The stress-skin connection

Skincare

healthy skin, healthy life

The stress-skin connection. Our Derm Girls have given us their perspectives on how to adequately care for your skin through the stresses of didactic.

Black Container of Hand Cream with Wooden Lid Cutout

5 Reasons why skincare is self-care

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

The skin is our body's largest organ, and it deserves as much attention and care as any other part of our body. A regular skincare routine helps maintain the skin's health, keeping it clear, smooth, and radiant. But the benefits are not just skin-deep. Good skincare practices like exfoliating can stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, promoting overall physical health.

2. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Skincare routines provide an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These precious moments of solitude spent massaging a moisturizer into your skin or applying a face mask can act as a therapeutic activity, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.

3. CONFIDENCE BOOST

A clear, glowing complexion can significantly enhance your self-esteem and confidence. When you look good, you feel good, and this positivity radiates through your interactions and relationships.

4. MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Skincare routines encourage mindfulness. As you focus on the texture and scent of the products and the sensation of applying them, you become more present and aware, which is a key aspect of mindful living.

5. LONG-TERM HEALTH

Good skincare habits developed early on can result in long-term health benefits. Regular cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and diligent use of sunscreen can prevent skin issues like premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer.

Why does my skin break out during times of stress?

“Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. When your fight-or-flight response is activated, our bodies produce more cortisol and androgens (types of hormones). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.” -Tati Idrobo

“High cortisol levels, which can occur during times of stress, can lead to an increase in androgen production. Androgens are hormones that play a role in stimulating sebum production. This increase in oil production can lead to clogged pores and acne.” -Nour Sayegh

“Stress triggers the release of stress hormones in your body, potentially causing an increase in oil production, that may lead to clogged pores and acne. Also, stress has the ability to disturb your usual skin barrier function, making you more susceptible to irritation and inflammation”

-Stela Shababni .

“Stress causes inflammation within our body and increases our oil production leading to breakouts. Many different factors can trigger a breakout whether it’s lack of sleep, our diet, or even caffeine. “ -Kendall Goit

What’s the common denominator?

Cortisol!!!

“There are so many reasons why your skin may be breaking out when you’re stressed. As we become stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, which in turn, increases oil production in the skin. The increased oil production can create clogged pores, leading to breakouts.” -Bansi Kaasindra

“Stress triggers a hormonal response in the body, leading to the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can stimulate the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce more oil. The increased oil production can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne.”

-Jojo Cummines

“During times of stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can stimulate your oil glands to produce more oil therefore causing clogged pores and acne. Your immune system is also weakened so it makes it more difficult to fight off the bacteria causing acne.” -Mindy He

“Stress has an impact on everything, especially our skin. There are hormonal changes that occur during times of stress which lead to breakouts and inflammation. Managing stress through a healthy lifestyle and self-care routines will help to achieve healthier skin.” -Kim Ravitz

How do I save my skin during stressful times?

1 To safeguard your skin during stressful times establish a consistent skincare routine using suitable products prioritize hydration and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants 2 Ensure sufficient sleep practice stress reduction through activities like meditation or exercise and limit caffeine and alcohol intake 3 Use mineral sunscreen to protect against UV rays crucial in preventing hyperpigmentation resulting from breakouts Hyperpigmentation can be more challenging to treat than acne itself if SPF isn t applied regularly 4 Opt for gentle skincare products and consult a professional if skin issues persist A holistic approach that combines skincare and stress management is essential for maintaining healthy skin during stress 5 Once your skin has calmed down consider incorporating Tretinoin cream also known as RetinA into your routine for its antiaging and antiwrinkle benefits RetinApromotes skin exfoliation and helps prevent breakouts over time even during periods of stress Starting early is recommended as studies indicate its effectiveness in fighting sun damage and preventing precancerous and cancerous lesions on the face making it a valuable addition to everyone s skincare regimen Tati Idrobo

I would recommend a facial cleanser or cream that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and following it with a non comedogenic moisturizer In the mornings wear sunscreen to decrease the appearance of pigmented scars over time and an added bonus is preventing skin cancer and slowing aging Try to use pimple patches if you re prone to picking pimples Bansi Kaasindra

Making sure that you re getting enough sleep staying hydrated and sticking to a routine that works best for you are all very important in protecting your skin Stela Shabani

I make sure I m using products that are gentle and hydrating since my skin tends to be sensitive during times of stress I like using the Honest beauty hydrogel cream to hydrate my skin I also make it an effort to stay active hydrated and although it it can be hard to do during PA school I try to get adequate sleep Mindy He

