During times of emotional stress, the flow of blood is directed to areas of the body that are considered vital for responding to the stress that we are under. As this happens blood is taken away from areas that are considered non-essential, one of the first areas to suffer is the skin.

Therefore, when we are feeling stressed the skin is starved of both blood and oxygen, which causes the skin to turn dull and sallow.

Long term stress can wreak havoc on our complexions. Continuous stress can increase cortisone secretion, which suppresses the body’s immune system, making the skin susceptible to pollutants and outside aggressors as it can not protect itself sufficiently.

Further to this, stress may impact the body’s ability to properly digest food, which has a direct impact on skin health. When food is not properly digested, the nutrients are not absorbed correctly and undigested fod remains in the body, rising in toxicity.

Though stress has been known to trigger or aggravate skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, cold sores, and blisters, it most commonly causes three specific skin reactions: hives, itching, and acne.

The most coomon efect of stress on the skin is acne. Stress can unleash chemicals within the body that stimulate the skin’s oil glands. The excess sebum tends to clog pores and irritate skin, causing acne to form.

So next time you find yourself getting wound up, take some time to relax. Read a book, take a bath or take up yoga. Find what calms you down and make time for it whenever you can. Prevention is better than cure, after all.