Scientific studies conducted; While revealing that factors such as the harmful rays of the sun, unhealthy nutrition, insufficient sleep and stress affect our skin slowly and deeply, these factors were added to the stress caused by Covid-19, which we have been fighting for months!
Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Serpil Pirit, He warns: "The extreme stress we experience during the Covid-19 pandemic process, which causes intense anxiety in our country as in the world, especially in recent months, can cause changes in both brain and body chemistry, and also increase the rate of aging of the skin by increasing the formation of free radicals." Skin Disease Specialist Dr. Serpil Pırmıt talked about 6 damages caused by stress on the skin and made important warnings and suggestions.
Can age the skin faster
Chronic stress can make you look older than you are by showing its negative effect on your face. Dryness, fine wrinkles, lines and a lifeless appearance may occur on the skin as a result of the decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin due to the cortisol hormone that increases with excessive stress. Stress can also accelerate the aging process of the skin by increasing the formation of free radicals. Abandoning healthy habits while under stress, longer working hours, disrupted sleep patterns, reduced consumption of healthy food, caffeine, alcohol and cigarette consumption can also cause a tired appearance, increase in custody bruising or swelling in the eyes. The skin loses its former shine and looks pale and dull.
It dries the skin
As your body enters fight or flight mode under stress, cortisol and adrenaline hormones increase in the body. With the increase of adrenaline, the sweat glands are stimulated and more sweating occurs. Since too much water loss quickly causes the body to dehydrate, if water consumption is not sufficient, dryness occurs on the skin. With the effect of the cortisol hormone, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which is produced in the skin and provides moisture and bright appearance to the skin, decreases, as a result, skin dryness increases. At the same time, neglecting to use moisturizers on stressful days causes deterioration of the skin barrier, exfoliation on the skin, and the formation of eczema increases. For this reason, it is beneficial to use the right and sufficient moisturizer to strengthen the skin barrier and to minimize irritation.
Increases the oily skin
With the effect of the cortisol hormone released from the body under stress, more fat is synthesized from the sebaceous glands. This can lead to more oily skin, clogging of pores on the skin and acne attacks. This tendency is seen more especially in people with oily skin structure. In addition, due to the loss of water, there may be a delay in the healing of wounds due to the slowdown in the skin's self-repair process.
It can cause hair loss
While stress causes different symptoms in the scalp and hair; some people may complain about their hair being oily, some of them dryness. Hair loss can develop in stress situations, as well as accelerate. People may experience both thinning and intense hair loss. While this spill can occur months after the stress situation, ringworm can also develop.
Can damage nails
Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Serpil Permit “Since stress is a part of life, the important thing is to learn how to handle it and to manage stress. Stress that can affect your skin, hair, nails, whole body; Deceleration in the growth of the nails, lines, breakages and peeling on the nail surface may also occur. It creates a chemical response that will make your skin more sensitive and reactive. It also makes the resolution of skin problems more difficult, ”he says.
Can exacerbate skin diseases
Cortisol and adrenaline hormones secreted under stress.
Depending on the inflammation response, many skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, vitiligo and urticaria can be exacerbated by stress. Studies show that 30 percent of dermatology patients are caused by a psychological problem. At the same time, the bad condition of the person's skin, exacerbation of skin diseases can further increase the current stress.
5 ways to protect the skin against stress!
- When you notice a change in the structure of your skin, look for methods to relieve stress by checking whether you are under stress.
- Do not neglect your skin care. You can reduce excess oil on the skin by cleansing your skin with soft cleansers, and keep the skin moist by using a moisturizer suitable for the skin structure for both face and body. Do not neglect moisturizing, especially if you have sensitive or eczematous skin.
- Use sunscreens with a high protection factor to protect the skin from sunlight.
- If you have an oily skin structure prone to acne, you can consult your dermatologist to prevent flare-ups by using creams that reduce the oil synthesis of the skin and thus keep the pores clean.
- Learn to manage stress. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Serpil Permit “Managing stress requires a multifaceted effort. Quality sleep patterns, exercise 2-3 days a week, outdoor walks, reading a book, with friends sohbetIt is beneficial for the person to try to reduce their stress with a method that is good for the person, such as meditation and yoga. Therefore, when you enter a stressful period, your skin will thank you if you engage in activities that will help you feel calm and rested ”.
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