Acne Myths - Stress

Modern-day living, anxiety in the workplace, too many or too few hormones, nuclear threats, terrorism, inflation, crime, poverty, obesity — it's enough to give you terminal acne!

 

Most investigators agree that stress doesn't cause acne; however, most would agree that stress seems to worsen it. Just ask college students at exam time, teenagers about to go to the prom, or someone going for that first job interview.

 

It's well known that at times of stress, the body releases excess amounts of glucocorticoids (the body's natural steroids). Some people think that the glucocorticoids, having some androgenic properties, cause sebaceous glands to secrete more oil and thus worsen acne or even cause an acnelike eruption.

 

It has been suggested that regular stress-reducing activity (like exercise, knitting, yoga, and so forth) can help minimize the glucocorticoids, and reduce their effect on sebaceous glands.

 

Some pundits also advise getting extra sleep and meditating. Just like with diet and acne, there is no hard evidence that these measures really do much to help reduce acne. However, they are healthy habits that may reduce stress, so why not?