The Toll Stress Takes on Your Skin
Stress is something that we all recognize as a potential hazard. The fight or flight response that is inherent to just about every human on the planet comes in handy. It kept our ancestors alive! The problem is that a large percentage of us struggle with feelings of stress daily. Cortisol is our body’s primary stress hormone – think of cortisol as nature’s built-in alarm system. If you experience high cortisol levels at any moment during your daily routine, there are several reasons to consider how you can respond to the stressors in your life. You may have an idea that stress can affect your health. Did you know that it can also affect your skin?
Cosmetic Consequences of Stress
As previously mentioned, stress leads to an increased production of cortisol. This, in turn, can have noticeable consequences in the skin:
Acne
There is a correlation between the activity of sebaceous glands, which produce oil, and the amount of cortisol floating around in the body. Higher cortisol means more oil production. Where there is more oil on the skin, there is a higher risk of clogged pores and acne.
Aging
Cortisol, like sun exposure, can speed up the aging process by breaking down the network of collagen and elastin that support the skin.
Chronic skin problems
Chronic skin issues such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema can flare up in response to an increase in stress-related cortisol.
Attending to Your Skin
Stress reduction is not really an option, but stress management is! In addition to lowering the risks of premature aging and other skin concerns, relaxation techniques for stress management can improve your health and well-being in general. Whether it’s a hot yoga class that appeals to you, or a stroll through the park, mitigating your daily stressors will benefit you all around.
Patients of Synergy Plastic Surgery have several ways to pamper their skin, too. Some of our popular services include:
- BBL treatments for “aging in reverse”
Featured in our state-of-the-art laser center, the BBL Photofacial is a corrective phototherapy treatment that uses Broadband Light (BBL) to target signs of aging, sun damage, and other skin conditions. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, and more vibrant!
Available in strengths that range from mild to deep, our peels effectively remove the damaged outer layers to reveal clear, firm, healthy-looking skin. Chemical peels are also great for general maintenance between a variety of other treatments.
Microneedling is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Microneedling may even treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores!
- Professional grade skin care
More often than not, your first step in protecting and renewing your skin starts with topical treatments. Handpicked by Ashley Kerr, our Lead Injector and Co-founder of Synergy Med Spa, our medical grade products are specially formulated by dermatologists and leading skincare experts to effectively treat a multitude of skin concerns including fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, and rosacea. Not sure where to start? Our medical staff provides answers to any skincare questions you may have, and even offers complimentary skin consultations along with personalized skin care regimes tailored to your needs.
Contact Synergy Plastic Surgery today and offset the effects of stress and other factors associated with aging!
