At every corner of life you will encounter stress. Whether you are starting a new semester in school or taking final exams that will determine a year's worth of work, getting married or doing job interviews, there are many different stressing factors. 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 are highly related. Acne breakouts can also cause emotional stress and embarrassment. Genetics, hormones, diet, etc. also play a part in acne development but are often related to level of 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 pituitary then sends another stress signal to the adrenal glands, where the precursors of androgen are released into the body. Androgens are the hormones that arouse the activity of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. 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 are the things in the environment that contribute to stress. Pore-clogging elements are external stressors. Think grease, oils, and sun. Excessive sun exposure can dry the skin and cause the sebaceous glands to increase sebum production. They are also situations that cause us to perceive a threat, including the workplace, home and school.

Internal Stressors

Internal stressors are the emotions we experience; these might come from genetics or internalizations we have come to learn throughout the course of our lives. These internal stressors also stimulate the endocrine system and can cause acne breakouts.

Treating Stress Related Acne

Get your stress levels under control with a few stress relief activities and techniques:

* Yoga.

* Deep breathing exercises, like meditation.

* Exercise daily.

* Avoid that which is easily avoidable by organizing your living space.

* Soothing music.

* Sleep what you need

* Say no to activities/work you cannot accommodate.

If getting your stress under control still leaves you needing an acne skin care system, first try from the wide assortment of natural acne treatment products. Natural products clear acne without the drying, flaking and other harsh side effects caused by prescriptions and cosmetic treatments. A natural acne medication is gentle in addition to being effective and less costly.

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 has anti-inflammatory properties and specifically works to inhibit sebum production.

* Alpine Willow herb extract. It is a natural salicylic acid that also kills acne bacteria.

* Helix Aspersa Muller glycoconjugates. This serum is collected from the garden snail and acts as an effective adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin regeneration trigger.