The link between stress and acne has been explored for decades. Only recently, however, have studies actually confirmed what scientists always suspected – that stress does have a role in acne. Whether stress causes acne is not yet fully known, however, but it certainly can exasperate the condition.

How Does Stress Cause Acne

When your body is under stress, a whole host of hormones are released by your adrenal glands and endocrine system. These hormones then go on to cause inflammation in the tissues throughout your body. In the case of your skin, the inflammation may break pores which are already clogging with sebum. Your bodies immune system reponse then causes the common red, irritated, pus filled acne zit that we’re so used to seeing.

Another possible way stress causes acne is that stress increases sebum production itself. While this factor has not been demonstrated in any studies, some of the hormones which are released under stress are known to affect sebum production – such as the androgens. And of course more sebum means more clogged pores.

Finally, the hormones released by your body under stress impact the immune system itself. It is said that these hormones can reduce immune system response by as much as 40%. This means that bacteria will have plenty of time to collect in pores and cause acne before the immune system can respond.

Factors which Increase Stress in Everyday Life

During our busy lives, it is often difficult to tell when we are under stress. But the signs are still there – stress is often accompanied by a range of emotions. These include:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear
• Low self confidence

And many others. When you are feeling stress of this nature, it’s helpful to take a break from whatever you are doing and just relax. There are also physical forms of stress in our lives which are less obvious. These include anything which taxes our body:

• Lack of sleep
• Overly busy lifestyle
• Sedentary lifestyle (not enough exercise)
• Smoking, Drinking (alcohol), Drugs
• Too much Exercise (with too little rest)

How to Reduce Your Stress Levels

There are four primary ways in which you can reduce your levels of stress. By practicing stress reduction techniques and healthy lifestyle habits each day, we can dramatically reduce stress and acne.

1. Diet

The role of diet in acne has been explained in many recent studies. It is now known that sugar is actually a stressor on the body. It causes inflammation through hormone production as the other acne stressors listed previously. In addition to sugar, diets high in starch may also play a role. Any ‘junk’ food item has the potential to stress the body.

2. Exercise

Exercise is a proven technique to reduce stress. By exercising, your body balances hormone production and neurotransmitters. This improves your mood, regulates digestion, balances blood sugar, improves circulation, and boost immune system activity. You’ll feel much better and your body will be in much better shape to confront stress and acne.

3. Meditation

This ancient art from the east is more than just chanting while in a sitting position. Meditation has proven effects on both the brain and body. Another technique highly effective in managing mood and reducing stress, meditation can be practiced every day without danger of overexertion.

4. Sleep

This is one of the most critical factors in our society today. More people than ever get too little sleep. Yet a lack of sleep can cause as much stress as any of the previous factors. Sleep impacts everything – our mood, our levels of stress hormones, our bodies ability to repair itself. When we miss sleep or get irregular sleep, we are asking for a breakout. Not to mention increased risk of diabetes and mental illness.

Regardless whether stress causes acne or just exasperates it, know that you can dramatically improve the complexion of your skin by following a healthy lifestyle. Reducing stress in combination with good washing habits can reduce acne almost 100%.