Stress and its effects on Acne formation

Stress have always been associated with acne. Stress, both mental stress and physical stress can be very unhealthy and may have direct effect on acne formation.

Stress refers to the consequences of the failure of a human or animal body to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats to the organism, whether actual or imagined. Stress refers to the inability of the body to respond. Stress can be both physical and mental. Thus the body when stressed releases adrenaline as a defense mechanism. This adrenaline release further causes higher release of the male hormones which are primarily responsible for acne. Research shows that stress effects women more than it effects men with respect to acne formation. Stress also has an inflammatory response in the body which may cause damage to the acne pores and worsen the situation.

Stress when managed effectively can help reduce acne formation. The main weapon to counter stress is exercise. Good exercise helps to supply more oxygen to you brain and there by helping it to manage stress more effectively. Sleep deprivation can also cause stress problems. Hence care should be taken that body gets necessary rest in the form of sleep for at lest good seven hours. Stress can be a factor in contributing to acne formation so care must be taken to manage it effectively.

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Acne - Effect of diet on acne formation

Unhealthy diet habits have always been associated with acne. There is no enough research available at present to point out unhealthy diet habits as a reason for acne but most of the people believe that bad diet habits cause acne. There is a logical hypothesis behind this popular belief.

As we know hormones are main reason for acne. In teenagers during Puberty the release of sex hormones is accelerated for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. These hormones make the sebaceous gland hyperactive releasing lots of sebum which is an oily secretion intended to moisturize and protect the skin. But this excessive secretion mixes with dead skin cells and forms a messy substance that blocks the skin pores causing inflammation resulting in acne. These hormones are all regulated by a primary hormone called insulin. Some foods rich in refined sugars and fats can cause a rise in insulin levels and there by causing a rise in other hormones that cause acne. Hence foods that cause a rise in insulin levels are directly associated with acne. Though it may only seem logical there is no sufficient research to prove the hypothesis.

Hence it is advised to avoid junk food and maintain proper diet to minimize the risk of acne formation. Foods that contain low fat such as fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood should be taken to maintain a proper insulin levels in the body. So junk food may be or may not be responsible for acne formation. But if you seriously consider avoiding acne then you should probably consider avoiding junk food to minimize the risk and anyways junk food is unhealthy. So why bother eating. Take care and maintain good diet habits to effectively combat acne.

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