Where Does Stress Acne Show Up?

Asked by Anonymous
Answered
04/30/2021

Stress acne is caused by an increase in our cortisol levels when our bodies become emotionally stressed. When our body releases that cortisol, it alters our system overall, impacting our immune system, digestive system, and reproductive system. When we are stressed, it increases our cortisol levels, which causes our hormones to be out of balance. When this happens, it increases the oil production of our skin, causing our pores to become clogged, increasing our chances of getting stress acne.

Stress acne usually appears in the oiliest part of your skin, such as your forehead, chin, and nose. It can also appear on your back, shoulders, and neck. For some, stress can also cause you to break out in a rash.

There are several different kinds of stress that your body undergoes that can also cause breakouts. One is the sun. The more you are exposed to the sun, the more stress your skin will have. While breakouts from overexposure are not very common, too much sun can cause sunburns, dark skin spots, and skin cancer.  To avoid this damage, it is important to cover up when you can and always wear sunscreen.

When we are stressed, it is hard for our skin to regulate and find a balance. This can lead to inflammation of your skin and also cause breakouts. So, it is important to find out what is causing your stress to eliminate it and try to find a way to get your body back to a healthy balance. There are several ways to help you through this process. One is to pay attention to stressful situations you may have in your life and how your body responds. It is important to recognize when your body feels stressed and understand how to manage that stress. Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation are great ways to reduce stress. Your diet also plays an important role in your skin. Decreasing sugar, alcohol, red meat, and processed foods will help you feel better overall and help heal your skin since your body works from the inside out. If you feel that you are still struggling with acne-related stress or other causes, and you have tried everything, and you cannot control it, I would recommend you talk to a dermatologist or an aesthetician to see how they can help. 

(M.ED, LPC)