6 ways to know your stress is showing on your skin
- Stress leads to an acne flare up. This is because it leads to the secretion of cortisol, which causes glands to produce more oil.
- There are a number of other skin problems such as psoriasis, dry skin, rashes, under eye circles and premature hair greying that result from stress.
- Most often, including a change in diet and lifestyle helps one deal with stress and panic attacks.
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Believe it or not, your body always reacts to stress in more ways than you can fathom. While doctors believe that majority people’s stomach reacts to stress, even the very skin on a person’s face carries the symptoms of anxiety.
Dr Rohit Batra, dermatologist in Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi told Economic Times, “While happy emotions result in increased blood flow, tighter facial muscles and clearer skin, negative emotions result in under eye bags, rashes, dry skin, hives, flushed face and fine lines.”
Your skin shows more symptoms of stress and anxiety without you knowing about it. Here are some signs that you have to pay attention to:
Acne
Have you ever wondered why you end up with a pimple on your face right before an exam or wedding? Well, that’s because of stress. When you’re facing anxiety, a hormone called cortisol gets released which causes glands to produce more oil.
Remedy: Using tea tree oil kills bacteria. You can also use Benzoyl peroxide which opens up your pores.
Brittle nails
Nails tend to break easily when you’re stressed. You will also notice that your nails become thick and develop lines.
Remedy: Moisturise it with olive oil. Also make sure you include Vitamin E in your diet or eat flaxseed. The latter is an important food that combats stress.
Psoriasis
This skin condition is intricately linked to stress. Anxiety causes psoriasis to flare up and having psoriasis is stressful as it is. During one these flare ups, you will notice patches of reddish, abnormal skin.
Remedy: Firstly, get rid of addictive habits such as drinking and smoking. Learn stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, yoga, enlist the help of your friends and family etc.
Eczema
An itchy rash on your skin is a symptom of a skin condition called eczema. Although its not known how stress leads to this condition, doctors say that anxiety is a trigger.
Remedy: Avoid dairy products and nuts. Alternately, make your immune system stronger with foods that contain probiotics such as yogurt, apples, idly and dosa or dhokla.
Premature greying of hair
Although having gray hair is a result of genetics, stress can make you have it sooner. It interrupts the pigmentation process and melanin doesn't released properly,
Remedy: Include foods rich in zinc. Apart from this, make sure your vitamin B levels are normal.
Stiff and swollen joints
Anxiety causes your muscles to become tense. This isn’t it, you may not notice how much pressure you’re putting on your joints while standing or sitting. This may cause it become stiff. Chronic anxiety also leads to inflammation.
Remedy: If its inflammation you’re suffering from, then include omega 3 foods such as chia seeds, oranges, tomatoes, spinach etc. If you’re having a stiff joint, then do some basic stretches. However, consult your doctor before you perform a stretching exercise.
