Avoiding Stress to Get Healthier Skin

Some dermatology studies show that there is clinical proof that under stress, levels of cortisol hormone, which is the major stress hormone, increase. This in turn breaks down collagen and causes inflammation which can trigger to psoriasis, rosacea, adult acne.

Stress also is one of the chief contributors to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which, in turn, has been discovered to be a major cause of premature aging. Emotional or mental trauma can cause you to screw up your face or frown or pout, and constant muscular contractions can eventually become permanent fine lines and wrinkles.

It isn’t just a coincidence that you experience a breakout during times of heightened stress. Many dermatologists see patients who have some manifestation of stress that is visible on the skin. And it isn’t limited to acne. Stress can aggravate many skin conditions and even infectious diseases, such as herpes and shingles viral infections, that manifest on the skin.

Stress likely boosts certain natural chemicals in the skin and blood vessels of the skin that might cause increased blood flow and redness in conditions such as rosacea. It also impacts the immune system, which can make an individual more susceptible to infectious diseases.

In addition to the toll that stress takes on your skin, your mind and body also suffer. It is essential to find ways to manage your stress and deal with the hardships you are currently experiencing, since the lower stress you are the healthier skin you get. Here are some tips to lower your stress level:

* Exercise moderately and regularly. Exercise improves blood flow, and muscle tone throughout your body. It helps normalize blood sugar and hormone levels. But don't overdo it since it can be stressful.
* Get adequate sleep. Adequate supply of quality sleep increases our tolerance to stress and illness;
* Eat properly, and avoid excessive levels of sugar, caffeine and junk foods;
* Proper nourishment is very important to keep stress hormones in check and to maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin C has been shown to be especially important.
* Practice stress-relieving techniques, like meditation or aromatherapy. Form positive mental images of the situation for a calming effect - it will alleviate the stress and help you deal with it;
* Take up a hobby you enjoy. It will take your mind off your worries and help you relax;
* Practice anger-management techniques. Some psychological experts say that unresolved anger is at the root of all our problems, and we all know that anger leads to stress;
* Keep expectations reasonable. Don't overschedule or overextend yourself.
* Deal with any emotional issues you may have. If you deny and bury them, they tend to fester and grow even bigger. Often, the effort to avoid a situation is more stressful than the situation itself;
* Do something nice for yourself, like get a massage or a facial. They can have a very positive effect on our well-being;
* Reach out to a family member or friend, or seek professional help if the stress in your life seems overwhelming. A feeling of being connected with family, friends, even strangers contributes to a sense of well-being, and talking about the situation can help relieve stress;
* Smile! It's been proven to have a positive effect on your attitude and those around you.