Stress can manifest in your skin, triggering or worsening a wide range of skin conditions resulting in unwanted skin changes. When your mind or body is distressed, the brain secretes hormones that produce cortisol (a stress hormone) from the adrenal glands. Top Dermatologist in Mumbai, Dr Niketa Sonavane explains how stress affects your skin.
“The skin reciprocates the stress hormone and results in various changes to our skin”, says Dr Sonavane.
- Increased inflammation
- It takes a long time to heal a scar or a wound
- Excessive production of oil and sebum
- Impaired resistance to infection
What Skin Conditions Can Worsen With Stress?
With the increased inflammation in the skin and various changes mentioned above, stress can flare the following skin conditions:
- Acne
- Hair loss (Alopecia areata)
- Hair thinning (Androgenetic Alopecia or Telogen Effluvium)
- Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
What Other Stress-Induced Behaviors Contribute To Skin Problems?
Stress not only causes changes in the body chemistry but also results in changes in the skin. Some people habitually touch their face because of anxiety, putting whatever is on their hands into their face worsens their acne. In stress, people spend less time taking care of themselves by sleeping less, eating unhealthy diets, skipping exercise, and not washing their faces regularly. All these behaviors can negatively impact our skin.
Overcoming stress may help enhance your skin. For those who have some severe skin issues, it is advisable to get the skin conditions diagnosed. Visit Dr Niketa Sonavane’s skin clinic in Mumbai for recommendations. She can help you with the tools and skills to alleviate your stress and rejuvenate your skin.
Tips by Dr Niketa Sonavane to reduce stress
- It’s OK to be stressed. Being stressed is normal. It is not a sign of weakness. Accepting it is the first step to reducing stress levels.
- Take care of yourself. Drink water, consume a healthy diet, exercise every day. Here are the techniques to reduce anxiety and stress: Breath slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Practice it regularly for a few minutes before going to bed. Meditation might also help you to calm yourself. Perform yoga.
- Seek professional help for your skin. Visit Dr. Niketa Sonavane, who has a skin clinic in Mumbai. She is equipped with evidence-based strategies to cope-up with stress related acne and hairloss.
- Continue taking care of your skin. Use sunscreen daily, moisturize often, especially during the winter and continue with your regular follow-ups with your dermatologist.
Call 9930993600 to book your consultation with Dr Niketa Sonavane.
