Can stress affect my skin?
When life throws challenges our way, the effects can start to show on our skin. Acute or chronic stress has a huge impact on our physical and emotional well-being, and our skin is an external canvas of what goes on inside. So how exactly does stress affect our skin? Read on to learn the science behind it, the symptoms you should look out for, and practical tips to protect your skin from stress.
This is a recording of our Wellness Wednesday presentation to a group of attendees who learnt our Top 6 Secrets to Natural Glowing Skin.
The Science Behind Stress and Skin
The first thing to know is what stress hormones do to your skin. Your body releases the “stress hormone” or cortisol when you are stressed. Cortisol triggers a number of physiological responses that put you into a ‘fight or flight’ mode to get you ready to face imminent threat.
Cortisol is important for short-term stress but prolonged exposure causes chronically elevated levels of this hormone. High cortisol can block the skin’s own natural barrier, increase oil production and prevent skin from holding in moisture. Stress can also trigger inflammation, promoting pathways in the body that can lead to various skin issues.
Common Skin Conditions Linked to Stress
Stress does not cause skin conditions outright, it can, however, make you more likely to develop them or make an existing condition worse. Here are some common skin conditions linked to stress:
Stress can make us produce more of the oily substance, sebum, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Stress can be the culprit if you’ve noticed that you suddenly get a pimple before an important event.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Flare-ups or worsened symptoms such as redness, itching and dryness are triggered by stress.
Another inflammatory condition causing skin cells to build up rapidly is psoriasis. Psoriasis flare ups are known to be triggered by stress, and stress makes symptoms worse.
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a disorder that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. Flare ups are more likely to occur (or worsen) during times of stress.
- Hives
Hives that are caused by stress, or stress-induced hives, are itchy, red welts on the skin. They can come out of the blue and are made worse by anxiety or by tension.
- Premature Aging
Chronic stress can also lead to the ageing process being sped up by disrupting collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful). It can cause the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and a reduction in elasticity.
- Hair and Scalp Issues
Stress doesn’t stop at the skin on your face and body; stress can impact your scalp too. Stressful times can bring about or worsen conditions such as dandruff and hair loss (telogen effluvium).
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How to Recognize Stress-Related Skin Problems
Many conditions have overlapping symptoms, which can make identifying stress-related skin issues difficult. However, you might notice:
- Unexpected or worsening acne breakouts.
- Recurring dryness or irritation despite doing your usual skincare routine.
- Increased redness or sensitivity.
- Stress-related recurring rashes or hives.
- A dull or uneven skin tone.
If these symptoms align with stressful times in your life, it’s almost certain that stress is to blame for the declining condition of your skin.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Skin from Stress
Stress management is also key to overall health and your skin will appreciate it. Here are some practical tips to minimize the impact of stress on your skin:
- Establish a Skincare Routine
Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with products for your skin type can help to give your skin’s barrier a boost, and guard against the kind of damage stress can cause to your skin. Include the basics:
Gently remove dirt and excess oil with a good cleanser.
To maintain the barrier function of your skin, keep your skin hydrated with a moisturizer.
- Sunscreen
Protect your skin with sunscreen as UV damage can aggravate stress-related skin conditions.
- Practice Stress-Management Techniques
Include stress-reducing practices into your daily routine, such as:
- Meditation or Deep Breathing
With these techniques, cortisol levels can be lowered.
- Exercise
- Mindfulness
Being present and aware can actively help us lower emotional stress.
- Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet has a close connection to your skin’s health. Focus on foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health. You need to avoid sugar and processed foods that can trigger inflammation.
- Get Enough Sleep
When you sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. To let your skin recover from the daily stressors, try to sleep 7-9 hours a night.
- Stay Hydrated
Dryness is worsened by dehydration and can cause your skin to look dull. Keep your skin hydrated from within by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Seek Professional Help
If stress-related skin issues don’t resolve themselves, see a healthcare provider and come to a wellness clinic such as ours. We can target treatment for you and we can help with coping strategies for stress management.
The Mind-Skin Connection
The relationship between your mind and skin is intricate and bidirectional. Skin conditions can also affect your mental health and in turn, stress affects your skin. Visible skin problems can cause a person to feel embarrassed, anxious or have low self-esteem, creating a vicious cycle. To break this cycle, we need to engage both the physical and emotional sides of stress.
Watch and learn from our insightful video, “Can stress affect my skin?”
Conclusion
You can’t escape stress, but stress doesn’t have to affect your skin. Knowing the link between stress and skin health, you can learn to do something in advance to minimise its effects. There are small changes you can do like maintaining a skincare routine and adopting stress management techniques which can lead to big differences.
Your skin shows your overall well-being; that’s why you need to take care of it. By focusing on self-care and combating stress, we can get healthier, more radiant skin and better quality of life. The next time stress begins to get to you, take a deep breath, pamper your skin, and give yourself the care you deserve.
Are you ready for the first step towards a more healthy and vibrant you? Our wellness clinic offers a free 15-minute discovery call designed to understand your unique health needs and goals. During this call, our experts will listen to your concerns and guide you on how to achieve your healthiest self. Book a free consultation with us now!
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To learn more about Health and Wellbeing, check out our other related blogs:
What should I do if I have sensitive skin?
How To Get Rid Of Acne Using Iridology
Skincare Tips For Glowing Skin
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