Acne is a complex and complicated medical condition that affects millions of people all over the world on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the solutions for acne problems aren’t a one size fits all.
Like any other medical condition the best treatment options are the ones that address the cause of the problem and not just the symptoms. Don’t get me wrong, being able to address the symptoms of acne or any other medical condition are important. However, as you look for solutions to your acne problems keep in mind that the end result should always be a cure and not just treating symptoms.
Acne is a complicated because there are a number of factors that contribute to the development and severity of acne. Surprisingly, finding solutions for mild to severe acne, is not as challenging as most people think. In fact, if you focus on addressing the causes, the solutions can be quite simple.
Let’s take a look at one of the known causes of acne and it’s also demonstrated to increase the severity of acne you already have.
Stress. I know that seems like an oversimplified statement but if you take a look at the effects of high and prolonged stress levels, it’s easy to see how stress effects acne. It’s also easy to understand how to find a solution for this specific cause of acne.
Research has demonstrated that high levels of stress and/or prolonged periods of stress can have effects human physiology on very basic levels.
Let’s take a closer look at the effects of an imbalance of just these three hormones can have.
Insulin – Every cell in our body uses glucose for energy. Glucose in our blood comes from the food we eat. The way the glucose gets into the cell is with the help of a hormone called insulin. However, getting blood glucose into cells is just one of the things insulin effects. High levels of insulin in the body stimulate the excessive production of other hormones by the adrenal glands. These hormones include Androgens and Cortisol.
Androgens – Androgens are a type of hormone. They are converted into sex hormones, male and female. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands.
A number of medical conditions, to include acne, have been linked to an imbalance of these types of hormones. In regards to acne, increased levels of androgens cause an increase in the activity of the
sebaceous glands in the skin. The sebaceous glands then increases the amount sebum produced and the likelihood that acne will develop.
Cortisol occurs naturally in our body and has a specific and beneficial purpose. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is produced in response to stress as we’ve mentioned before.
However, during periods of prolonged or chronic stress cortisol can have severe damaging effects, especially to our skin in regards to fighting acne.
During prolonged periods of stress or chronic stress, high cortisol levels can have these effects:
Cortisol can promote insulin resistance by counter acting insulin.
Cortisol can cause collagen loss, especially in the skin.
Cortisol can suppress the immune system including our ability to fight bacterial infection.
These three hormones occur in the body naturally for a reason. It’s when there is an imbalance in these hormones, and others, that problems occur. The key is finding a way to find balance in our lives, naturally.
Everyone has stress and today most people live lives that make it hard to find time and effective ways to reduce stress. However, there are some things we can do to counter act the stress in our lives and reduce the harmful effects of stress, to include it’s effects on our skin and acne.
In your search for solutions to your acne problems don’t overlook the obvious and don’t discount one of the most subtle causes of acne. Stress.