It isn’t just Alex Dunphy who’s hair starts to gray, who starts to lose a tooth tooth, or has a case of sudden eczema and (for a dramatic effect) organs shut down as a result of the stress of keeping a big secret (spoiler alert - Haley’s pregnancy), from their parents.
This reference might be from a fictional show but the adverse effects that stress and mental unhealthiness has on our body is very, very real. 🥶
There comes a time in our life when one fine day we wake up and realize that being healthy is so crucial. That's when we exercise, cut down our junk intake and get on the path of physical fitness. Resembling what Mark Twain said, ‘The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like and do what you’d rather not.’
While doing just that, we often neglect our mental health, don’t take out time for it in the chaos of life.
To emphasize on a very simple (like you wish math was 😛) concept, a healthy mind is directly proportional to a healthy body- and skin.
Our skin, which shields our body, also goes through unpleasant changes if we don’t care for our mental wellbeing. You think I'm lying? 🤥 Ask a dermatologist at https://iddassurance.com/
We’ll delve into stress, its workings and its management for clear skin (and overall health), in this piece of writing, for your knowledge. Why? Cause we’re going to be the generation to pass on wealth and not trauma! 🌝
The Stress-Skin Connection
Uday Bhai keeps getting told to ‘control’, and oh well- all of us need to- control and manage things that stray out of hand and impact us in negative ways. One thing that might create different kinds of hindrances in our daily lives is, the one and only- stress 😣.
While leading our lives we often put our mental health on the back burner, which in turn burns our back??! Crazy I know. One day we’re going on with our daily routine and the next day we wake up with thinner hair, then after a few days we feel low on energy then later you notice a rash on your neck which was never there before.
Not to be dramatic but if not managed, stress acts like a slow poison- what a dilemma!
One of its lesser-known disguises is its impact on our skin. The intricate relationship between our mental state and skin health is not just skin deep—it's a multifaceted interaction and we don’t talk enough about it. So here we are! 🤓
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1. The Cortisol Concern :
Under the siege of stress, our body's response is to pump out cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to a decrease in the production of beneficial oils, leaving our skin less equipped to repair itself and more vulnerable to the ravages of age.
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2. The Two-Way Street :
The dialogue between brain and skin is a two-way street; our mental turbulence can translate to skin troubles (another thing to stress about, ironic 😑). Stress can trigger an increase in sebum production, leading to the emergence of acne- and unfortunately it’ll be on a special occasion. Additionally, it compromises skin hydration, weakens the protective barrier, and can even alter the skin's pH, creating a less hospitable environment for the beneficial microbiome that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy complexion.
3. The Mind-Skin Problem :
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You’ve heard about the ‘Mind-Body Problem’ (a philosophical problem that questions the relationship between the mind's thoughts and the body's material existence), it’s time to recognise the Mind-Skin Problem- which is scientific I promise.
Stressing under wraps and doing nothing about it will open a can of worms which creates discrepancies on your skin.
To be technical let me tell you some of what all can happen :
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Acne: Cortisol stimulates oil glands, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores resulting in acne breakouts.
Eczema: Stress can weaken the skin's protective barrier, triggering inflammation and exacerbating symptoms like itching, redness, and flakiness in individuals with eczema. -
Psoriasis: Stress gives way to psoriasis symptoms, causing inflammation characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin due to an overactive immune response.
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Rosacea: Stress is known to trigger rosacea flare-ups, leading to facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes, bumps or pimples, particularly in sensitive skin.
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Hives: Stress can induce the release of histamine, leading to hives—raised, red, itchy welts on the skin, often appearing suddenly and disappearing within hours. (My cousin fell victim to this, we couldn’t figure it out when it happened- now we know.)
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Hair Loss: Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or even temporary hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium. (oh the horror 🥶)
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Cold Sores: Stress weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus, resulting in painful cold sores around the mouth.
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Itchy Skin: Stressing can lead to general itchiness or pruritus, leading to uncomfortable sensations and potential scratching, which irritates the skin and causes damage.
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It might become easier for autoimmune dermal diseases like seborrheic dermatitis (A skin condition that causes scaly patches and red skin, mainly on the scalp. It can also occur on oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back) and dangerous skin conditions like skin cancer to develop in your body if you don’t work towards managing stress.
