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There is no escaping stress. You might be starting at a new school or job, taking important tests, or interviewing for jobs or graduate school. Unfortunately, stress is very evident when seen through your body and skin. Considering stress' harmful effects, it is not surprising that, for some individuals, acne comes from stress. Acne and stress participate in a vicious cycle. Acne breakouts can also cause emotional stress and embarrassment. There are many contributing factors for acne, such as genetics, hormones, diet, etc. but all of these factors can be related to or exacerbated by stress.

Stress affects the endocrine system, the hormone regulating system. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary, the master gland, when the body begins to stress. The adrenal glands are activated by the pituitary, secreting the precursor to androgens (testosterone). These hormones play a role in acne as they stimulate and increase activity of sebaceous glands. Sebum, the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, is one of the elements that plug hair follicles, causing pimples. Because stress causes androgen secretion, a high stress level will worsen or cause acne lesions to erupt.

External Stressors

External stressors refer to the environmental causes, in this case, of acne. Elements that block pores or cause elements to block pores are external stressors. Sun, oils and grease are among the many. Excessive sun exposure can dry the skin and cause the sebaceous glands to increase sebum production. Situations can also be external stressors, including those caused by the workplace, home or school.

Internal Stressors

Internal stressors lie in our emotions, genetics, or internalizations learned throughout our lives. This stress acts on the endocrine system and can contribute to acne flare ups.

Treating Stress Related Acne

Control your stress levels with stress relieving techniques:

* Yoga.

* Take deep breaths or better yet, try meditation.

* Get your stress out with physical activity.

* Organize your day and your surroundings.

* Listen to soothing music.

* Get the recommended amount of sleep

* Say no to things you can't do so as to not overwhelm yourself unnecessarily.

Still have acne problems and are interested in an acne skin care treatment? You might want to take a look at the many natural acne treatment products that are out there. Natural products clear acne without the drying, flaking and other harsh side effects caused by prescriptions and cosmetic treatments. A natural acne medication can be just as successful, with the added benefits of gentleness and cost savings.

When looking for a natural acne cream, look for products that include one or more of the following ingredients:

* Licorice Root extract. As an organic natural acne treatment, licorice root extract eliminates acne bacteria. It also works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant and inhibitor of sebum.

* Alpine Willow herb extract. This extract is a natural source of keratolytic salicylic acid with antimicrobial properties.

* Helix Aspersa Muller glycoconjugates. This biological serum stimulates healthy skin reproduction and works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and adaptogen.