Enjoy a Chemical Peel to Get Rid of Signs of Holiday Stress
It’s normal to have mixed feelings about the holidays. This time of year is undoubtedly filled with joyous moments, spirited reunions, delicious food, and gift exchanges. However, the holidays are also hotbeds of stress — stepping away from work, traveling, socializing, spending money on presents, etc. — it adds up. To make matters worse, all of this holiday-induced stress can manifest itself on your skin. If you want your skin to look its best this season and beyond, it’s worth looking into cosmetic dermatology treatments and services. More specifically, consider enjoying a chemical peel to get rid of those signs of holiday stress.
What to Know About Skin Stress & Treatment
What Holiday Stress Can Do to Your Skin
Not too long ago, stress was considered to be something intangible, separate from the physical realities of this realm. However, in recent decades, medical experts have begun to understand the connection between stress and our physical well-being. Indeed, our bodies have evolved to react in certain ways when faced with stressful situations. For instance, when stressed out, the body produces cortisol, a hormone that in part tells the body to produce more oil. This increase in oil production can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. Cortisol also breaks down the skin’s natural collagen, which gives skin its elasticity and structure — in this way, stress can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Stress responses can also be inflammatory, exacerbating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In some individuals, severe stress can even lead to hair loss (i.e. telogen effluvium).
Reducing Signs of Stress with a Chemical Peel
Fortunately, many of the visible signs of stress can be eliminated or diminished via chemical peel. A chemical peel is a method of exfoliation that uses acid (typically alpha hydroxy acids) to slough away dead skin cells and remove other impurities, stimulating new skin cell growth and collagen production. As a result, one’s skin will look smoother, brighter, and more consistent throughout. The specific benefits of chemical peels include:
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduction of age spots, dark patches/discoloration, and visible sun damage
- Improvement of mild scars
- Treatment of mild acne breakouts
- Overall improvement of skin texture and tone
Of course, not everyone is a great candidate for a chemical peel. And even those who are prime candidates for this procedure may require multiple treatments before noticing the changes listed above. Still, if the holidays tend to stress you out and your skin isn’t afraid to show it, undergoing a chemical peel can refresh your appearance for a brand new year and beyond.
Other Ways to De-Stress Before and After the Holidays
Chemical peels don’t provide the only avenue for de-stressing your mind and body this holiday season. You might consider other cosmetic treatments, such as classic facials, laser resurfacing, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and more. Beyond cosmetic procedures, you can also reduce your stress levels and improve your skin by:
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Sticking to a skincare routine that works for you
- Meditating
- Stretching
- Enjoying hobbies
- Receiving emotional support from trusted sources and/or professionals
Shed Your Holiday Stress
We all feel the pressure inherent in the holiday season — that doesn’t mean your skin has to reveal how stressed out you are. If you’re curious about chemical peels and other cosmetic treatments to clear away signs of stress, the professionals at Premier Dermatology Partners are happy to give you more insight and advice. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.