Acne and Stress
The factors contributing to acne breakouts are many. Hormonal influences, environmental conditions and stress can lead to inflammation that occupies our visible red face, chest and back to various degrees. It is estimated that 85% of the population in the United States experience some form of acne at some point in their lives. More commonly associated with teenagers who undergo severe hormonal changes, adults also suffer from acne flare-ups. For both groups, scientists are demonstrating a direct relationship between stress and acne. While reported cases show that 80% of acne sufferers are teenagers, which is also documented that 20% of acne sufferers are adults.
Adults are more likely to suffer from stress-related acne that environmental or hormonal causes, but teenagers dealing with academic demands, stiffness of athletics, and personal relationships are also susceptible to stress-related acne. It has been understood for some time that acne is caused when oils secreted by the sebaceous glands under the skin are combined with dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria to clog the pores of the skin and cause an infection to develop, provide evidence that environmental factors can contribute to acne. This, however, offers no explanation for stress acne. It is also understood that hormonal changes as the experiences of young people or women during their menstrual cycle contribute to acne, but again this provides no explanation for stress acne. While there has clearly been a correlation between stress and acne breakouts, until recently, the scientist has had difficulty supporting the claim with scientific findings.
Our bodies react to stress by activating the central nervous system, which in turn sends signals to the body to body ready to take action. An important part of this preparation is the liberation of our adrenal hormones, including cortisol and androgens. These hormones help to prepare for fight or flight instinctual response. Furthermore, it is now understood that as our body reacts to stress, oil secretions in the sebaceous glands are released. This combination of hormonal influences and fatty secretions known contributors to acne outbreaks, it is sent to the action of our own central nervous system, creating stress acne. It is also known that during periods of stress, our bodies immune system is weakened considerably, resulting in a slower recovery of breakouts. The visible signs of acne may lead to more prolonged acne. Call cycle of acne, anxiety caused by the self conscious about an outbreak of acne can create more stress and more acne. Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on the treatment of acne, blackheads and pimples, through website of skincare for information purposes