Unmanaged Stress Connected to Aging Skin
It is well known that unmanaged stress can take a toll on a person’s health. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so early signs of aging or intensified skin conditions can flare up and affect overall health. Although some stress can serve a purpose in certain situations, chronic stress is nobody’s friend. It is well known that stress, over time, can create early signs of aging and have greater consequences as people age. If you have ever heard someone say they are at their best when stressed, this may be true in the short term, but not in the long term. Stress affects everyone differently. Some people rise above stressful events, while others can be consumed by an event or news story that deeply affects them. Skin conditions can often become more intense or symptoms more severe under chronic stress. When the skin is under long-term stress, it does not heal or retain moisture, which it needs to stay young-looking.
Skin Conditions Visibly Affected by Stress
Acne, psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, and rosacea can become highly reactive in times of stress. Rosacea often flares up in hot weather or during stressful situations and can leave a rash or cause a breakout. A stressful event can cause a cold sore breakout. Surgeries, illnesses, and medications can also cause hair loss. Licensed dermatology practitioners specialize in hair, skin, and nails and can address all related conditions. Managing life’s inevitable stressors is key to younger-looking skin and manageable skin conditions. A dermatologist cares about her patients, working to identify environmental stressors so they can recognize them and find ways to manage their skincare during times of higher stress.
Stress can travel back and forth between the skin and the brain, and this chain reaction can leave individuals suffering symptoms long after the stressor is removed. Imagine the holidays bring stress, whether from family, preparation, the loss of a loved one, or other struggles amid the hectic holiday season.
Our bodies heat up when exposed to stress, and this signal can trigger the mind to respond, making things worse. Patients who have rosacea may feel flushed and experience acne-like rashes that can be embarrassing and lead to greater stress, and so on. The cycle can be managed with dermatology products, but learning ways to manage stress is a significant part of keeping skin healthy, even during stressful times.
Stress Causes Early Signs of Aging
The epidermal barrier of the skin helps keep the skin moist and supple. Stress and trauma disrupt the epidermal layer’s normal function, and the skin fails to repair itself. Ignoring the fact that skin may need more tender loving care during stressful times is a disadvantage for those who want to look their best. When the epidermal barrier isn’t functioning correctly, scars can heal more slowly, and symptoms of certain skin conditions can worsen significantly. Prolonged stress keeps the epidermal barrier weakened, allowing for the skin to thin and become more irritated. Dry skin is the most relentless sign of aging. Wrinkles, dry patches, and uneven skin texture can make anyone look ten years older than they are. High-quality products can help keep skin moisturized and keep skin looking healthy. Flare-ups of acne, psoriasis, and eczema can be addressed by a local dermatologist with experience helping patients navigate skin reactions to stress.
If you have never visited a dermatologist before, whether young or elderly, Dr. Sherrie Straughn is the best in the Atlanta area. She specializes in darker skin tones but also has a wide range of clients who rely on her to treat and manage various skin diseases and conditions. She is a proponent for skin health and its direct relationships with the body’s health. She believes stress can be managed and that skin conditions that flare up during stress can be treated and controlled, allowing her clients to continue their lives uninterrupted.
Some of the skin conditions she treats with care include acne, ashy skin, DPN, Eczema, Keloid, Melasma, Moles, Razor Bumps, Spider veins, and vitiligo. Her Buckhead practice is equipped for thorough skin cancer screenings, and she has helped many clients detect and treat skin cancer in the early stages and successfully eliminate it. You don’t have to look any further if you want to find the healthiest ways to keep your skin looking young. Whether caused by environmental factors, stress, or an existing skin condition, you can love your skin! When you care about your skin, it is essential to work with a dermatologist who cares about you and your skin.
Buckhead Dermatology focuses on medical treatments, not cosmetic procedures. Dr. Straughn sees every patient and provides a tailored skincare solution based on their unique concerns. Contact her offices today at 404-816-4000 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how you can take control of your skin’s appearance.