Stress: The Hidden Cause of Skin and Hair Problems

Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, your skin tends to break out more and hair starts falling out of no where?

If you are prone to skin problems, stress aggravates and worsen skin conditions like psoriasis, rosaceous, and eczema. It even makes it hard for pimples/ acne to heal. Stress can also cause hives (a type of Urticaria) and other types of skin rashes and trigger a flare-up of fever blisters.

According to studies,  stress and anxiety can lead to hair loss issues like 'Alopecia Areata'. Sudden hair fall may occur causing patches due to hair loss.

When stressed, our body produces cortisol and other hormones, which activate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Oily skin is more prone to acne and hair problems. Moreover, you might skip on your daily skin care rituals when stressed and this, in turn, can aggravate skin issues.

Skin problems by themselves can also be stressful. Some get so embarrassed by the condition of their skin that they tend to keep the problem to themselves without seeing a dermatologist. This adds more to the existing stress, worsening the skin condition.

Though stress is an inevitable part of everyday life, steps can be taken to reduce its effects on the skin and hair. If you have a skin/hair problem that does not heal or keeps coming back, it is time to think about how you manage stress and work on it.

Try the following tips to reduce stress effect on your skin and hair:

1. Take good care of your skin and hair: Though you may be tired or stressed, don’t neglect your daily skincare or weekly hair care routine.
2. Exercise regularly: It keeps you fit and sweat helps to clean out the pores on the skin. Exercise can promote hair growth because it stimulates blood flow and increases circulation throughout the body.
3. Make time for yourself: Listen to music, read, even if you have just 10 minutes. Leisurely activities will make you happy on the inside, and this will reflect on your skin and hair too.
4. Go for a leisurely stroll: Expose your skin to the elements and let it breathe. Do not deprive your hair of sunlight because a bit of sun rays everyday actually help to stimulate and regrow hair follicles.
5. Practice deep breathing: Meditation, and yoga on a regular basis help to manage stress.
6. Sleep well:  Ensure you get 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep each night.
7. Learn to say ‘No’: Unreasonable deadlines and tight work schedules. Do not accept or commit to any work you can’t manage.

The key for a healthy skin and hair is to manage stress.

Be patient with yourself. Consistent efforts will give you good results.