5 Useful Insights from a Skin Specialist on Stress-Induced Acne Breakout

Acne is not a problem of puberty alone. They seem to come and go throughout our lifetimes, never fully disappearing but just staying in remission under the surface for a long time. As our skin is ever exposed to environmental stimuli, we go on accumulating pigmentation spots, developing rough and dry patches, a seemingly irreversible tan, and a clutch of other conditions – among which acne is a very common one. 

In addition to the usual cause (that of clogged pores), there might be several other triggers inciting acne outbreaks, including – skyrocketing stress levels leading to bad digestion, sleep irregularity and much else. What do you do when stress-induced breakouts get too frequent and too dense to check?

Here are top five insights on correcting stress-induced acne that you are going to hear on seeing a skin specialist in Bangalore: 

Acne Doesn’t Start With Skin, It Starts with Hormones

Dermal stress signs are generally the results of fluctuating levels of the hormone cortisol. A profusion of cortisol makes the skin extremely sensitive and highly reactive, possibly setting off hormonal acne breakouts even at the slightest of triggers. 

Someone who usually doesn’t get pimples or is past the teenage years of acne plentitude, may suddenly experience an overnight breakout owing to stress. Be it from a hard-to-handle work situation or relationship drama playing havoc on your skin, approach your stress acne by multiple routes of care –

1. Wash your face at least twice a day to keep those over secreting stressed-out sebaceous glands in check, preferably by a salicylic acid cleanser 
2. Apply an over-the-counter  alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids to de clog the pores 
3. Drink plenty of fluids during stressful periods since cortisol effusion often leads to acute dehydration, resulting in flaky skin and dark spots and wrinkles

Stress-diet Adds to Acne Flare Ups

Chronic stress can affect the body’s metabolism, its use of calories, and nutrients in various ways, ultimately affecting food habits that cause several health problems down the road. Don’t be surprised if your craving for fried food, sweets, and other high-fat, low-nutrients foods increase under stress. Setting off a chain reaction, your stress-diet will affect the skin negatively. 

Whether you are visiting a skin care clinic in Bangalore or applying home remedies to improve dermal condition, take a conscious pledge to follow a healthy diet plan, by-

1. Including leafy greens, nuts, fruits, oats and other fibre-rich foods
2. Replacing dense calories with nutrient-rich foods, like – yoghourt with granola, almonds for pretzels, carrots in hummus, and fruits for cheese snacks
3. Getting your fill of Omega-3 fatty acids – good for fighting stress – with walnuts, fried fish, chia and hemp seeds

Must Read : 8 Superfoods To Keep Your Skin Healthy And Radiant!

Dehydration Accompanies Stress, Leading to Breakouts

Every adult needs 2-3  litres of water every day to clear out toxins from their bloodstreams, feel lively, fatigue-free, and relaxed. Stressful spells often cause cortisol overload, leading to low water retention and a higher requirement for fluid intake. 

Be mindful not to let your body get parched during those times of stress. Follow these hydration basics –

1. Drink a glass before every meal – will keep you hydrated and help you digest more effectively
2. Use calorie-free flavouring to make hydration enjoyable
3. Keep a juicy fruit bowl with yoghourt handy
4. Trade caffeine for clear brews – herbal teas

Working Out Can Significantly Reduce Acne from Stress

Your skin needs more oxygen and nutrients transported by blood to flow into the skin cells, naturally leading to a reduction in acne flare-ups. Achieve this most effectively by exercising. Regular workouts will additionally benefit – by regularizing your stress-affected sleep cycles, increasing and stabilizing appetite, and triggering the release of the good mood hormones – dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. 

Here are some ways to let some of that stress go with relaxation techniques and exercises –

1. Get a deep tissue massage.
2. Deep breath at moments of stress extremities.
3. Take a relaxing hot shower.
4. Slacken your jaw and touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
5. Practising yoga and breathing exercises, sitting cross-legged with ankles resting upon thighs and having an erect spine.

Consider Seeing a Skin Specialist

It may be time to get professional assistance if you have been trying in vain to manage your stress acne. Consulting with a skin doctor also benefits you because you will have a professional to ensure that you stay on course with your treatments.

Fix your acne problem at the source by detecting the cause of stress and the factors leading up to unhealthy habits and an overall lifestyle choices. But, if you are stressed by acne flare ups, then acne treatments in Bangalore are the way to go. Consulting with a dermatologist and choosing the best solution for your acne is a wise choice. Manage stress acne to stay beautiful!

Dr. Tina Ramachander

Dr.Tina Ramachander is one of the best dermatologist in Bangalore and Medical Director at Dr.Tina’s Skin Solutionz, a skin care clinic in Bangalore. She completed her master’s in dermatology from the well acclaimed JJM Medical college in Karnataka and is now a practicising dermatosurgeon and Medical Cosmetologist in Bangalore.