If your complexion is looking as bad as your bank balance, fear not! Racheal Abrahams of beauty and holistic therapy service Skin and Tonic is on hand to advise us how to save our skins:

When we are under stress our bodies react in a number of different ways and the adrenaline it creates puts us in a constant state of fight or flight mechanism. Short term this is a normal body reaction, but if our body is in this condition for long periods of time, day after day, it has a negative effect on our health and well being. It has the ability to change our blood pressure, moods, sleep patterns, nervous, digestive and circulation systems to name but a few, and hormones, our bodies chemical messengers go into overtime. This in turn can have a knock on effect to the rate of hair growth and the condition of our skin.

Our skin is a living organ and put simply is made of 2 distinct layers. It acts as protection, it helps to regulate our body temperature, it forms vitamin D, it aids sensation. The inner layer is the dermis, and the thinner outer layer is the epidermis. New skin cells are constantly being reproduced at the base of the epidermis where they are hardened, flattened and eventually pushed to the skins surface, where they will eventually be shed. This journey takes an average of 28 days.

Sebum, an oil produced from sebaceous glands in the dermis, is constantly being secreted onto the surface of the epidermis. Here it forms the skins acid mantle. It lubricates the skin keeping it soft and supple, preventing dehydration and dryness. Sebum has a pH balance of 5.5 which is slightly acidic. This stops bacteria and fungi from growing on the skins surface.

When sebum secretions are altered, the pH balance also changes, and this brings about different skin disorders. Stress and anxiety are not always the underlying cause of these conditions, but can definitely trigger them or make them worse. We are going to have a look at a few mild conditions, see how they can be treated and what products you can use at home to help aid the healing process. It is important to note that if conditions are severe then GPs treatment should be sought with recommendation to be passed to a dermatologist.

 Acne Vulgaris: develops due to an over secretion of sebum in the hair follicles. This is stimulated due to hormonal changes, mainly testosterone and progesterone. The opening of the follicle becomes plugged with sebum and forms blackheads. The pH balance of the skin changes. Pustules are formed when the follicle becomes infected with bacteria which thrives on excessive sebum and dead skin cells. This causes inflammation and excess sebum can burst into surrounding tissues, which spreads the condition. So no squeezing! Sometimes deeper more painful lesions form which may scar if left untreated.

 Treatment for acne is varied and will not disappear quickly, so persevere and be patient. Products will either stop the bacteria multiplying in the follicle, or will dry up the sebum being produced. Both cases will prevent pustules being formed. Skin must be kept scrupulously clean, cleansing with an antibacterial face wash to remove excess dirt and sebum. Exfoliating 1-2 weekly removes excess skin cells and keeps the follicles plug free. Deep cleansing and antibacterial face masks should be used once a week, and don’t skip on the moisturizers, however they should be water based to prevent dehydration, and will have sebum regulating or antibacterial ingredients.

 Facials are ideal as they deep cleanse, remove blackheads and reduce inflammation. You can pay a little for the basic one or pay more which may include high frequency, acid peels, micro dermabrasion. Laser treatments help giving a smoother even texture to the skin. These do vary in price and can be expensive.

 GP’s will usually start by prescribing the contraceptive pill to balance the hormone factor, and antibiotics either applied as a lotion and cream or taken in pill form. Stronger preparations are available but have side effects, so the weaker formulations will be used first.

 Make-up can still be worn but look for non-comogenic products which will prevent blackheads forming, and again must be thoroughly cleansed off. Essential oils are very effective, try putting t-tree which is antibacterial and drying, and lavender, which is soothing and sebum balancing, directly onto the affected spots with a cotton bud. Other products may contain retinoic acid (retin A) which is a vitamin A derivative and has proved to be effective. As a bonus this vitamin derivative helps fight signs of wrinkles too.

Acne Rosacea: is slightly different and is characterized by redness and inflammation in a butterfly shape across the nose and cheeks. This is due to weak blood vessels dilating. It is often accompanied by excessive oiliness and sometimes pustules.

You may have to use a number of products, first to help soothe down the inflammation, and secondly to balance the oil. Regular cleansing and exfoliation is important too to reduce blocked pores and pustules. Avoid gritty exfoliators as the friction created will further aggrevate the skin, instead choose one which is enzyme based. Laser treatments have proved to be effective here by coagulating the weak blood vessels and so reducing the redness. Essential oils of chamomile, and lavender can be added to existing skincare products, as they are anti-inflammatory, soothing and ylang ylang which is balancing. Things to avoid are excessive alcohol, spicy foods and extreme temperatures as this will further dilate the weak blood vessels..

Eczema: An inflammatory skin disorder, but due to stress the skin develops an intolerance to a sensitizer which leads to a red itchy rash or blisters. Due to scratching these the blisters weep and crusts form, which leads to further itching, scratching and burning. It is important to stop the itch scratch cycle, as this can break the skin and cause infection.

There are numerous irritants to avoid such as mineral oils, detergents, strong perfumed soaps and shower gels, some cosmetics (choose hypo allergenic) certain washing powders and fabric conditioners. GP’s prescribe Cortisone creams which are very effective, however they will thin the skin with long term use. Essential oils such as chamomile, lavender and bergamot can be added to body and bath oils and body lotions, as they are anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing.

Psoriasis: This is a non-infectious condition of the face and body which usually covers areas of thick skin such as elbows and knees. Small red patches develop into brighter patches with silver flaky scales. This is an hereditary defect which can be triggered by emotional and mental stress and has been linked to nervous disorders.

Ultra violet light really helps to clear this condition, so regular short sessions on a sunbed can be helpful. Gentle exfoliation with a body scrub or body brush will help to remove excess skin scales, followed by a rich emmolient cream or oil such as E45 and Oilatum which will help hydrate the dry patches. These also come in shower gels and bath oils. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and massage can help counteract the emotional/stress link.

Alopecia: Scalp hair sheds on average 50-100 hairs per day, however severe stress or shock can cause patches of hair loss which may, and sometimes unfortunately, may not regrow, leading to baldness. There really is no cure however in mild cases, remove the stress factor and the condition improves. Massaging the scalp stimulates micro blood circulation, feeding hair follicles with the nutrients they need to grow.

Hirsuitism: This is characterized by hair growth which takes on male characteristics, leading to stronger darker hair growth along the jawline, upper lip, chest and abdomen. It is caused by hormonal imbalances. Hairs can be temporarily removed by tweezing, waxing or using hair removal creams. Permanent methods are electrolysis and laser treatment, however if the hormonal problem hasn’t been rectified, the hair follicles will always be stimulated to reproduce new hairs!

The use of products with any of the above help with the symptoms, but not necessarily the cause, so long term you will have to consider lifestyle changes.