We all experience stress. Some of it is avoidable, and some of it is not. Sometimes, we’re stressed for only a little bit, and other times, it can drag on for a long time. While stress is a fact of life, we tend to underestimate the physical effects of too much stress in our lives. Headaches, fatigue, depression, poor sleep, illnesses, and even changes in appetite are the obvious signs that our stress levels are maxed out — but did you know that stress also affects your skin?
It’s true! In fact, our face is one of the first places signs of stress will show.
- Acne breakouts
- Oily skin, which leads to clogged pores
- Psoriasis and rosacea
- Inflammation
- Hives and rashes
- Excessive sweating
- Bags under your eyes
- Dry skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin elasticity
Stress and its effect on our skin
Stress is defined as a state of physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. How we respond to stress — good, bad, or indifferent — plays a big role in our well-being. And yes, this includes our skin. When we’re under chronic stress, adrenal glands stimulate our sebaceous glands, causing them to secrete more oil than our skin can handle. Stress also elevates cortisol levels, which increases blood flow throughout the body and can lead to skin dryness, redness, inflammation, etc.
Minimizing avoidable stress and learning coping skills can help you fight against these signs of premature aging.
Here are some ways you can manage stress:
- Get enough sleep (at least 7 to 9 hours each night)
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet
- Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water each day to keep skin hydrated
- Maintain a regular exercise routine
- Take advantage of a regular skincare routine
Over-the-counter (OTC) vs. Professional Skincare lines
We all want access to the best skincare products on the market. But it seems like the sea of options these days is getting infinitely larger and deeper the further we wade out into the skincare waters. On top of that, there are so many professionals out there — aestheticians, doctors, skincare gurus, friends, etc. — throwing in their two cents.
At the end of the day, you have to understand what you’re using and go with what you believe your skin needs and will respond to— especially when you experience signs of stress.
It also helps to be educated, which is where your friends at Live Young Wellness Spa come into play.
We are huge proponents of choosing a professional skincare line over anything else. Over-the-counter and professional skincare products each adhere to some pretty strict FDA guidelines to ensure consumer safety. Professional lines are only accessible after consulting with a trained beauty advisor or licensed aesthetician. At LYWS, we offer awesome preventative and diagnostic skincare treatments to meet your every need.
Call Dr. Drew Sanderson and his team today!!
At Live Young Wellness Spa, we want you to walk in our front doors and feel confident that you will receive the best care for your individual needs. It is our job to ensure that happens. Our primary office is located at 2931 Long Prairie Rd, Ste 100, which is immediately behind Black Walnut Café. Give us a call today!
For more information about Dr. Drew Sanderson, click here.
