How Stress can Affect Your Skin

Everybody feels stressed from time to time, but when it becomes chronic, long-term stress, it can have serious consequences on your health. Stress increase your risk of developing anxiety and depression which in turn can negatively impact your immune system. 

Stress can also leave a mark on your face. Dry skin, wrinkles and acne are just some of the ways that stress may also manifest itself. Let’s look at how stress can negatively affect your stress and what to do about it! 

Chronic stress can show on your face in two ways. First, the hormones that your body releases when you feel stressed can lead to physiological changes that negatively impact your skin. Second, feeling stressed may also lead to bad habits such as grinding your teeth or biting your lips.  

Acne 

When you feel stressed, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus to produce a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is thought to stimulate oil release from sebaceous glands around your hair follicles. Excessive oil production by these glands can clog your pores and lead to acne. 

Although it’s widely believed that stress causes acne, there are only a few studies that have examined the connection. 

A 2017 study looked at the effect of stress on acne in female medical students between the ages of 22 to 24. The researchers found that higher levels of stress positively correlated with acne severity. 

A 2011 South Korean epidemiology study examined potential acne aggravating factors in 1,236 people. They found that stress, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and menstruation can potentially make acne worse. 

I spoke with Dr Charlotte Woodward of River Aesthetics and in her clinic, she has seen dramatic improvements in acne, Dr Manning explains, “So for acne we have seen dramatic improvements with patients having regular Hydrafacial. Our targeted medical facial which improves acne, post inflammation, hyperpigmentation and oily spot prone skin. The treatment includes 6 steps to extract skin impurities, cleanse, hydrate and accelerate collagen production but also includes a glycolic and salicylic acid peel to gently exfoliate the skin, kill acne causing bacteria and improve sebaceous gland function. 

 
A minimal course of 3 treatments will show great improvements in congestion. we also advise Obagi Clenziderm as a daily skin program.” 

My daughter is in her second year at Uni and feeling the pressure of exams, work-load and the festive season, and as any parent would do to help a situation, I’ve booked a relaxing facial treatment for my daughter to help clear her skin and consult with Dr Victoria on how to keep breakouts under control and not have the long-term damage and scaring that they can have on the skin.  

Wrinkles 

Stress causes changes to the proteins in your skin and reduces its elasticity. This loss of elasticity can contribute to wrinkle formation. 

Stress may also lead to repeated furrowing of your brow that may also contribute to the formation of wrinkles. 

I spoke with Dr Victoria Manning of River Aesthetics and in her clinic, she has seen dramatic improvements in wrinkles and says “for wrinkles prevention is best cure, so use SPF from early age is important to prevent photo-ageing and more importantly skin cancer. Use of a vitamin C serum to help with skin tone and free radical damage and the use of a retinol to boost skin turnover and Profhilo for the added glow up!.’ 

I personally have had PROFHILO® SKIN REMODELLING 

Hailed as “a true breakthrough in anti-ageing medicine”, Profhilo® is a revolutionary injectable that both tightens and hydrates the skin without the use of dermal fillers. It is an excellent option for the early prevention of lines, wrinkles and loss of volume. 

My results are incredible and after 2/3 treatments, I have noticed the skin on my neck to be tighter, smoother and looking more toned. 

The results on my face are so natural as my skin glows, looks healthier, feel softer and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles are noticeable. What I love most, is that my face moves naturally and I have full expression yet still looking 10 years younger.  

Great foods for great looking skin! 

What eat also affects your skin. 

As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it’s increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin. 

Let’s takes a look at 3 of the best foods for keeping your skin healthy.  

1. Fatty fish 

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. They’re rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. In fact, an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause dry skin. 

The omega-3 fats in fish reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. 

Lastly, fish provides zinc — a mineral vital for regulating the following: 

• inflammation 

• overall skin health 

• the production of new skin cells 

Zinc deficiency can lead to skin inflammation, lesions, and delayed wound healing. 

2. Sweet potatoes 

Beta carotene is a nutrient found in plants and it functions as provitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body. 

Beta carotene is found in oranges and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source and just 1/2-cup (100-gram) serving of baked sweet potato contains enough beta carotene to provide more than six times the DV of vitamin A. 

When consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and helps protect your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death, and dry, wrinkled skin. 

3. Broccoli 

Broccoli full of many vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. 

It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta carotene. Lutein helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled. 

But broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential benefits. 

Sulforaphane is likewise a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: neutralizing harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.  

In laboratory tests, sulforaphane reduced the number of skin cells UV light killed by as much as 29%, with protection lasting up to 48 hours. 

Evidence suggests sulforaphane may also help maintain collagen levels in your skin as well. 

So when you’re next meal planning, please add oily fish, sweet potatoes and broccoli to that list, your skin will love you for it! 

For more information on the consultancy and treatments offered by River Aesthetics, then please contact them. 

Thanks - Barbara x