calorie intake in itself is stressful for the body. Hypovitaminosis, dehydration, lack of protein and fat lead to thinning of the epidermis, dryness, irritation and microcracks, which easily become infected.

Cigarettes and alcohol

In the process of evolution, a perfectly functioning reward system has been formed in the brain. For a positive experience, we receive a surge of hormonal joy, and neurons try to quickly build a path along which further decisions will be made in a positive way, but this time reflexively. Nicotine and alcohol play a cruel joke on a person. Muscle relaxation and inhibition of reactions after a cigarette or glass of wine are perceived by the brain as the easiest and most effective way to suppress stress. Next time the hand will reach for the lighter and glass.

At the same time, nicotine and ethanol are toxic, the body will try to get rid of their breakdown products as quickly as possible, loading the entire excretory system, including the skin. Cigarette smoke with toxins and tars clogs pores and has an irritating effect. Sweet alcohol leads to surges in blood glucose, which will certainly affect the face.

Weakened immunity

Short-term stress mobilizes the immune system, long-term or chronic stress depresses it. The body sacrifices its ability to resist microbes for the sake of survival. Skin immunity is one of the first to suffer, wound healing worsens, and pathogens multiply unhindered on the surface. If the population exceeds the permissible safe threshold, a person develops demodicosis, in case of an encounter with a demodex mite, or furunculosis from Staphylococcus aureus.

The effect of stress on acne

Scientists have conducted studies that have made it possible to find out that acne can appear due to stress. It turned out that after intense emotional shocks or as a result of prolonged psychological stress, acne may appear on the face and body.

The main cause of acne from overexertion is considered to be a malfunction of the central nervous system.

As a result of stress, the amount of biologically active substance in the blood increases - histamine, which regulates various physiological processes. A process similar to an allergic reaction occurs. It causes skin rashes.

If the stressful state is systematic, then the brain ceases to correctly recognize commands. In this case, impulses are sent all the time, and the reaction to stimuli gains momentum. Because of this, vascular permeability increases. This is what entails the reaction-response, which manifests itself in the form of a rash.

How to deal with stress acne?

You need to approach the treatment of acne that occurs after strong experiences or a difficult period in life in a comprehensive and step-by-step manner. You will have to prepare for the fact that this process may take several weeks. The main and most important thing in this matter is to get rid of the source of stress or learn to cope with it and accept it as an everyday occurrence. Mindfulness practices and consultations with a psychologist will help with this.

Adjusting the diet

To help your skin cope faster, you need to review your diet in favor of healthier foods. It is necessary to exclude fried, spicy and salty foods, eat more fresh vegetables and herbs, nuts, berries, and drink at least two liters of clean water. There is no need to give up sweets completely, so as not to provoke new stress due to your diet. It is better to give preference to dark chocolate, dates, and dried fruits. You can reduce your cravings for sweets due to polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in sea fish and avocados.

Antidepressants

First of all, you need to understand that antidepressants are not a cure for stress. They can only be prescribed by a doctor after they have been diagnosed with depression or borderline depressive mental disorder. These are much more serious conditions than chronic fatigue, lack of sleep or nervous tension. Depression is characterized not only by a depressed state, but also by multiple somatic disorders. Acne associated with depression is not uncommon, and well-chosen medications will make it easier to cope with the problem.

Important! Other illnesses can masquerade as depression. For example, apathy, chronic fatigue and even suicidal thoughts can occur due to disorders of the thyroid gland, prolonged inflammatory processes, and certain diseases of the nervous system. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after a thorough examination.

Folk remedies

You can cope with chronic stress and acne due to it using simple folk remedies.

• Mint decoction is a mild sedative that can be drunk and used for washing. It has a cooling, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effect on the skin.
• Chamomile infusion is also suitable for oral administration, as well as for lotions and compresses on areas affected by pustules.
• Honey and lemon strengthens the immune system, replenishes vitamin deficiencies, and helps you fall asleep faster in the evening.

Results

Nervous acne is a common phenomenon. Since they are difficult to treat, the approach to the problem should be as systematic as possible. It is necessary not only to support the skin and immunity, but also to understand the cause of stress, learn to cope with it in an environmentally friendly way and, if necessary, undergo a course of psychotherapy.

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Solutions to the problem

Getting rid of a dermatological problem that arises due to nervousness is quite difficult. You won’t be able to get by with local antiseptic drugs here. However, you should not forget about them either. The following agents are used as local treatment:

• "Baziron AS";
• "Zinerit";
• Salicylic alcohol.

Don't forget about ointments

Preparations in this spectrum can effectively cleanse the skin and remove excess sebum from the pores. They have a powerful, anti-inflammatory effect. They must be used for a sufficiently long period to obtain good results.

If a rash occurs against a background of nervous soil, antibacterial agents are not able to solve the problem on their own. In this case, you will need the help of sedatives. The following medications fall into this category:

• "Novopassit";
• Valerian infusion;
• Motherwort tincture;
• "Afobazole".

The first three drugs are herbal-based and have a weak sedative effect. The latter medication does not show its effect immediately, as it has a cumulative effect. It normalizes the functioning of the nervous system; the first results of its effects are noticeable about a week after the start of use. The good thing about this medication is that it is not addictive and has virtually no side effects. Despite this, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any sedative, even the safest one.

Relaxation

The ability to properly relax will help you get rid of the problem. Stressful situations keep a person in constant tension. A great way to relieve it is to do yoga.

It is important to be able to relax properly

You can try to cope with nervous overstrain yourself through positive thoughts. Think about good things more often, be alone with yourself, turn on relaxing, soothing music and meditate to it.

This approach to therapy is better than any medicine and sometimes helps to effectively get rid of a rash that occurs during severe emotional upheaval.

Physical exercise

Physical activity plays an equally important role in treatment. It has been proven that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more susceptible to stress.

Exercising will help tone your body.

Regular walks in the fresh air, jogging and playing sports will strengthen not only physically, but also the human nervous system.

Sign up for a swimming pool, go cycling, skiing, do any physical activity as often as possible and you will soon notice how your skin begins to clear up.

Proper nutrition

Not only the ability to relax, think positively and the desire to play sports can get rid of acne. Proper nutrition has a positive effect on a person’s emotional background, and also rids the body of toxins and toxins. Health products help the body to fully recover, which instantly has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the epidermis.