Reducing Stress Can Help Keep Your Skin Healthy

By Kim Raynor, LPN, Phototherapist

Have you ever stopped to think about the effect that stress has on your skin? If you’re experiencing breakouts, dryness, or rashes, stress may very well be to blame.

As we go through life, dealing with stress is inevitable, but it’s how you manage this stress that can affect your skin overall. When our bodies become stressed, the level of stress hormones in the body, called cortisol, rises. This causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to acne breakouts, flare-ups of skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema and other related skin problems.

Below are some tips to curb the effects of stress and maintain healthy skin: 

• Get Ample Sleep: Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours is the recommended number of hours per night) is essential for your overall health. Sleep will help with your complexion, especially with dark circles, and leaves your body feeling refreshed.
• Eat Well Balanced Meals: Consuming well-balanced meals each day, especially foods high in antioxidants such as blueberries, beans and carrots, can help keep your skin healthy and refreshed. Foods higher in sugar may lead to breakouts and other skin related problems.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your skin moisturized and looking its best. Staying hydrated also helps prevent the skin from becoming dry and scaly.
• Exercise: Regular exercise (3-4 times a week) will help keep your body relaxed while releasing harmful toxins via your sweat glands, helping you better fight stress and illnesses.
• Do Something You Enjoy: While this doesn’t directly affect your skin’s overall health, this does help you manage your stress, which in turn affects your skin. Finding time in your day to do at least one thing that you find enjoyable, can help relax your mind and body, but also will help relieve stress and restore your skins natural glow. 

Implementing some of these suggestions into your daily routine can help boost your overall wellbeing and decrease stress while working to keep your skin healthy and looking rejuvenated. 

It’s also important to schedule regular skin screenings with your dermatologist to maintain healthy skin all year long. To schedule an appointment, visit www.windsordermatology.com or call 609-443-4500.