While stress isn’t the direct cause of a breakout, it can certainly make things worse and contribute to an already-present hormonal imbalance. When you’re stressed out, your body releases cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. But when your body produces too much cortisol, it also affects your immune system and causes inflammation throughout your body. This can lead to breakouts on your skin, especially if you tend to have oily or clogged pores.
As a result, breakouts happen and when they’re there, we look for different ways to get rid of acne as quickly as possible. There are different ways to relieve stress breakouts, and here are some tips you can follow for clear skin:
1. Take Care Of Your Skin
Once you see those first signs of a breakout, take care of your skin immediately. You should always wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day. When building your skincare routine, take some time to carefully research all the ingredients before purchasing new products. Always read labels to avoid anything that may irritate your skin. Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so don’t expect one product to work perfectly for everyone. Instead, identify your skin type first and choose products based on that information.
2. Get Moving!
Regular physical activity can increase blood flow to your skin, giving your skin what it needs to function at its best. When you exercise, your muscles contract and relax, causing blood vessels to dilate and constrict. This increases circulation to your skin, helping to keep it healthy and clear. Exercise also helps boost your mood, so not only does it help with your complexion, but it also makes you feel better about yourself. This is why doctors recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
3. Keep Your Diet Clean
Another way to reduce stress breakouts and improve your overall health is through diet. Reducing your sugar and caffeine intake will give your body time to detoxify itself naturally. You’ll also want to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals and prevent damage from occurring.
A good tip when trying to eat clean is to shop locally. Choosing locally sourced ingredients when preparing a meal will ensure that it’s nutritious and fresh, without any harmful pesticides or chemicals that could be found in other products.
4. Don’t Forget To Sleep!
Sleep plays a huge role in our overall well-being, not just physically, but mentally as well. If you aren’t sleeping properly, you won’t be able to perform optimally during the day and this can affect your mental state and ultimately your skin. Make sure you get enough sleep each night, because when you’re tired, you tend to crave more sugary foods and snacks. These can cause hormonal imbalance, which can then lead to pimples. So make sure you’re getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
5. Drink Enough Water
You’re probably tired of hearing everyone talk about drinking water, but it really is important. Dehydration can cause many problems, including headaches, fatigue, and even skin issues like dryness and irritation. As such, staying hydrated can go a long way toward improving your overall health. Set a daily target of drinking at least 3 liters of water per day to stay healthy. Your skin will thank you later.
6. Understand Your Body
Knowing how your body responds to certain factors can help you understand why you might be having breakouts in particular areas. For instance, women who menstruate tend to burn more calories during their period, making them feel more tired and more prone to breakouts. Learning about these different factors can help you tailor your day-to-day activities for clearer skin.
7. Get Some Sunlight
Sunlight has been proven to have many benefits for both your skin and your mind. It’s great for your skin because it gives you vitamin D, which helps regulate your immune system and keeps your hormones balanced. On top of that, sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which improves your mood. The sun also regulates melatonin production, which can help you fall asleep easier. All of these factors combined are great for keeping your skin looking healthy and glowing. So make sure you spend some time outdoors every single day.
8. Take Some Time to Relax
As mentioned earlier, stress wreaks havoc on your body, causing inflammation throughout your entire system. This can cause acne breakouts, especially if you’re prone to them. Taking time out to relax can help calm down your nervous system and keep your hormones under control. Try doing something relaxing like taking a hot bath or reading a book. Or maybe try going for a walk outside, listening to music, or meditating. Whatever works best for you, just do it often. Targeting the reason for your stress breakouts is the most effective way of treating them.
The Bottom Line
Stress breakouts can occur due to many different reasons. However, taking good care of your skin doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of effort, you can achieve clear skin without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive treatments. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to beautiful, clear skin in no time.