Stress pimples are very real. Do you know how to treat them?
Do you suffer from stress pimples? If so, you wouldn’t be alone. Lots of people struggle with this embarrassing and unsightly problem. And did you ever notice that zits show up at the worst possible time?
It can really suck, particularly if you have an event planned, like a date with someone special. But here is the deal – the acne on your face didn’t just crop up by accident.
For some time now, researchers have known there is a direct relationship between stress and pimples. You may be thinking that the easy way to prevent these breakouts simple – just destress.
If only it were that easy.
In truth, all of us handle stress in different ways. For some, signs of anxiety manifest in the muscles, such as having a sore neck or shoulders.
For others, stress presents itself in the form of gastrointestinal problems, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). And still for others, stress expresses itself on the face – particularly in men.
So what can you do to deal with stress pimples? Are there any practical solutions to treat and prevent breakouts? Can anything be done naturally to make things better?
The answers to these questions is – yes!
What follows are 8 practical tips for dealing with stress pimples. Some of the suggestions may seem intuitive while others will cause you to pause and reflect. Read them all to get the most out of what’s being imparted.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Get enough sleep
One of the reasons you may be experiencing stress pimples is because you aren’t getting enough sleep. The body of research suggests that on average, all of us should get around 7-8 hours per night. If you are in college, you may even need more.
2. Eat properly
One of the ways people deal with stress is by skipping meals. Others overeat as a way of coping. Both approaches can paradoxically exacerbate stress and cause aggravation.
Try eating five to six small meals a day. If possible, skip the fast food and opt for healthy, natural dishes.
Related: Nutrition and body building
3. Reduce caffeine, sugar and alcohol
It makes sense that you might reach for a cup of coffee when your energy is low. And when you want to chillax, grabbing a beer might seem like the perfect way to end the day.
The problem is substances like caffeine, alcohol and sugar can inadvertently drive up your stress levels, leaving a trail of facial pimples in their wake.
No need to cut everything out. Think more along the lines of reduction. Example: Instead of two cups of coffee, why not just one?
4. Start a pimple treatment program
Like it or not, you will probably need to spend some money to get your stress pimples under control. A good place to start is by visiting your doctor.
Sometimes, a prescription is required to kill the bacteria that are helping to contribute to the bumps on your face.
In addition to working with your physician, many people have found that by using a high quality product, such as the Tiege Hanley Skin System, they are better able to prevent breakouts and treat existing problems.
5. Mindfulness
Anxiety’s best friend is stress. In fact, you’ll probably not find one without the other nearby. That’s why it’s important to focus on the here and now and not think too much about the future.
One approach I recommend to clients is to engage in mindfulness. If you have time, I encourage you to read this post on how to reduce stress using the RAIN technique.
6. Get to the gym
One of the best ways you can cope with stress and thereby prevent zits from breaking out on your face is to exercise. Time and again, research had demonstrated that exercise is a powerful combatant against anxiety and depression.
You don’t have to live at the gym in order to receive a benefit. Even if you can go 3-5 times a week for an hour, you’ll be making a huge difference.
Related: Excuses for not working out
7. Consider meditation
Stress isn’t something that you can just wish away. Like anything else in life, it requires a sound plan of attack. A pleasant tool that you should consider putting in your stress-busting arsenal is mediation.
There are various forms of mediation, including self-hypnosis. By taking just 10 minutes out of your day to purge your mind and look inward, you can help your body to eliminate stressful thoughts.
8. Don’t touch your face
Acne is in part caused by bacterial. While it’s tempting to touch your face and feel the pimples, it’s probably not a good idea. That’s because the more you touch that zit, the more you spread the bacterial.
This is a simple solution to prevent new pimples but is often ignored. If you must lay hands on your zits, do so when you are washing your face with a cleanser or when applying a topical cream to treat acne.
Stress Pimples Final Thoughts
Let’s face it – stress is a part of life. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be good for us. That’s because when stress isn’t out of control, it can keep us on our toes.
I’ve recommended this one to many students and clients over the years. What’s great about this read are the easy to follow, step by step approaches to stress management.
Good luck with your stress pimples. By following these suggestions, you should see a change for the better!
