Genetics and hormones play a major role in acne, however emotional stress is also a factor that cannot be overlooked (1). It’s no coincidence that acne flare-ups seem to happen at the worst possible times like school exams, bumps in a relationship, a job interview, or ‘fill in the blank’. Anything that leaves us with feelings of tension, nervousness, or the feeling of being overwhelmed - contributing to psychological stress can exacerbate acne symptoms (2).
But how exactly does stress impact acne?
Skin is our body’s largest sensory organ and plays a dynamic role in maintaining and reflecting our wellbeing (3). Our skin is directly exposed to the environment and it serves as our first line of defense from external factors (UV, pollution, temperature). Our skin is also bombarded with internal aggressors in this case stress hormones, for example Cortisol, released in the body and the skin in response to stress. Stress triggers a host of events such as increased oil production, inflammation and weakened skin barrier (4); all factors that can exacerbate acne.
While eliminating stress entirely is unrealistic, managing it effectively and planning ahead (of stress-provoking events) can potentially help to reduce the onset of a breakout. Here are some tactics to consider:
- Practice relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower cortisol levels and promote overall well-being (5).
- Supplement your skincare routine: Use more extra soothing and oil-controlling ingredients leading up to activities you know might trigger you or a new breakout.
- Choose ingredients that purify and absorb excess sebum like kaolin or bentonite clay. Shout out: Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Mask
- Consider taking ingestible adaptogens for ex.standardized Ashwagandha as found in calming Supplements, to build the body’s resilience and resistance to spikes in cortisol from daily stressors. Shout out: Veracity’s Vital CRTSL Calming Dietary Supplement
- Zaphouse can help you better navigate the products that will help to reduce your breakouts based on your skin type, skin tone, and acne type and ways to reduce breakouts. Our strict vetting process ensures we only offer high-quality, science-backed products suitable for diverse skin tones and types.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly – all of these contribute to stress management and overall skin health.
- Seek professional help: If stress is overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can equip you with coping strategies.
Remember, you're not alone millions of people face the emotional and physical challenges of acne. By understanding the stress-acne connection, practicing self-care, and choosing the right skincare, you can break free from the stress-breakout cycle and help reclaim your calm and confidence.
Citations:
1.Jović A, Marinović B, Kostović K, Čeović R, Basta-Juzbašić A, Bukvić Mokos Z. The Impact of Pyschological Stress on Acne. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2017 Jul;25(2):1133-141. PMID: 28871928.
2.Chiu A. et al. The response of skin disease to stress: changes in the severity of acne vulgaris as affected by examination stress. Archives of Dermatology. 2003;139(7):897-900.)
3.Lopez-Ojeda W, Pandey A, Alhajj M, Oakley AM. Anatomy, Skin (Integument). 2022 Oct 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28723009.Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi: 10.2174/1871528113666140522104422. PMID: 24853682; PMCID: PMC4082169.
4. Michaela C. Pascoe, David R. Thompson, Chantal F. Ski. Yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction and stress-related physiological measures: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology; Volume 86. 2017, Pages 152-168, ISSN 0306-4530.