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The latest research has shown that stress not only affects your weight and heart but stress can do a number on your skin, too! That's right. Stress can actually cause rashes, acne and many other blemishes as well.

When you feel stress, your body level of cortisol (stress hormone) rises, this in turn can raise your blood sugar. Higher blood sugar levels are, in turn, correlated with increased skin aging. It is believed that, the next step leads to sugar molecules attacking your skin's collagen and elastin. Acne and other skin blemishes result from high blood sugar levels. Of course, your levels of epinephrine soar when you're in stressful situations. That particular hormone is associated with decreased blood flow to the skin, which can make your complexion appear dull and give you dark circles under the eyes. Also, the skin barrier is compromised due to stress and in turn leads to decreased protection from harmful outside irritants which help hold moisture in your skin. This can eventually lead to allergic reactions, rashes, acne and other blemishes.

What Can Be Done?

In graduate school we often discussed ways in which to decrease stress. Many of the answers that came out of our class have stuck with me and perhaps they can be of assistance to you to:

Get plenty of sleep. The average adult should get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night.

Eat a well balanced diet. Try to incorporate all of the important nutrients and vitamins into you schedule. Perhaps the best plan is to eat light periodic meals, every two to three hours is a good start. You may also consider going on a low fat diet.

Pray/Meditate. Take care of yourself spiritually. Do the things that you need to in order to nurture the whole self.

Exercise. A good thirty minute brisk walk will do it. Remember not to think about stressful events while you are exercising otherwise this will defeat the purpose.It is also important to remember to burn fat while exercising.

In closing, let me remind you that you are the only one in control of your stress levels. Sure, there are many external forces vying for you time and talents but ultimately only one person can choose to deal with the pressures of life in a healthy manner. That is you. My hope is that you feel less stress as a result of reading this blog not more, hope it worked. Good Luck.