Stress has many impacts on our body: lower immune defenses, muscle stiffness, increased or weakened sebum production… This is how it can cause a more or less severe acne breakout. Here are some tips for fighting stress pimples.

In times of great stress or after several strong stress spikes, it is not uncommon to develop stress acne. Stress is a bit like the “panic” button of the body, when it is difficult to channel it, everything goes out of order: digestion, tension, the body’s protective functions, including those of the body. epidermis.

When you are stressed, the sebaceous glands, responsible for the production of sebum, can increase their production or slow it down. When sebum production is low, you can then develop dry skin, with redness and tightness. If the production of sebum increases, the pores are blocked and pimples appear. This is called stress pimples.

By itself, a stress pimple is no different from a classic acne pimple. Simply put, the appearance of pimples is periodic: you can have a sudden acne breakout with normal skin without problems. This flare can be mild or very severe, affecting the face or spreading over the body. Obviously, solutions exist. 

When you have a stressful acne breakout, treatment should be tailored to the extent of the breakout. If you develop mild acne on your face, adapting your beauty routine for a while with products specific to acne-prone skin may be sufficient. Adopt non-comedogenic cosmetics, choose treatments (makeup remover, cleanser, cream) adapted to problem skin and designed to balance sebum production.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of excessively stripping care that may damage your skin further. Instead, turn to drugstore ranges: acne treatment products are often milder than large-area treatments.

If it’s a more severe stress pimple flare, see a dermatologist. He can analyze the type of pimple and direct you to appropriate care. They can also give you a prescription for more powerful treatment lotions, or for antibiotics in case of significant inflammation. 

A stress pimple can appear on the face as well as on the body. Depending on the area of ​​the body, the treatments may be different. On the neck or on the décolleté, it is possible to use the same products as for the face (cleanser and lotion or treating cream), provided you seek the advice of a dermatologist.

One of the areas often affected is the back, especially at the level of the shoulder blades. A scrub can then be a first step to thoroughly clean the area and remove excess sebum. Be sure to choose a gentle scrub without too much fragrance, dyes, glitter, and other additions that could irritate the skin.

If the plaques on the body are severe enough, it is best to see a dermatologist who can prescribe an antibiotic to calm the inflammation. 

If stress pimples are the result of constant stress or acute stress peaks, it’s no secret: stress management should be part of your beauty routine. Meditation, relaxation therapy, avoiding overloading your agenda, or practicing a sport to let off steam can be avenues to consider. Identify the causes of your stress and try to find solutions.

For a little boost, you can also consider herbal medicine: plants are very effective in relieving stress and anxiety, without going through too powerful drugs.