Stress Acne

Stress acne is characterized by

* Getting acne white heads, black heads, pimples and nodules mainly around the forehead and nose (T Zone).

* Getting acne when you are stressed.

* Eating comfort food like chocolates and cakes when you are stressed.

* Picking at your acne when you are stressed.

* Getting acne after a stressful event.

Stress Acne Treatment

To treat acne caused by stress do the following:

* Meditate twice a day, in the morning and evening since meditation is a very effective relaxation technique that reduces the heart rate and tension in the body. To meditate, focus on a Scripture that speaks to your stressful situation. For example if you are stressed because of acne you can meditate on God telling you, “I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds.” (Jeremiah 30:17) Click here to buy meditation aids

Avoid eating sweet comfort foods like chocolates when you are stressed because they cause a rapid rise in the blood sugar level which is followed by a lot of insulin being released. This insulin results in increase production of oil by the skin and acne breakouts. Instead, eat healthy comfort foods like boiled sweet potatoes. Click here to buy sweet potatoes

* Do not pick at your acne when you are stressed since it results in deeper lesions and bigger scars. Instead, engage in aerobic exercises like jogging or playing games like basketball since they are very effective relaxation techniques. Click here to buy aerobic exercise DVDs

* Drink green tea every evening since studies have shown that green tea and black tea contain a compound known as L-Theanine which reduces the body’s psychological and physiological responses to stress. To prepare it, steep 1 tablespoon of fresh green tea leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried tea leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes and drink it once it cools. Click here to buy green tea

* Sleep for 7 to 9 hours each night to avoid sleep deprivation since it aggravates stress and results in an increase in the stress hormone cortisol which leads to increased oil production by the skin and acne eruptions. Lack of sleep also increases inflammation and this can worsen acne. Sleep deprivation also ensures that the skin does not have enough time to repair and rejuvenate itself. Click here to buy a sleeping mask