Has The Stress Of Covid-19 Caused Your Acne To Flare Up? 

 Stress has affected us all during the pandemic. Coping with the crisis, being quarantined or in isolation, or home-schooling your kids are all factors that are causing high levels of stress for many. While a little bit of stress is okay, too much stress can wreak havoc on your body mentally and physically.

Stress can have an impact on your skin, exacerbating many dermatologic conditions, such as acne, eczema, hair loss, and psoriasis.

“’Don't stress too much’ is so much easier said than done, especially given today’s circumstances,” says Allison Senerchia, a Physician Assistant with Integrated Dermatology in Washington DC. “Instead, get your body moving for just a few minutes each day. Whether it's a walk around the block or a 5-minute yoga stretch, anything you can do to get some endorphins flowing will hopefully reduce some stress and lead you on a path of clearer skin.”

“Your skin will let you know when your body is overwhelmed with stress,” said Dr. Agnes Ju Chang, Medical Director of Integrated Dermatology. “It causes inflammation, triggering stress zits and making your current skin conditions worse.”

Acne is the most common skin condition in the US, affecting both teenagers and adults. Adult acne can be very frustrating and distressing. The cause of acne is multifactorial in nature and involves oil glands, bacteria, hormones, and lifestyle factors.

“Stress can trigger cortisol, which is our fight or flight hormone,” explains Dr. Sarika Snell. “This hormone can affect the skin by stimulating our oil glands to increase more oil and trigger inflammation in our skin that can lead to acne. As dermatologists, we can help you by creating an acne regimen that will help reduce the inflammation and oil production in the skin, which will then improve the acne for beautiful and clear skin.”

There are very effective treatments for acne that may be helpful to clear up your skin. These include topical treatments (applied to the skin), systemic treatments (which work throughout the body), and procedures. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition and sleep should also be considered.

Topical treatment consists of a sound skin care regimen and incorporating prescription creams. Systemic treatment consists of oral medications, such as antibiotics, spironolactone, and isotretinoin (Accutane). Procedures including chemical peels and lasers can also be helpful for hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

Let Washington DC’s top board-certified dermatologists and providers help you with your skin during this stressful time. Whether it is through our in-office visits to teledermatology video visits, you can start or continue the conversation to improving your skin. We can help you reach your goal of having clearer, healthier skin. Book Now.