The latest stress frustration: adult acne
An article from the Associated Press today talks about the latest “bump in the landscape of the economic meltdown: adult acne”.
What could be more embarassing?
It’s true, as dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Karcher says, that the nervous and hormone systems of the body work together, and when the nervous system is stimulated by stress, acne can be the result. Apparently there is somewhat of an epidemic rise in cases these days - for example, someone who is experiencing financial stress, or whose spouse is, adding on other common stressors in adulthood like paying for college tuition and/or caring for elderly parents can really topple the stress meter.
The skin is often the recipient of inner turmoil, whether it’s flushing with embarassment, or acne, as we’ve seen here. There is apparently more student acne during exam periods than at any other time (Stanford University study from 2002). Even psoriasis patients can benefit from stress reduction techniques, as discovered by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in his experiments with mindfulness techniques for patients undergoing light therapy treatment.
Apart from dashing off to the dermatologist and getting expensive creams and pills, or trying to cover it up with makeup (and perhaps aggravating it as a result), what can we do?
Rodan suggests yoga, a recommendation that we heartily support. Yoga helps to support the immune system to prevent infection (when you pick at your pimples), helps to regulate the nervous and hormone systems (to prevent stress from taking hold in the body), helps release toxins (yoga postures and breathing exercises) and through meditation, also helps to calm the bodymind, to help reduce your reaction to stressful events. Yoga is the world’s oldest stress reduction system, and it really works.
Call Heartspring Yoga at 705-790-9838 (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) or check out our website for more information.