Acne is a skin problem with which people of all ages, genders, and lifestyles can struggle. It can be stressful and embarrassing to deal with, no matter how confident a person is. Acne problems occur in a variety of different forms and severity levels. Stress acne, hormonal acne, and bacterial acne are all common types of acne. Acne can appear as large zits, whiteheads, blackheads, smaller pimples, and in other forms.

Does Stress Cause Acne?

Stress does not directly cause acne but it can definitely be a contributing factor to the presence of acne. Stress is not good for the human body. It can trigger a hormonal response that results in difficult to treat acne. Not everyone who experiences stress will get acne from it but many people do struggle with stress get acne. It is important to understand that stress acne is different from other types of acne. It is not caused by a dirty face and cannot always be relieved with common skin care products. Frequently, a more natural approach is found to be the best option when dealing with stress acne.

Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress Acne

Now that the question "Does stress cause acne?" has been answered, it is time to find some solutions to this problem. There are many different ways to naturally alleviate stress related acne breakouts. It is important to remember that some chemical heavy products will cause additional stress on the body, on top of pre-existing mental and emotional stress. This is why it is a good idea to take as natural of an approach as possible when dealing with stress acne specifically.

Proper Diet

Heavily processed, chemical laden foods have a negative impact on the human body. These types of foods are usually low in nutrients that benefit the skin. They also increase the body's stress response. When eating greasy fried foods like potato chips or french fries, grease can get into the pores of the skin and cause additional acne issues on top of stress acne. It is best to have a diet rich with organic fruits, organic vegetables, whole grains, high quality protein sources, and plentiful micronutrients. A high sugar, high fat diet that does not contain organic foods will not benefit the skin of any person.

Drink More Water

Hydration is essential for human life. It helps to promote healthy organ function, steady energy levels, and nutrient absorption. It also helps to prevent disease and maintain a healthy body fat percentage. Furthermore, Hydration is extremely important for the skin of the human body and face. For those who struggle with stress, it can be difficult for them to drink enough water each day. Unfortunately, this may lead to additional problems including dry skin and more acne. It is a good idea to be sure to drink at least one gallon of water per day or one half of your body weight in ounces.

Use Natural Skin Care Products, Including Tea Tree Skin Care Products

Tea tree oil is proven to have a wide variety of benefits when it is diluted and applied to the skin. This natural product has been used in various cultures for a long time to treat skin conditions and irritation. Keeva Organics is a great option for people who are searching for a tea tree oil skin care product to use for acne treatment and care. Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Spot Treatment is a well reviewed and affordable product that contains high quality, natural ingredients. Many different brands boast about their essential oil use in product ingredients, but it is important to make sure that these ingredients are high quality as well. That is why it is important to shop with a reputable brand.

Stick to a Good Routine

Having a good routine will help anyone to alleviate stress. When stress levels are lowered, stress related acne will often start to go away or lessen. Writing out a daily schedule, setting alarms, and using graphic organizers or calendars will help you to maintain a routine. Setting regularly scheduled activities like family outings, workouts, or meetings can also help to create a positive sense of routine. Adopting a sense of routine should feel good and never be a chore. This will help you instill a well-being ritual that will provide you with long lasting positive effects.

Wash Your Pillowcase More Often

For those who struggle with stress acne, it is especially important to minimize other types of acne. Washing pillowcases and bed sheets often enough is important to keep your face clean. A natural, free and clear style, laundry detergent is a good idea to use when washing pillowcases and sheets in order to minimize irritation.

Use Stress Management Techniques and Coping Mechanisms

There are a variety of different natural, free/ low cost, and effective stress management techniques and coping mechanisms that people can use to reduce their stress levels. Yoga, exercise, meditation, deep breathing, prayer, and mindfulness techniques can all help people to reduce the stress that they experience in their day to day lives.

Yoga and meditation can be practiced independently or in a group environment. Yoga and meditation centers often offer a wide variety of class types and levels. There are also video courses that can be used as a virtual option. Even the most gentle yoga classes can help to relieve day to day stress, which can contribute indirectly to healing moderate to severe acne. 

Avoid Wearing Makeup, Especially Heavy Pore-Clogging Makeup

Studies have shown that makeup can irritate skin, clog pores, and cause acne. When struggling with stress acne, it is important to let your skin breathe while it heals. Trying to solve this problem by covering up breakouts with makeup will only make your acne worse. Sticking with natural care is usually the best option for coping with stress acne specifically.