by Karen Laine, Para-Medical Aesthetician

If you find skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis or eczema flares prior to a big event, following traumatic life circumstances, or other stressful times, inflammatory skin disorders are exacerbated by the body’s inability to deal with the physiological response of stress and the “fight or flight” syndrome. The body reacts to stressors, whether physical, mental or emotional, in basically the same manner. The body isn’t capable of recognizing the type of stress it’s up against.

When the stress system is triggered, it produces many physical changes. It reacts by cutting off circulation to the digestive tract and diverts blood flow to the large muscles in order to fight or flee. During times of stress, the gut is unable to process and absorb nutrients properly nor expel waste through normal channels, thus inflammation occurs. Additionally, blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension increase with the release of stress chemicals, some of which are physically damaging to your body. The most sensitive cells make up the Hypothalamus, a part of the brain controlling all your hormone activity and immune system. Over time the Hypothalamus struggles to manage things properly leading to adrenal burnout, thyroid problems, weight and mood problems and many types of chronic illnesses.

The key to managing these skin conditions and the well-being of your entire body, is to deal with these reactions through both diet and stress management.

• Reduce or eliminate inflammatory foods: Tran-fats, dairy and grain foods are known to aggravate the digestive system and contribute to many health issues.

• Get sleep: This is your body’s repair and restore time.  Employ natural supplements such as melatonin for help with sleep.  Avoid stimulating behavior before bedtime, i.e. TV, computers, etc. Lower the lights.

• Find support and talk about it: Enlist the aid of a counselor or therapist. Seek natural methods and supplements for stress, depression and anxiety.

• Employ relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, yoga, visualization, biofeedback, journaling or meditation.

• Get some exercise: Helps eliminate stress induced chemicals and toxins from your body through sweat and improved circulation and release of “feel good” chemicals called endorphins in your brain. Shower with lukewarm water soon after to remove irritants from skin.

• Do something you enjoy: Try sports, reading, hobbies, a change of pace to distract your mind.

Karen Laine is a para-medical aesthetician and makeup artist with 20 years experience. Contact her at 512-847-8052. Her office is located at 14500 Ranch Road 12, suite 20, in Wimberley.