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Is Stress Damaging Your Skin?

Your heart beats quickly, you breathe faster, and anxiety starts to creep in. Whether it is down to relationship issues, an unsympathetic boss or financial struggles, stress not only affects how we feel but also how we look.

Amir Nakhdjevani, cosmetic surgeon at Bella Vou outlines what happens when we’re stressed. “Our bodies have a chemical response, causing fluctuations in a variety of hormones that affect our skin. To put it simply, when we are feeling stressed, so is our skin – making it far more sensitive and susceptible to damage.”

What side effects can stress cause on the skin?

  • Acne
  • Loss of radiance
  • Sagging Skin
  • Redness
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Increased wrinkles

Stress can leave us looking and feeling dull, tired, or even older than our age. Stress is a negative distraction that can make us neglect our daily skincare routine, which should include daily washing and moisturizing, as well as eating a healthy balanced diet. Furthermore, you may find that when you’re stressed you may develop bad habits when it comes to your skin. You may pull or rub at it, pop pimples, or eat more junk food. Try to avoid developing such habits as they will negatively impact your skin, and can lead to permanent scarring.

How to prevent the side effects of stress on your skin:

  • Getting 8 hours of Sleep
  • Drink plenty of water (Recommended – 8 glasses per day or more!)
  • Breathing exercises
  • Healthy Eating

When your skin has suffered as a result of stress, you need to treat the cause. The best thing you can do is try and eradicate stress from your life as best you can. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or getting in daily exercise are some of the most effective ways to alleviate stress. These techniques reduce levels of the stress hormones that can lead to breakouts and flare-ups of skin conditions.

If your skin has suffered because of stress, cosmetic treatments at Bella Vou can provide quick and easy solutions to help clear your skin. When your skin improves, your mood will do the same.

Medically reviewed by

Amir Nakhdjevan Profile

Amir Nakhdjevani

Last Updated: August 3, 2015

Published On: August 3, 2015

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