The number one aggravating factor in acne flare-ups is stress. Breakouts tend to follow things like cramming for finals, emotional upset, or in anticipation of an upcoming special event like prom or a wedding. Stress produces inflamed blemishes in two ways. One is immediate. The other, delayed.
Here’s the why to it all.
In the delayed reaction the culprit is the release of hormones by the adrenal glands when provoked by stress. These glands secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine which stimulate an over-production of sebum, the natural oil in your pores. Couple that with dead skin cell debris in the pore. Result? An inflammatory breakout. This delayed eruption can occur up to two weeks following a stressful event.
What about breakouts that happen overnight? Under stress, the body’s natural resistance is lowered, interrupting the healing process. Dr. James Fulton, known as America’s most compassionate acne doctor, tells us that inside timeworn, acne-weakened follicles, there is a constant cycle of breaking, leaking, healing, and repair. A single night without sleep or an event riddled with stress results in the congestion and impaction of the pores. The weakened follicle then breaks down. White blood cells rush in with enzymes to devour the debris. Unfortunately, the enzymes are ineffective against the hardened debris known as keratin. They do, however, dissolve more of the follicle wall, and an acne flare-up is underway immediately.
Here’s your action plan. Accept that *self-care* isn’t selfish! Relax. Take time to play! Grant yourself permission to say No. Only offer or accept an obligation to help others when you truly have the time and energy needed to commit. Otherwise, just say Not Now. No explanation needed.
Take a look at what is stressful to you. Once you’ve determined your triggers, do what you can to avoid them. For the rest, learn to change your reaction to those triggers. Your perception of the event, and your response to it, can make all the difference. Define what a stress-free or a stress-less life would look like for yourself. Imagine your ideal leisure activities, who you want to spend time with, how best to care for your self. Creating this image will help you make your life become so.
Allow yourself to step back and breathe. Each morning and again before retiring at night, just sit a few minutes and listen to yourself breathe. No special training or equipment required! Breathe. And listen to the inhale. . . exhale. You’ll be more relaxed and able to face the day each morning. And at night, you’ll unwind and get a good night’s sleep.
Commit to the idea of self care. You’re worth it!
