Acne
Types of Acne
Treatments
Causes
Stress Can't Cause Acne
Stress can't cause acne but it can make it worse. During times of stress, our body releases hormones into our blood system to maintain homeostasis. These hormones fuel the sebaceous gland to secrete more sebum, which results in the formation of acne. One such hormone is cortisol. High levels of cortisol puts our immune system in a depressed state, in which the bacteria P. acnes thrives. Cortisol can also lead to the face becoming oily. Another hormone that is released during time of stress is corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone is released into the sebaceous gland which makes the face oily. Acne forms when oily secretions from the sebaceous glands underneath the skin plug up the pores.
Stress also raises the production of androgens. Androgens are the male growth hormone that administer skin oil production and is formed in abundance during puberty which is why the most acne occurs during teenage years.
Stress management is an important process of treating acne. Increasing acne treatment or using relaxation techniques during times of high stress, such as a big meeting or a date, can help control acne. Exercising helps blood flow to the skin, which aids heal the skin.