Acne and Stress: A holistic view
anna tarazevich
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition affects millions of people worldwide and while its commonly associated with puberty it can affect people of every age, gender and walk of life. We’ll explore who it affects, how to manage it, and the impact of stress on acne.
Who suffers from Acne?
Puberty often marks the beginning of acne. The hormonal changes that take place in adolescence stimulate sebaceous glands (microscopic glands in the skin) to produce more oil which combined with dead skin can clog the pores. This creates an environment where bacteria and inflammation can thrive and cause breakouts.
Many people can experience acne well into middle and later life. Hormonal imbalance plays a role in adult acne so pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS & PMDD) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can all impact on skin health. Things like medication, diet, makeup and skincare products can also play a role
How does stress impact on Acne?
Stress can impact on acne directly and indirectly, and is a well-known trigger for acne breakouts. When your nervous system is stressed the body produces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When elevated cortisol can increase oil production in the skin, leading to the cycle of pores being clogged, inflammation building up and breakouts occurring.
Stress, particularly chronic stress weakens immune system function so that it’s harder for the body to clear bacteria build-up in the pores. Stress can also impact on sleep, unhealthy or irregular eating patterns, and be a trigger for behavioural patterns such as picking at breaking, face touching which can also worsen inflammation of the skin.
Holistic acne management
Dietary changes: From a TCM perspective there is traditionally a close association between the health of the gut, the immune system and skin. While still a subject of debate, some clients may find that eliminating foods such as refined sugar, dairy, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes) and chocolate, as well as caffeine may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving skin health.
Lifestyle changes: Clean skin and regular exfoliation to clear the pores, and using skincare products that do not block pores of the skin (non-comedogenic) can reduce the risk of pores clogging and hence the inflammation buildup. Washing sheets and pillowcases regularly, regular face washing, avoiding touching the face and sleeping without makeup are also beneficial changes.
Emotional support: From a TCM perspective one factor in stress management is having healthy emotional support. Any emotion that is suppressed has a detrimental effect on the nervous system. When the nervous system it stressed over time it impacts on cortisol levels, immunity and inflammation. Mindfulness, meditation, somatic therapy, yoga and exercise are beneficial to help regulate the nervous system.
Acne can be a complex condition with hormonal imbalance, stress, immune function, digestive and emotional health all playing a role in skin health which is why a holistic approach that factors lifestyle and nervous system support is critical in management of the condition.
Peter is an AHPRA registered acupuncturist and chinese medicine practitioner in Torquay, Victoria.
Peter loves supporting clients make sustainable, holistic lifestyle change so they can be at their best.
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