Acne
Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin condition affecting more than 85 percent of adolescents worldwide. There is more than one factor involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. Stress is one of these factors and plays a role in the developing of many dermatological conditions. For example, acne breakouts are caused by an increase in oil production by the oil glands, which is triggered by increased levels of the hormones that cause stress. When the skin produces more oil, the pores become more clogged, leading to more acne breakouts.
Because cortisol is a primary stress hormone, exposure to it can cause acne to worsen in most people. Stress-related acne breakouts are caused by increased cortisol, which is associated with increased sebum production. The skin can read the temperature, pollution, the sun, or other factors as signs of stress in the surrounding environment. Stress hormones can be released whenever the sensory nervous system on the skin is stimulated, leading to problems with the complexion. The presence of chronic stress is associated with consistently elevated levels of these hormones, which can have a detrimental impact on the skin’s health.
