Skin care

Is Stress Making You Ugly?

Understand what tension can do to your hair, skin and nails -- and skin care tips on what you can do to help prevent it

by Audrey Fine

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Can stress cause acne? If you hearken back to prom, exam time or even your wedding day, you might find that there's a common thread tying them together � you probably had a zit -- or three.

Why? Stress.

"Recent studies have shown a direct link between stress levels and increases of acne," says Murad. "Scientists now believe that during times of stress, our bodies release elevated levels of [two hormones] that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil." And, of course, that excess oil leads to clogged pores, blackheads and acne.

Additionally, stress slows down the healing process -- it can decrease the wound healing capacity of the immune system by up to 40 percent so that your breakouts will last longer than usual.

Super news. So what's a girl to do?

Next: Acne solutions

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Older comments

Nice.

by Mollysunshine Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:29AM Report as inappropriate

interesting article!

by Chris213 Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 06:01PM Report as inappropriate

Yep stress at times!

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:20PM Report as inappropriate

I had no idea more sleep could help your hair not fall out!

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:51PM Report as inappropriate

I have a lot of stress in my life but im really young so hopefully I can get that under control before I start seeing the effects! :P This article was interesting and helpful!

by cheydy15 Friday, January 6, 2012 at 09:32PM Report as inappropriate

the scalp mask looks interesting

by krycekov Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:14AM Report as inappropriate

i really get acne when i'm stress

by LadyLC26 Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 08:04PM Report as inappropriate

wish I could avoid stress!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 09:06PM Report as inappropriate

Thats going to be my excuse from now on...the stress is making me ugly, lol.

by MissPurple Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

Psh. Explains why my nails break so easily :/

by brown_eyes23 Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 04:57PM Report as inappropriate