Managing stress is important aspect of effective skin care

 Managing stress is an important aspect of effective skin care

People invest heavily in skincare products for healthy skin but they miss a crucial aspect which is stress management for healthy skin. Studies have established the link between stress and skin health making stress management a vital component of maintaining healthy skin. Dr K S Prasanna of the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) in Kasargod says that stress can seriously affect the skin. "Excessive stress-related hormones like cortisol can affect skin's health and aggravate existing skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Also, stress-induced hormonal imbalances can damage skin, accelerate the ageing process, and cause premature wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. The stress can also weaken the immune system, exposing the skin to more infections," she said.
According to Dr Prasanna, managing stress through yoga, meditation and other recreational activities is important for healthy skin. "A few minutes of meditation every day will have a positive impact on the skin. Moderate exercise or physical activity also helps in combating stress and improving skin health. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators that help reduce stress and support mental health," she said, adding that adequate sleep is also crucial in maintaining skin health. "Poor sleep patterns lead to stress which in turn disrupt the skin's natural repair processes. A person should get adequate hours of sleep to have a stress-free life," she said, adding that stress management is a fundamental pillar of effective skincare. So even while investing in quality skincare products, one needs to incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga, exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet in daily life for not only healthier skin but also for an improved sense of well-being.