DOES STRESS CAUSE ACNE?

Have you ever thought that your emotions could be the cause of your acne, psoriasis, or dermatitis breakouts?

I can tell you that yes, it's possible, since emotions alter our sympathetic nervous system, triggering a series of physiological responses that affect our skin.

Many times when we feel sad, stressed, or anxious, we turn to foods high in sugars, increasing insulin, consequently increasing sebum production and acne.

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, especially of vitamin D and zinc, have been associated with worse acne conditions.

Check the ingredient list of your makeup and skincare, as they may have comedogenic actives that could be causing or exacerbating acne.

The skin not only protects us but also communicates a lot about our internal state and our emotions. Acne can be a reflection of unexpressed emotions and a constantly activated nervous system. Addressing these emotional aspects and stress management is essential for those who suffer from chronic skin conditions. How can we then improve our relationship with our skin and our emotional well-being?

Start by implementing a daily routine that includes skin care, proper diet, and stress management techniques. Small changes in these aspects can make a big difference.

Finally, emotional support is vital. If you're struggling with skin and emotional problems, seek help from a health professional who understands the mind-body connection.

I invite you to first review your sleep habits, diet, and stress levels before taking acne medications, as it will only solve the problem temporarily. If you don't address the root of the problem, you'll continue in a never-ending cycle. The key is to take action on your health, as no one else will do it for you.

On the other hand, and no less importantly, eating with guilt puts our body into a state of alert, increasing cortisol, the stress hormone. When it increases, it promotes inflammatory processes with negative effects, increasing insulin, the hormone that promotes fat accumulation. That's why eating with guilt ends up being worse.

What I want to convey to you is to seek balance between the physical and the emotional.