Stanford study of students results
MANILA, Philippines—How does stress affect your skin? Can stress increase acne? Why is it that the week before your wedding or a day before a job interview, your skin seems to have a mind of its own?
As the body’s largest organ, your skin has a mighty job—and we often take it for granted. Your skin is the barrier between you and the environment. It protects every cell, nerve, and blood vessel. It regulates our body’s temperature while filtering out microscopic bacteria.
Researchers at the Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, recently studied the relationship between stress and acne exacerbation by evaluating changes in acne severity during non-examination and examination times.
The study confirmed that people with acne may experience even more breakouts during test time. Changes in acne severity correlate highly with increasing stress, suggesting that emotional stress from external sources does have an influence on acne.
Researchers believe that it is the increase of glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens—both hormones known to worsen acne—that are released during periods of emotional stress. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing excess oil to build up in your pores, contributing to more acne.
One of these hormones is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). A surge in DHEA encourages more oil production and increases acne breakouts. While it is often called the “youth hormone,” it has a common side effect—oily, acneic skin.
As a sensory organ, the skin detects nuances in our environment and communicates these to the brain. The skin can also reflect messages transmitted within our nervous system through what Harvard University researchers have dubbed the neuro-immuno-cutaneous-endrocrine network or N.I.C.E.
Discovery of this network confirms that the function of the nerves, the immune system, the actions and reactions taking place in our glands (the endrocrine system), and the health of our skin are interrelated. If there is malfunction in one aspect of this network, other areas will be affected. In broader terms, it’s a mind-skin link that reflects health as well as disease.
What to do
1. Environment—In your treatment room, create a relaxing experience through music, aromatherapy, and soft lighting. A few drops of lavender oil in the bath, a softly scented candle and quiet music, even if only for 10 minutes, encourage a peaceful state of mind. Even home décor can encourage tranquility through the use of soothing monochromatic colors, comforting fabrics, and home fragrances.
2. Topical and internal regimen—The products should reduce inflammation, increase cell turnover through exfoliation, offer protection, and most importantly, keep the skin hydrated. I recommend an acne program that is both topical and internal.
Adding an internal component encourages even better results. Recommended ingredients include Vitamin A to encourage cell turnover, B-Vitamins to help with cell repair, zinc to reduce inflammation, and purifying herbs such as Burdock Root and Yellow Dock.
3. Appropriate cellular water—All skin needs hydration, especially acne-prone skin. We think we are hydrating the skin and our cells by drinking water, but that alone is a misconception. It’s not the water you drink; it’s the water you keep. My theory on water and acne is to maintain water in the tissue and cells strengthening the sebaceous apparatus, which reduces the chance of follicle rupture. The Water Principle is the method I recommend to keep skin hydrated internally and topically. Topically, use products with humectant properties such as Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium PCA. Internally, take Phosphatidylcholine, plus Essential Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid to protect cells and repair, thereby attracting and maintaining water in the cell.
4. Professional—regular professional treatments deep cleanse the pores, reducing existing while preventing future breakouts. The application of papaya and pineapple enzymes with anti-inflammatory agents digests surface cell build-up and encourages easy extraction. While masking, massage the shoulders, arms and hands to complete the relaxation process.
As a physician, I believe skincare is healthcare. In my medical practice and in the Murad Medical Spa, I recommend an inclusive approach to skin health. By treating the whole person through aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, and other supportive therapy, I believe we can change our client’s skin and restore overall well-being, whether they have acne, menopausal concerns, or any one of the myriad of conditions.
