Stress Acne (And the Vagus Nerve)

We often search for complicated solutions to our skin issues, trying everything from elaborate skincare routines to expensive supplements. But what if the secret to healthier skin lies in an often-overlooked cranial nerve? Let’s talk about the vagus nerve, its role in your overall health, and how it could be the missing link in achieving that glowing complexion you’ve always wanted.

What’s the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is like the body’s communication superhighway, connecting your brain to virtually all your major organs. Starting from the base of your brain, it travels through your chest, circles your heart and solar plexus, and descends to your intestines. Remember the whole “gut-brain connection” everyone talks about? That’s the vagus nerve doing its thing! This nerve is unique because it’s the only one that crosses your cranial boundary, allowing it to play a crucial role in multiple bodily functions.

What Does Vagal Tone Do?

Vagal tone refers to the activity and responsiveness of the vagus nerve. A high vagal tone is generally a sign of a healthier, more resilient body. Here’s a rundown of what good vagal tone does:

• Helps you feel sensations behind the ear and specific parts of the throat.
• Influences your sense of taste near the root of your tongue.
• Lowers your heart rate and helps you relax.
• Stimulates throat muscles, aiding in swallowing and speaking.
• Assists in moving food along your digestive tract.
• Manages stress and anxiety, calming the mind.
• Plays a role in regulating mood and controlling pain.

Two Sides of Your Nervous System

Think of your nervous system as having two sides: the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”). The vagus nerve primarily controls the latter, helping you to chill out and recover. When you’re constantly stressed, it throws off this balance, leading to a host of health issues, including compromised immunity and digestive issues.

Signs Your Vagal Tone Might Be Off

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional rollercoasters
• Chronic stress
• Always in “fight-or-flight” mode
• Difficulty focusing
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Constipation
• Low stomach acid

Why Poor Vagal Tone Happens

Various factors can negatively impact your vagal tone:

• Early Childhood Trauma: Emotional traumas can set the stage for a lifetime of low vagal tone.
• Head Injuries: Any damage to the head can potentially affect the vagus nerve.
• Poor Breathing Habits: Shallow breathing can reduce vagal activity.
• Chronic Infections: Ongoing infections can stress the body and lower vagal tone.
• Blood Sugar Issues: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can wreak havoc on your nervous system.
• Toxic Overload: Environmental toxins can contribute to poor vagal tone.
• Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep is a big-time stressor on your body and can impact your vagal tone.

The Vagus Nerve & Your Skin

Remember how the vagus nerve is the communication superhighway between your brain and body? Well, low vagal tone is basically like having bad reception on that superhighway, which can impact a number of things in the body.

The Inflammation

When vagal tone is low, your body’s ability to regulate inflammation goes out the window. Inflammatory responses can cause redness, swelling, and, yes, acne.

Digestive Health

Low vagal tone can cause low stomach acid, making it difficult for your body to break down food. Poor digestion can lead to an unhealthy gut, creating a snowball effect and contributing to acne and other skin issues.

Liver Overload

Low vagal tone can slow digestion, leading to constipation. This puts extra strain on your liver, which then has a more challenging time balancing hormones. The result? You guessed it—more skin problems.

Chronic Stress

Stress can trigger an imbalance in hormones that lead to oilier skin and acne. Low vagal tone can make your body more responsive to stress, exacerbating skin issues.

How to Support Your Vagus Nerve

If you’re thinking that improving your vagal tone is worth a try, here are some tips we often recommend to our acne clients in The Clear Skin Solution:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Simple but effective.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Both are proven to reduce stress and improve vagal tone.
• Physical Activity: Especially aerobic exercise can help.
• Cold Showers: Brief exposure to cold can stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Singing, Humming & Chanting: As weird as it sounds, these activities can stimulate your vagus nerve.
• Good Social Connections: Spending time with loved ones can improve your mental state and vagal tone.
• Laugh More: It’s scientifically proven to improve your mood and could increase your vagal tone.
• Eat Fibre-Rich Foods: Good for your gut and your vagus nerve.
• Quality Sleep: Make it a priority.
• Herbal Supplements: Always consult a qualified practitioner before starting any new supplement.

If you’re tired of the endless cycle of breakouts and want to try a different approach, consider focusing on your vagus nerve health. As we’ve learned, this underrated nerve could be the backstage crew member your health and skincare routine desperately needs.

Additional Support: Learn more about the importance of mindset on your acne clearing journey in our podcast episode, The Acne Clearing Game Changer.

Sources:

• Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensors
• Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain–Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders
• The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems
• Cleveland Clinic: Vagus Nerve
• The Gut-Brain Connection: How it Works and The Role of Nutrition