Certainly, we've all wondered about the link between stress and skin. After all, doesn't it seem like your acne breakouts get worse when you are particularly stressed out? There is a scientific reason behind it. Cortisol levels in our body are impacted by our stress levels, and cortisol can also trigger increased sebum production, and more oily skin.Excessive oil production causes those symptoms of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammation. So how do you learn how to relax and get your stress levels and skin under control? Psychodermatology can help acne as well as other skin conditions.
Scientists are becoming more interested in the link between pyschology and skin. A relatively new term has been coined, "psychodermatology".This studies the mind body link and how stress impacts your skin. "A psychodermatologic disorder is a condition that involves an interaction between the mind and the skin," says American Family Physician Journal.
Stress definitely appears in the skin. But what do you do about it?Many of the components used in psychodermatology are stress reduction techniques and psychotherapy. There is even a book about it, Skin Deep: A Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin. This book explores several options for treating the root psychological cause behind your skin problems.The book was authored by Grossbart and Sherman, a clinical psychologist and medical science writer, respectively.Several techniques are explored: including guided imaging, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
While psychodermatology treatment is most often used to treat eczema and psoriasis, the techniques will definitely help manage your stress levels to help acne prone skin, as well. If you don't want to see a trained psychodermatologist, or get the book, you can do your own experiment. Start taking yoga classes, or try some meditation tapes or DVDs. Incorporate relaxation techniques into our daily routine, and see if it has a positive effect on your skin. If nothing else, managing your stress levels is good for your body and mind, and that's bound to make you feel better.
The next time you know a stressful event is coming, like a big exam, wedding, or job interview, don't sit back and wait in fear for another massive breakout--do something about it.If you can learn how to relax and deal with stress, you could potentially improve your skin.
Learn more about psychodermatology and acne treatment options:
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