Monthly bills, tight deadlines, and problems in the workplace can all cause stress. Stress affects people in different ways but it can have an effect on your emotions, your behavior, and your body. And one of the ways that it can manifest in the body is through the skin.

When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which can have a terrible effect on the skin because it tells the glands to make more oil, which then makes the skin more susceptible to breakouts, WebMD reports. The body’s chemical response to stress also makes the skin more sensitive, the publication notes.

Cosmopolitan notes that in addition to stress releasing cortisol, it can also cause an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the gut, and this can cause acne.

Among the most common skin problems caused by stress are acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and skin rashes. But not only can stress cause skin issues, but it can also worsen pre-existing problems, which is why so many people notice that their skin starts playing up during a particularly stressful time in their lives.

“Patients who have skin conditions have been shown to have higher instances of anxiety and social avoidance,” dermatologist Abigail Waldman told Allure. “It’s all interconnected in that stress and anxiety can impact skin conditions, and having skin issues can lead to anxiety and negatively affect someone.”

So, how do you resolve it, as getting rid of stress is much easier said, than done? The most important step would be to practice self-care and take time out of each day to relax and unwind with breathing techniques and meditation, Cosmopolitan notes. Then be sure to nourish the body with a balanced diet (cutting out sugar may also help) and plenty of water.

WebMD also notes that people can get easily distracted by stress and not take care of their skin as well as they should, but you should maintain your daily skincare routines. And avoid touching your face (which is a nervous habit for some people)! “Acne has a lot to do with people touching their faces,” Dr. Nagler told Self. “I always talk about that with my patients.”

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