How Stress Hormones Contribute to Acne Flare-Ups – And How to Combat Them
If you or your teen struggles with acne, you know how frustrating it can be to manage flare-ups. Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are with skincare, new breakouts can still appear out of the blue. Stress is often the hidden culprit, triggering a cascade of hormones that can worsen acne. Understanding this connection is key to controlling acne at its root.
At JK Skincare Solutions, LLC, we take a more natural approach to treating acne with our exclusive Epidermal Repair Method with Cellular Turnover. By supporting the skin’s natural defenses and encouraging healthy cellular renewal, our method works in harmony with your body to restore and maintain clear skin, even during stressful times. Here’s a closer look at the science behind stress hormones and acne and how our method can help.
The Science of Stress and Acne
When we’re stressed, our bodies release various hormones to help us cope with the perceived threat. Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is released in larger amounts. While this response is natural, prolonged or frequent stress can keep cortisol levels elevated, which has a direct impact on skin health.
Here’s how stress hormones contribute to acne:
Increased Oil Production: Cortisol stimulates the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (oil) to keep the skin hydrated. During times of stress, this production often goes into overdrive, resulting in excess oil. When this oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog pores and lead to acne.
Inflammation: Stress triggers inflammatory responses in the body, making skin more prone to redness, swelling
and acne breakouts. Even mild stress can increase inflammation levels, aggravating existing acne and causing new breakouts.
Weakened Skin Barrier: High stress can compromise the skin barrier, the protective layer that keeps irritants out and moisture in. A weakened barrier can lead to dryness, sensitivity and increased susceptibility to acne-causing bacteria. This is one reason why stressed skin may feel inflamed or irritated.
Hormonal Imbalance: For teens especially, hormones are already fluctuating, which makes skin more prone to breakouts. Stress amplifies this, disrupting the delicate balance of hormones that control oil production and skin health.
The Role of Cortisol and Acne Flare-Ups
For teens, the combination of hormonal changes and stress can wreak havoc on skin. Cortisol, along with androgens (male hormones present in both genders), stimulates the sebaceous glands. During times of stress, androgen levels can also rise, making oil glands more active and further fueling acne flare-ups.
This cycle of stress and acne can be tough to break, especially when acne affects a teen’s self-esteem and leads to even more stress. But understanding these triggers allows us to tackle acne with methods that don’t just treat the skin but also consider its underlying causes.
The Epidermal Repair Method with Cellular Turnover: A more natural Approach to Stress-Related Acne without relying on medications.
At JK Skincare Solutions, LLC, we believe in addressing acne more gently. Our Epidermal Repair Method with Cellular Turnover not only targets acne at the skin level but also supports the skin’s natural ability to recover from stress-related damage.
Here’s how our method works:
Skin Barrier Repair: Since stress can weaken the skin barrier, strengthening it is crucial for preventing acne. Our method includes specialized products that reinforce the barrier, providing essential hydration and nutrients that help the skin defend itself against irritants and bacteria. A fortified barrier also means reduced sensitivity and better moisture retention, creating a balanced environment where acne is less likely to form.
Cellular Turnover: Stress can slow down the skin’s natural exfoliation process, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores. Our method promotes cellular turnover, encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells and the growth of new ones. This keeps pores clear, treats existing breakouts and prevents new ones from forming.
Inflammation Control: Inflammation is a major contributor to stress-related acne, so we use products designed to calm the skin and reduce redness. This gentle approach soothes inflammation, helping the skin recover more quickly after breakouts and making it less reactive to future stressors.
Stress Management Tips for Healthier Skin
While our Epidermal Repair Method supports the skin’s natural defenses, managing stress is essential for long-term skin health. Here are a few strategies you can encourage your teen to try:
Practice Deep Breathing: Breathing exercises help reduce cortisol levels and lower overall stress, which can decrease inflammation and oil production in the skin.
Stay Active: Exercise is a great stress reliever that also promotes blood circulation, which is beneficial for skin health. Encourage activities your teen enjoys, whether it’s sports, dancing or just taking a daily walk.
Engage in Creative Outlets: Sometimes, a creative activity like drawing, journaling or coloring can reduce stress. This is especially effective for teens who need an outlet to express their emotions and unwind.
A Fun Way to Reduce Stress: Affirmation Coloring Pages
One unique and enjoyable way to manage stress and promote positive self-esteem is through affirmation coloring pages. Affirmations are positive statements that can help teens feel good about themselves, especially during challenging times. When paired with the calming act of coloring, these pages offer a double benefit: relaxation and self-empowerment. Teens can use these affirmations to build confidence and shift their focus away from negative thoughts about their skin. Get some free affirmation coloring pages HERE if you're interested.
Download Free Affirmation Coloring Pages
If your teen is struggling with stress and acne, help them start a self-care journey with our FREE Affirmation Coloring Pages. These pages are designed to inspire positive thinking and reduce stress, making them a wonderful addition to any skincare routine. Click HERE to download these free pages and encourage your teen to embrace self-love and confidence on their journey to healthier skin!
Have a fabulous day!
Jean Kelly
Licensed Esthetician
Acne Specialist
Moms come to me when nothing else worked, and their teen’s acne won’t clear
PS.
You're invited to join my free Facebook Group "Parents of Teens With Acne", join HERE
If you want to get started right away with some secrets that are easy to implement and don't cost any money, grab the online mini course "Clear Skin Secrets" HERE and start using the secrets today! It's super affordable at only $28 and lots of moms are jumping in before the price goes up.
