Stress & Acne

Dr Sam Robson
By Dr Sam Robson

Dr Sam Robson is a highly respected and experienced practitioner who qualified as a GP in 1997 and has been practising aesthetic medicine since 2004.

Stress does not directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if you already are troubled by acne, then stress can make it worse. Research has found that any injury or damage to skin, which includes acne, will be much slower in healing when a person is under stress.
So why does stress lead to a flare- up of spots?
When we are stressed, our body responds by increasing the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is a vital hormone for helping us to survive when under pressure. It boosts our energy supplies by increasing the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in our bloodstream, enhancing the brain’s use of glucose and also increases the availability of substances that repair our tissues. However, cortisol also increases the oil production within our skin. This leads to the pores becoming more easily blocked and this then results in spots.
Stress and Acne
For many people who suffer from acne this can lead to a vicious circle – the stress causes a worsening of skin health which in turn causes more stress and so on.
So, what can be done to address stress?
Acknowledging that you are stressed, either just in response to the day-to day challenges of life or in combination with concerns about your skin is a logical first step.
 
Making simple lifestyle changes such as:
  • ensure you get enough sleep,
  • be physically active and take some daily exercise
  • undertake some relaxation activities (such as meditation, deep breathing yoga or massage)
  • make time for some fun hobbies
  • make time for your important relationships
  • eat healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables (avoiding excess sugar)
The aim of these strategies is to cut into and potentially reverse the vicious circle of stress.

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together acne FAQs just for you. 

If you have more questions, you can use the acne questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts. 

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited acne clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Sam Robson who owns Temple Clinic.

Dr Sam Robson is a highly respected and experienced practitioner who qualified as a GP in 1997 and has been practising aesthetic medicine since 2004.

She has also become progressively aware of the increasing incidence of low morale and self-esteem 

The repertoire of treatments provided by the clinic aims to help address many problems.

Call Dr Sam Robson on 0122 486 9997 or visit www.templeclinic.co.uk.

Thanks to the author

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