When Your Skin Gets Stressed...

Stress isn't fun for any of us, but what makes matters worse is when we show physical signs of it. All vanity aside, having bad skin leads to a whole new level of stress. People joke that their kids give them gray hairs and that they get a pimple right before a big date ... but it's not all in their head!

Dermatologists know that stress can lead to hair loss and acne, since it stimulates the body to release a hormone called cortisol, which promotes the release of oil by the skin. This increase in oil is what encourages acne to develop.

Physical stress like disease, injury or pregnancy, can also cause these stress-related hair and skin reactions.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are natural options to help relieve stress. Treatment can help the mind and body relax, normalize hormonal fluctuations, and improve circulation to the skin, helping you look and feel your best and eliminating one of the underlying causes of hair loss and breakouts.

Also, the following stress-reducing tips are some easy, practical things humans can do to reduce the amount of stress in their lives.

(1) Be realistic and don't try to be perfect, or expect others to be so.

(2) Don't over-schedule; cut out an activity or two when you start to feel overwhelmed.

(3) Get a good night's sleep.

(4) Get regular exercise to manage stress -- just not excessive or compulsive exercise -- and follow a healthy diet.

(5) Learn to relax by building time into your schedule for reading or a nice long bath.

Read the whole article here.

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.