Almost all of us have to deal with blemishes and acne at least once in our lives. They can be annoying and sometimes painful, but they are a normal part of your skin. However, when it comes to adult acne, sometimes acne and blemishes can be a sign of some bigger issue. Things like hormones and stress can be the root cause of acne and breakouts in adults.
So, how can stress and raised cortisol levels actually cause acne on your face? This is where things get somewhat tricky. Emotional stress can result in increased production of the stress hormone called cortisol. Now increased cortisol levels can trigger several biological processes in the body that can interfere with your immune system responses. Moreover, they also suppress your reproductive system, digestive system, and growth process.
Cortisol plays a key role in causing acne and breakouts. Increased cortisol levels in the body can disrupt the hormone balance and sebum production that generally leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Excessive oil or sebum production generally results in more clogged pores, which in turn, could mean more severe acne and other skin issues.
Besides taking time out of your busy schedule to relax, another good way to reduce your cortisol levels is to simply include some proven stress-busting foods in your diet routine. Foods that are packed with Vitamin C have been shown to lower cortisol. Let’s take a look:
1. Cherries
Sweet and tangy, cherries are essentially the natural candies from Mother Earth. They contain about 81% of water and are extremely very low in calories. One cup serving is enough to meet one-fourth of a day’s vitamin C. Due to their high melatonin content, cherries are an all-natural sleep superfood.
2. Cranberries
Renowned for their highly effective UTI fighting properties, cranberries are a nutritional powerhouse with very low sugar content. They go great with salads and smoothies. This makes them one of the tastiest stress-busting superfoods available anywhere.
3. Oranges
A vitamin-C powerhouse, oranges are also abundant in potassium and fiber and contain high levels of cancer-fighting compounds like citrus limonoids. Boost the nutritional value of your smoothies and yogurt by adding oranges to them and turn them into a de-stressing and delicious snack right away.
4. Asparagus
Asparagus is a diuretic vegetable and one of the best natural sources of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a form of amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin in the body. Increased serotonin levels can instantly lift your mood. Furthermore, Asparagus is also a rich source of folate – a well-researched nutrient to fight depression.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, especially organic ones, are abundant in vitamin C. Put them in your salads or sandwiches, and reap their amazing stress-reducing benefits right away.
6. Mangoes
A one-cup serving of mangoes can provide you with a day’s worth of high-quality vitamin C. High amounts of Vitamin C and a fresh and tropical aroma make mangoes a perfect comfort food that slashes stress while helping you get fit and lean simultaneously.
7. Kiwi
One kiwi is enough to get an entire day’s worth of rejuvenating and stress-busting Vitamin C. Consuming kiwi can also help reduce depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Add it to your smoothies, salad, or oatmeal and make them more refreshing and nutritious instantly.
Why Regular Exfoliation Is Also Important To Get Rid Of Acne And Breakouts?
Apart from proper nutrition, well-formulated exfoliating products from trusted brands like Zali Cosmetics with AHAs, BHAs, and natural ingredients like Kalanchoe extract can offer amazing benefits to your skin. These proven and time-tested products can also help reduce signs of aging and fight acne and break-outs.
Your skin is designed to shed dead skin cells naturally but aging and other factors like sun damage and genetics can adversely affect this process over time, which usually results in dull or dry skin, breakouts, blackheads, clogged, pores and acne. By including AHA and BHA based cleansers or toners in your skincare regimen, you can:
- Significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Get smooth skin with even skin tone
- Unclog pores
- Promote hydration and absorption of topical products
Our Deep Facial Foaming Cleanser and AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner are outstanding products that will help you achieve well hydrated, smooth, and supple skin with a radiant glow.
We hope that this brief guide will help you choose the best nutrition and products for your skincare needs. Be sure to check our range of skincare products here.
