Effects of Stress on the skin

Stress is a natural human response. Whether it is physical stress, emotional stress, or psychological stress, stress is oftentimes unavoidable. You may have noticed that there is a connection between your skin health and mental health. As your body’s largest, most evident organ, the skin is constantly dropping clues about your overall health. If you have ever experienced an acne breakout, eczema or rosacea flare up, your skin may be signaling that your body is experiencing stress. Luckily there are some ways to help reduce stress levels in your body.

You may have heard of the primary stress hormone cortisol and the many effects it has on the body. Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol levels which can become apparent on the skin. However it is important to note that all stress is not necessarily “bad.” Stress serves as a biological function and the right amount of it is necessary for a healthy life. Stress sends a rush of adrenaline and cortisol from your brain to your body, which can increase your heart rate and sends more blood flowing to your organs. But when stress levels become too high, our health can suffer and therefore our skin can be negatively affected as well. 

Though stress may not cause every skin issue that appears on the body, it can worsen skin conditions that already exist. For example, stress can cause flare ups in those who have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and even alopecia (hair loss). Stress can trigger autoimmune diseases and worsen pre existing conditions. Those who struggle with acne most likely have recognized the effect stress has on the skin when it comes to acne breakouts. Even those who do not have active acne may have experienced a stress related blemish. This has to do with the cortisol hormone that is released when your body is experiencing long periods of stress. With increased cortisol levels, comes increased inflammation and oil production leading to acne. 

Managing stress can be one of the most difficult things to accomplish, especially when life gets busy. There are a few things you can do to help manage stress and maintain balanced stress levels. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do, and is probably the most important. It is recommended that you sleep seven to nine hours a night to reduce stress as well as improve your mood and productivity. An antiinflammatory diet is another way to reduce inflammation and help with balancing your cortisol levels. Incorporating healthy fats, magnesium, whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help with the inflammation that stress causes. Daily exercise is another highly beneficial activity to manage stress better as it stimulates endorphins and reduces stress hormones. Lastly, a good skincare routine to keep your skin healthy during stressful times can aid in avoiding breakouts and blemishes. 

We have all experienced stress whether we like it or not and it directly correlates with skin health. Conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety can cause new skin issues and even cause existing skin issues to flare up. It is important to practice proper stress management to keep your skin as healthy as possible.