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. The excessive sebum can cause more breakouts: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts in acne prone skin. So how do you learn how to relax and get your stress levels and skin under control?Many long-term skin conditions can benefit from psychodermatology.
The link between psychology and the skin is an interesting one. A relatively new term has been coined, "psychodermatology". While this isn't an official medical field, it studies the link between body and mind, and in particular, the effects of the mind and stress levels and impacts on your skin. "A psychodermatologic disorder is a condition that involves an interaction between the mind and the skin," says American Family Physician Journal.
We are aware that stress can show up in our skin.So what can you do about it?Relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy, are some of the ideas used in psychodermatology. 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. The book explores the mind and body link, and offers several techniques that include relaxation, imaging, hypnosis, and psychotherapy to help address root causes on long-term skin problems.
Psychodermatology treatment can help many skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.If you'd like to try your own treatment without seeing a psychodermatologist, you can do your own experiment in stress management. 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. Try to learn how to relax and you could possibly short circuit the stress/skin reaction.
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