Constipation and Acne

There are many things that can contribute to acne.  Hormones, stress, an excess of oil or dead skin cells, plus a whole host of other causes.   Some of these are controllable, especially if you understand what is happening.  But can constipation and acne be related?

Constipation and acne

Let’s be real, life is stressful but so is acne.  When you suffer from acne, it takes a toll.  It hurts our self-confidence and self-esteem.  It’s embarrassing and the harder we try to get rid of it, the worse it seems to get.  What makes it worse is that when we’re stressed, we can get constipated.  So, it is very possible that acne and constipation are related.  A few things are happening here, though.

1. Stress can lead to constipation – this can lead to acne.
2. Poor diet contributes to constipation – this, too, can lead to acne.

So, what is the treatment for constipation acne?

Constipation acne / The Treatment constipation and acne

In a way, it’s “simple“:

1. Manage your stress
2. Eat better

I say simple because it seems simple but that isn’t always the case.  Managing your stress takes time to figure out what all the stressors are.  Maybe it’s work.  You may know that you are stressed from a work project so it may be temporary but during the duration of that project, you’ll be stressed.  This is how constipation and acne can be related.

What if your stress is from a personal / family issue.  That could be more long term, especially if health is involved – which means more constipation and acne.  Here is where you’ll need to learn to manage stress.  But, how?

How to manage stress

For me, I’ve tried so many different things.  And, initially, I didn’t think any one thing helped.  What I realized is that I needed to keep at it and to use things in combination.  For example, exercise.  I know a lot of people that run, and running is a very good exercise for many.

Personally, I like a varied workout.  Sometimes I run or I do weight training, cycling, and sometimes all I have energy for is walking.  Ironically, the easiest thing to do is walk because when you are stressed about something, you’re not always ready for a workout.  But, you can step outside for 10 minutes to clear your head.  It really does help.  Plus, exercise can actually help acne.

Next, meditation.  You may be thinking “meditation meditation”, I can’t do meditation!  I hear ya!  It’s really hard, especially if you are prone to worry, anxiety, rumination, and on and on.  But bear with me here…I was the same, but I kept at it.  I didn’t let it discourage me.  Once, I went for a massage (another great relaxation idea, by the way) and the masseuse was also a yoga and meditation instructor.  We got to talking and he told me that the most important thing is to do it.  Let me give you the gist of what he was trying to tell me:

First, just start.  Second, take 5 minutes.  Close your eyes and either focus on your breath or even your third eye.  Truly, it doesn’t matter – just don’t focus on your “to-do” list.  As you’re focusing on your breath or your third eye or whatever you choose, sit quietly.  If you notice you’re mind drifting, bring it back.  He told me it doesn’t matter how many times you have to bring it back, just do it.  And, if you can only do 2 minutes, do 2 minutes.  Eventually, you’ll do it for longer.   You know what?  He was right.

I had been trying to meditate for months, getting frustrated, stopping and thinking I’d never get it.  But, I kept at it and when Bryan (the masseuse) explained that to me, it made sense.  Basically, it doesn’t matter.  Just do it and even the act of trying will help calm you – which will help with your stress / constipation / acne.

Seriously, I know it’s hard.  But keep at it.