I See It In Your Face – You’re Stressed!

PRO By JessicaLeoLMSW

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I See It In Your Face – You’re Stressed!

Jessica Leo, LMSW

Stress can really do a number on you.  The adverse affects seem to be limitless –

·                     weight gain

·                     high blood pressure

·                     anxiety/panic attacks

·                     Heart disease

·                     Immunity issues

·                     Gastrointestinal problems

·                     Headaches

·                     Insomnia

·                     Mood regulation problems

And the list can go on and on and on!  But did you know that stress can cause acne breakouts or your hair to turn gray and even fall out?!!!  I guess all those old sayings are true about going gray or pulling one’s hair out over stressful matters.  And it seems as though it is no coincidence that you got a huge zit in the middle of your forehead on your wedding day or some other stressful, momentous occasion.

According to an article published on Science daily, researchers have found that there is a direct link between stress and dermatology issues involving hair skin and nails.  By now, we have all heard of the stress hormone Cortisol.  If you haven’t, Cortisol is the friendly little stress hormone secreted by your adrenal glands that helps us react in terms of fight or flight in stressful situations.  It also helps with cardiovascular function and to regulate blood pressure and the body’s use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  When under stress, the body reacts with a physical response that triggers the release of Cortisol and other hormones.  Cortisol’s primary function is to produce quick energy for the body to aid you in your response to the perceived danger (your body doesn’t know the difference between physical and psychological stress – so it treats everything as if your life is at risk).  If you have heard of Cortisol, you are probably thinking of how it can contribute to weight problems.  Well, a lesser known side affect of the release of Cortisol is that it also increases oil production – and that is what may have caused you to need some extra cover up prior to walking down the aisle.

No one likes acne, that’s for sure – but hair loss too?! Come on!  All that oil can lead to a sebum build up that clogs follicles and contributes to hair loss.  Furthermore, stress can cause the body to respond by “taking a time out” and since hair is not necessary in the grander scheme of things – people can develop alopecia (bald spots).  Nervous activities such as twirling one’s hair can also contribute to it falling out too. When and if that hair grows back, it can sometimes grow in gray.  One study indicated that Stress makes your hair gray due to “genotoxic stress” damage to DNA that reduces melanocyte stem cells within hair follicles that are responsible for making those pigment-producing cells.  You can read more at : Stress makes your hair gray http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/stress-makes-your-hair-gray_100205536.html#ixzz0h8Q1m2Ma.

So, for the sake of your health, skin and hair, engage in some stress reducing activities to help you reduce the amount of stress in your life:

·                     Exercise – it can help reduce your Cortisol levels and increase your body’s hormones that help suppress your appetite and combat pain and stress.  It’s also a great physical outlet and distraction.

·                     Eat right.  Proper nutrition affects stress more than you know.

·                     Make time for you and do something you enjoy.  Whether it is a bath, a good book or a new hobby – do something that gives you pleasure.

·                     Prioritize.  A hectic, unrealistic schedule or demands add unnecessary stress.  And looking at the “whole picture” makes it even more daunting.  Start with what is important and go from there.

·                     Be realistic.  You can only do so much and you are not perfect.  When you give up on the “super” mom or dad ideology – your stress levels will go way down.

·                     Get a good night’s sleep.  Your body requires it to rejuvenate and repair.  Lack of sleep is damaging both physically and psychologically.

·                     Have a support group.  By nature, we are very social animals and need the people we love around us.

·                     Laugh.  Laughter releases feel good hormones and is very healing.

·                     Have gratitude and be positive.  If you take a good look at the people around you that seem to live a stress free existence – I bet that they are positive people who are very grateful on a daily basis.  It is hard to maintain a negative-stressed attitude if you turn your perception around.

2010