Given the time of year combined with a slow economy, and a harsh winter in many parts of the country, people tend to become more stressful, and r
outinely put themselves into depressive situations. Rashes can suddenly begin appearing in different places of your body and face which you never thought imaginable.
Stress has many effects on your body. When under significant physical of psychological stress, your body releases a stress hormone, called cortisol. Cortisol in the natural world, could help save your life in dire circumstances. It helps keep your blood pressure up, makes your kidneys work harder, pushes your liver to get rid of toxins more effectively, and changes your metabolism from storing energy to burning it. In the modern world, however, where we sometimes experience chronic stress from work or family, cortisol’s effects can be counter productive.
We can see this in the skin where elevated cortisol can change both the skin’s structure and function. Studies have shown that chronically elevated cortisol levels lead to a decrease in your skin’s natural lipid or fat barrier. These lipids are essential to keep your skin protected and to prevent it from drying out. Without a layer of lipids on your skin, it is no longer waterproof, and irritating soap and water from hand washing or bathing is able to penetrate the skin, causing inflammation. Without a protective lipid layer, the moisture in your skin evaporates easily, leaving the skin dehydrated. This dry, flaky skin is even more susceptible to damage or irritation.
The consequences of this loss of lipids and decreased defenses is that rashes such as eczema and psoriasis can be triggered or can flare, turning a minor irritation into a full blown outbreak. Other diseases such as herpes viral infections, bacterial infections, and even acne are much more likely to worsen when your cortisol levels are elevated from stress.
Here at the Center for Dermatology, Laser, and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farber and our professional and knowledgeable staff can present you with different treatments, including Laser, Microdermabrasion, and different moisturizers and lotions to heal you and make your skin even more beautiful! Call us today at 215-676-2464 to DeStress, Rejuvenate, Recondition and get yourself ready for Spring! By scheduling facials and other treatments helping you to relax, while rebeautifying yourself! Spring is just around the corner, when you can enjoy the outdoors and change in weather along with your rejuvenated skin!
