Is NYC Stressing Out Your Skin?

Since we know more about skin and how stress is a huge factor, a new word has been brought into play: Psychodermatology. It's a field that addresses the impact of a person's emotion as it relates to the skin.

As skin therapists, we have lots of tricks up our sleeves to treat and heal stressed skin, but in some cases it's not enough. Now we recognize this other set of resources you can tap from within and this is where psychodermatology is important. We often suggest alpha-hydroxy or detox peels, LED light therapy, microdermabrasion (in some cases) among other treatments when breakouts are the issue. When eczema or rosacea are the culprits, oxygen facials and more soothing ones are in order. While we always include aromatherapy into our sessions to help with mood, sometimes that isn't enough. We can suggest, along with the treatments, trying acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga, meditation and even traditional therapy. Getting more sleep is the obvious answer to give, but sometimes, it's just not that simple.

Being under pressure doesn't cause just the occasional blemish or rash, it can really do a number on your skin's ability to heal itself. Other than the obvious acne stress can cause, stress also triggers eczema, hives, rosacea, psoriasis, hypopigmentation(white spots) and many other skin disorders. The mind and skin are connected, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they are often expressed through the skin. Take acne, for example. When you are tense, your body releases stress hormones including cortisol, which may increase the skin's oil production resulting in the perfect recipe for acne in a lot of people.

Quick Tip
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