Pimples, Wrinkles, And Stress: The Impact Stress Has On Your Skin, it sounds like a Dr. Sues book! As a dermatologist, Dr. Kormeili recognizes the importance lifestyle has on your skin.
Our guest, Elika Kormeili, is a licensed therapist who will explain the connection between our skin and our emotional well-being.
Most people associate stress with negative life events such as job loss, death, and divorce. However, stress can also stem from positive changes such as marriage, promotion, buying your first home, or having a child.
Contents
The Pimple, Wrinkle, and Stress Connection
Acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia (hair loss), trichotillomania (hair pulling) all impacted by stress and anxiety. In my clinical experience as a therapist, I see how the connections work. Imagine when you’re stressed at work, up against a deadline, wrinkling your forehead, picking at your skin, or maybe biting your lips. Repeating these behaviors can result in deep wrinkles, and scarring from picking at your skin.
I have to say there is no magic pill. Working out the emotional upsets that affect our bodies however do produce results. For example, a client had terrible acne that became progressively worse as her job became more stressful. Each time she had a flare up she would hide from society, refusing to leave the house, which in turn did not help her career or her social life.
Stress and Hair Loss
Stress and anxiety can cause many conditions that lead to hair loss. These include:
- Alopecia Areata – Sudden loss of large clumps of hair in areas around your scalp.
- Telogen Effluvium – This is a condition where more hairs than normal prepare to fall out.
- Trichotillomania – This is a habitual condition caused by stress and anxiety where the person pulls out hairs without realizing it.
What’s the solution?
Here is how you dermatologist and your therapist can team up for an integrated approach. Your dermatologist can prescribe medication and a skin regime to control your acne. Your therapist can tailor a stress management regime special to your needs and help you tackle the source of your stress.
5 tips to reduce pimples, wrinkles, and stress:
We cannot always avoid stressful situations or anxiety. It’s almost as predictable as taxes. However, we can learn to manage anxiety and lessen the toll stress has on our lives.
1) Hit the road Jack: physical activity has been proven to improve your mood and reduce stress.
2) Gimme a break: take breaks throughout your day. Taking breaks will help manage stress and it’s a reminder to take breath (for those who hold their breath a lot).
3) Play a game: mindless entertainment, play a game of solitaire or minesweeper on your computer. Don’t be afraid to old fashioned puzzles or crossword games.
4) Give me 10: Count to ten (or more). Sometimes when we’re anxious, we can’t stop thinking. Our mind is all over the place, thinking of all the worst case scenarios. When this happens, it’s helpful to have something else to focus your attention on. Like your breath. So as you breath normally, count. Count each inhale, it will focus your energy and calm your mind.
5) Bust a move: Stretch or dance (remember relaxation is the opposite of stress).
If you would like to learn more about ways to control stress and manage anxiety, contact Elika Kormeili, MFT.
We look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss your skin care needs. Contact us online to schedule your consultation.