Envision your skin as a reflection, a barometer of your internal well-being. It's not merely about aesthetics but about understanding the brain-skin connection. Adopting a positive mindset goes hand in hand with a healthier lifestyle. The food we eat, the level of inflammation in our bodies—all of these factors intertwine to paint the picture of our skin's health.
Now, let’s head towards what you were waiting for- combat strategies (wish our stress could convert into cursed energy that we could use to fight the evil- Gojo Satoru you’ll always be in my heart) to stress less and manage it for a healthier skin.
Stress Manager, Let’s Manage :
Image from pixabay
As we understand more about the ties between our mental state and skin health, we can empower ourselves with the tools to manage stress. A healthy body is a safe haven for your soul, how will it be if your mind is always at a conflict? It’s on you to look for solutions and follow through- and you will, giving you THE nudge!
The result? Not just a serene mind, but a clearer, more vibrant complexion that truly reflects the tranquility within.
Now I know it’s difficult to be the master of your mind but very easy to let the mind control you. Let’s take it one day at a time and get aligned with that thinking box in our head.
Steps in the right direction for Stress Management :
1. Deep Breathing: We tend to forget to take a breather. Engage in deep breathing exercises to activate the body's relaxation response, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth, repeating as needed.
2. Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation to focus your attention on the present moment, allowing you to observe thoughts and sensations without judgment 🧘. Regular meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. Start with taking out 10 minutes out of your day specifically for this.
3. Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to release endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers. Whether it's yoga, jogging, or dancing, exercise can help alleviate tension and improve mood. It gives you a dopamine hit, best believe!
4. Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal to gain insight into your emotions and concerns. Reflecting on your experiences can help you process stress and find constructive ways to cope. Go grab a pen now!📝.
5. Social Support: Seek support from friends, family, or a support group to share your feelings and experiences. Connecting with others can provide emotional validation, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, all of which can buffer against stress. Quick call with your best friend will always be of help- hope you got the right one 🫂.
6. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to manage your time effectively. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and delegate when possible to reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress ⌛. I need to work on this, oops.
7. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake to support your body's ability to cope with stress. Nourishing your body with proper nutrition and rest WILL enhance resilience and overall well-being. Life before knowing calories was so good, but alas junk gotta go. Your body will thank you for it. 🥗
8. Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors in nature to reduce stress and restore mental clarity. Take a leisurely walk in the park, hike a scenic trail, or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Nature will nurture you😉🌴.
Nothing better than watching a sunset or going towards the bay to watch the ocean, it heals and provides a feeling of serenity.
9. Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music to channel your emotions and express yourself. Creative expression can serve as a therapeutic outlet for stress and promote self-discovery. Invest time in your forgotten hobbies, find things to do that make you happy. It’s the little things 🥺.
10. Therapy: I’ll be that person to tell you chalo, girl go get therapy / bro go get that therapy / hey you! Go get therapy. If everything feels too much and self care isn’t proving to be effective, consider professional help from a therapist or counselor to explore underlying stressors, develop coping strategies, and gain perspective on challenging situations.
11. Skincare Regimen: Be gentle with your skin. Over-exfoliation and harsh products can exacerbate stress-related skin issues. Give time to skin care and health care. Progress will give you a feeling of happiness, even if it’s for a while. Hyaluronic skin boosters and Medicated Facials are essentials of good skin care. Here’s a helping hand (link) to get these care treatments for your skin: https://iddassurance.com/ .
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Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and incorporate them into your daily routine to build resilience and effectively manage stress. If all fails, you always have trained professionals- Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Therapists to help you with stress and Dermatologists to tend to your skin.
The Final Takeaway :
Almost there!
Stress might be inevitable, but surrendering to its effects on our skin is not. It's about adopting the 4 A's—Avoid stressors, Alter the effects of the situation, Adapt your response, or Accept as acceptance is what motivates you to find solutions and move on. It's about rekindling our connection with nature and finding solace in the rhythm of our breath.
If you’re stuck in a thunderstorm (a stressful situation), your calm mind (gathering saved resources, nearest durable shelter and a raincoat) will help you but if you panic (run around here and there without a steady thought in mind) it’ll put you in danger and heavy distress.
Your body is responsive to the care you provide, also of its reckless treatment by you. It’s entirely up to you to choose what you do. I hope it’s the former or I’m sending bots after you 🥱.
Let stress break you out of your comfort zone but never let it cause skin breakouts 😛.
Thank you for reading. Take care of that Skin!
