The holiday season is upon us, and while for many it means colder temperatures and Santa, for others it means a major increase in stress. In fact, there are many people who even suffer from the “holiday blues,” because of the stress brought on by the hustle and bustle of the season. What many people don’t realize is how that stress can affect their skin, or what they can do about it when it happens.
“The holiday season is a time when we are largely out of our normal routines, which alone can be a stressor,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini of MD Dermatology, with locations in Edgewater, Glen Burnie and Lexington Park, Maryland. “Many people will find that they have skin issues that emerge or become worse during this period due to the added stress.”
Most people have day-to-day stress that includes their jobs, commute, and busy schedules that may or may not include kids. But once the holiday season rolls around, those daily stresses are added to by such things as a time change, overeating and overdrinking, not getting enough sleep, being overscheduled, and not getting enough exercise. Add to that the fact that it’s a time when people feel more financial hardship and it’s a recipe for being stressed out, which can be a problem, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
When people feel more stress they tend to produce more stress hormones, which causes inflammation and other such problems, including:
· Making some conditions worse, such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. The stress can also bring on hives and rashes.
· Many people experience more fever blisters and have more reaction to irritants and allergies during stressful periods.
· Not being taken care of as well. Those who feel stressed are less likely to take the time to care for their skin or eat right for healthy skin.
“It’s important that we take the time to de-stress during the holidays, but to also take the time to care for our skin,” added Dr. Saini. “Your skin is your largest organ. Give yourself a great gift by not neglecting it this holiday season.”
It’s important to take the time to de-stress during the holiday season. There are numerous ways to do this, including meditation, yoga, journaling, and taking personal time each week to unwind. Also, keeping a calendar and not over-scheduling activities will be helpful. Additionally, there are ways to help the skin deal with such stress-induced conditions, so make an appointment with the dermatologist to go over the best option for your particular skin problem.
MD Dermatology offers a full line of clinical dermatology procedures including precision neck contouring, laser services, injection services, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and more. They are a medically directed spa that offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of every patient. For additional information, visit their site at:www.mddermatology.com.