Remember a time when you're all stressed out and everything seems to be crashing down. Nothing's going the way it should. And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, you wake up with Mount Everest staring at you via the middle of your face! And you just think to yourself... WHY!!!!

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Yes ladies, we've all been there (boys too). So to answer your question, yes stress has a lot to do with your breakouts. With the help of the lovely Sonya Dakar, The Problem Skin Specialist, I'm going to try to break it down for you so you can understand what's really going on.

When we are stressed, our brain immediately recognizes this and releases cortisol, a stress hormone that helps to thicken hair follicles lining, it also causes blackheads and whiteheads. If the bacteria builds up on our face and is trapped in our pores, we welcome these annoying little guests on our faces, pimples.

Our body responds to the brain signals by redirecting blood and oxygen to where it's needed in order to solve our stress problem, but this makes it leave other areas including the skin. Our skin becomes dehydrated and prone to clogged pores and breakouts.

WARNING SIGNS

skin is oilier than usual, caused by stress
blackheads and whiteheads start to appear
face looks dull because of blood and oxygen loss
increased skin sensitivity

SOLUTIONS

Solve the Source of Stress: get more sleep, exercise, relax
Pay Attention to Diet: lots of greens like spinach, because it has fiber that helps with clear skin, and vitamins A and C for discolouration. Also try nutrition, vitamin or meal supplements for specific nutrient deficiencies. Precision Nutrition has a great post on all the amazing benefits and functions of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Stick to a Skin Routine: have a separate one for morning and night because our skin needs different things during both time periods. Also, make sure to change up your routines once in a while as your face becomes used to the cleaning agent.
Apply Treatment Products before breakouts surface the skin.
Keep Skin Clean and Hydrated: have a good facial lotion that doesn't contain oil, and doesn't clog your pores. Drink lots of water for hydration and please try not to wear a lot of makeup or touch your face during the day to prevent the spread of bacteria on your face.

For more information on breakouts and other skin related goodness, got to SonyaDakar.com

Stress: The Reason You Might Be Breaking Out