My go to savior for bad breakouts is clindamycin gel I get this from my dermatologist and use it only when I have a flare up I also go back to the basics and increase my water intake and cut back on processed foods It takes a few days to bounce back but I see the best results when I eat cleaner and stay hydrated Jojo Cummines

During stressful times it is important to keep up with a good skin care regimen that is tailored to fight excess oil production while also protecting the skin barrier A beta hydroxy acid BHA like Salicylic Acid and an alpha hydroxy acid AHA like Glycolic Acid can be great additions to a regime for their exfoliating properties These acids can penetrate into the pores removing excess oil and prevents clogged pores Theseingredients can be found in many over the counter cleansers toners and spot treatments My personal favorites are La Roche Possay Effaclar cleanser SkinCeuticals Purifying cleanser and Cerave SA cleanser Make sure you stay hydrated and drink lots of water Nour Sayegh

I always say keep it simple and be consistent with a routine I remove my makeup the second I get home cleanse with gentle wash apply tretinoin and moisturize I ve realized that it s hard to plan ahead with PA school but booking facials in advance saves my skin Microdermabrasion keeps my skin fresh and when I see that my skin is getting dry I book a HydraFacial Kim Ravitz

With the constant stress of PA school it is really difficult to keep up with my skin I try to stay consistent with my routine get monthly facials and use a hydrating mask at least once or twice a week Saunas and steam rooms can also help our skin and can reduce stress Kendall Goit

Top 3 Favorite Skincare Products:

“La Roche Possay’s purifying cleanser has been my favorite cleanser for many years. It is effective enough to remove excess oils without causing irritation or dryness. La Roche Possay products are made with thermal spring water which has a calming effect on the skin.”

Tati’s Top Picks

“Another skin care product that is a staple in my regimen is Tretinoin 0.05% cream. Tretinoin is a prescription strength retinoid that is proven to help promote cell turnover, preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pored and excess oil. Tretinoin also helps minimize skin surface issues like fine lines, discoloration and age spots. Obtaining this product typically involves a consultation with dermatology provider.”

“Elta MD’s UV Clear sunscreen is my all time favorite SPF product. It comes in both clear and tinted formulas. The tinted formula is perfect for someone that wears light makeup daily, as it provides some sheer coverage while also providing sun protection. The UV Clear line by Elta MD is specifically made with ingredients that are non-comedogenic,which makes it very safe for acne prone and sensitive skin.” -Nour

stela’s Top Picks

Clinique

Moisture Surge

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb Cream

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Bansi’s Top Picks

1) Retin-A - This is prescription but definitely worth the dermatologist visit if you have acne!

2) EltaMD Tinted UV Elements Suncreen - Love this one, works as a great primer under make up too (this one can be pricey, so the Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen is another favorite)

3) Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Cream - Favorite lightweight moisturizer that I’ve found so far!

Kim’s Top Picks

1) La Roche Posay Foaming Facial Cleanser

2) EltaMD SPF

3) SkinCeuticals Salicylic Acid

Mindy’s Top Picks

1) CeraVe foaming cleanser- I love how gentle this cleaner is and how well it removes my makeup

2) EltaMD clear face sunscreen- This sunscreen is great for acne and rosacea prone skin as it contains niacinamide and is non-comedogenic. It is also fragrance free which makes it a great option for sensitive skin.

3) Tretinoin- Not only does tretinoin have anti aging effects, but it helps prevent acne breakouts and keeps your pores clear.

Kendall’s Top Picks

1) DMK Actrol Powder

2) GlyMed Plus Hydrating Mask

3) ZO Complexion Pads

jojo’s Top Picks

1) Clindamycin gel: a topical antibiotic, used to treat acne by targeting and inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin, particularly the bacteria associated with acne lesions. Clindamycin works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, thereby reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria.

2) Curology gentle cleanser: this is my go to! Formulated with anti-inflammatory oat extract, this sulfate-free face wash soothes as you cleanse, while also helping keep your skin barrier balanced and healthy. You can find it at target!

3) Ancient Tallow Face Balm: helps balance and rejuvenate skin, promote collagen production, and help to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I use this every night to rehydrate my skin and protect it while I sleep. It’s made from 100% organic ingredients and grass fed & finished. CLICK FACE BALM FOR LINK

4) Since im a derm girly I have to include my fav sunscreen, and trust me I’ve tried them all! This is a zinc oxide sunscreen that is reef safe, made with simple ingredients, and is NSF Certified organic.

CLICK SUNSCREEN FOR LINK