Staying at home has caused a lot of stress for many people around the world. Due to remaining at home all week, uncertainty has significantly impacted people's mental health. It has become impossible to hide stress or prevent it from showing as a reflection on your skin and face, where the first warning signs of stress and anxiety manifest as pale skin and mild skin irritation.
In fact, stress causes hormonal imbalance, leading to the emergence of acne, rashes, hair loss, and other skin-related conditions. It is essential for people to follow a good skincare routine while spending prolonged periods at home, as staying indoors does not mean you can neglect skincare and hair care. You are more susceptible to damage due to stress and anxiety. One should adhere to a strict, if not meticulous, skincare routine that includes cleansing, massaging, and moisturizing. According to dermatologist and cosmetic consultant at Cetaphil India, Gitangali Shetty, the most important thing is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
**Side Effects of Stress Include Acne and Increased Oily Skin:** The appearance of acne and increased skin oiliness are the most common side effects of stress. When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response, which simultaneously weakens the immune system in the skin. This leads to oxidative stress and the formation of what is known as free radicals, causing wrinkles and loss of skin shine and luster. It also increases inflammation in the body and can exacerbate certain skin conditions like eczema, syphilis, and psoriasis.
**Prevention:** For the skin, stress can manifest clearly in various forms such as redness and acne. However, if there are flaky patches or itchy sensations, it is best to avoid exfoliation and stick to cleansing your skin three times daily. Similarly, those with dry skin should wash their face only twice a day using a foaming cleanser. If your skin needs a bit of a boost, consider taking vitamin C to help protect and enhance skin immunity. Additionally, it is important to avoid fried and spicy foods. Consuming vitamin E will provide remarkable benefits for your skin, whether applied topically or obtained through foods rich in vitamin E such as almonds, corn oil, cod liver oil, hazelnuts, lobster, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon, and sunflower seeds.
