The last thing you need is something else to stress about but I thought you should know… your stress is showing. On your skin.

Before you freak out, let me explain. The way our bodies react to high-pressure situations, anxiety, lack of sleep, and having too much to do is the same. It releases cortisol (a powerful steroid) and other hormones. This reaction has results and, simply put, none of them are good. Here are a few of the ways stress directly affects our skin…

Acne: Right when you think things can’t get worse, a huge pimple appears. That’s no coincidence! Stress causes our bodies to produce more oil, and this spike can lead to unsightly breakouts.

Psoriasis, Rosacea and Eczema: People that suffer from psoriasis, rosacea or eczema might notice an increase in symptoms when they’re stressed. These skin conditions can worsen because stress makes us more sensitive, as it dries out our skin and damages its protective barrier.

Fever Blisters and Cold Sores: Like acne, a cold sore is the last thing you want to deal with when you’re already tense but stress can bring about this type of skin infection as well.

Skin Cancer: While stress may not be listed as a common cause of skin cancer, it can increase our chances of acquiring the disease — and can even help it spread faster.

If the state of your skin (and health) matters, you should be actively taking steps to reduce your stress levels. Here are a few easy ways to keep you and your skin under control:

Limit your workload: It’s easy to get caught up in our responsibilities but setting boundaries is important. Make sure you are scheduling time to disconnect and unplug so that your work isn’t running your life.

Exercise a few times a week: Whether it’s a fast paced walk around your neighborhood or a full on fitness session at the gym, try to fit in a few times a week to sweat stress out. Exercising can help clear the mind and reduce anxiety.

Take a deep breath: Sounds too easy to work, I know, but breathing exercises can really help you unwind. Even better, give meditation a go or take a yoga class. The controlled breathing in both practices can also help alleviate stress.

Get a good night’s sleep: Skimping on sleep can lead to stress. Aim for seven to nine hours a night, and try winding down an hour or two before you get in bed. Watching TV or spending time on social media stimulates the mind and makes falling asleep more difficult.

Talk it out: Bottling up our emotions doesn’t make them disappear. Be open and share your concerns with a friend or family member you can confide in. If you feel like your problems are too personal or too big to share with someone you know, meeting with a therapist can be a great alternative.