Your skin reflects your emotional and mental health, especially when you’re stressed. Understanding how stress impacts your skin can help you achieve a healthier, clearer complexion. Below we explore the effects of stress on the skin, from dryness to acne, and practical solutions to help manage these conditions.
How Stress Affects Your Skin
Stress triggers the release of cortisol. In small, regulated amounts cortisol is anti-inflammatory which can help in dealing with the additional pressure. Raised levels have the opposite effect however, such as:
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Increased inflammation, redness and sensitivity.
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Impacted barrier function, skin dehydration.
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Heightened oil (sebum) production resulting in breakouts.
Stress and Dry Skin
Stress disrupts your skin barrier function, making it more prone to transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and infection. Loss of moisture can result in dryness and irritation.
Improving Dry Skin:
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Stay hydrated.
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Use barrier-repairing ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
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Avoid hot showers.
Stress and Skin Sensitivity
Chronic stress leads to an excess release of cortisol. In small amounts, cortisol is anti-inflammatory. However, raised levels of cortisol leads to inflammation in both the skin and body. It’s this inflammation which can lead to redness and itchiness.
Managing Sensitive Skin:
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Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skincare products.
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Use skin calming ingredients such as centenella asiatica, aloe vera and oatmeal.
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Try azelaic acid, which is also effective at reducing redness associated with rosacea.
Stress and Premature Skin Aging
Stress can directly be associated with premature aging as it results in the degradation of collagen which is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.
Reducing signs of aging:
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Try antioxidant-rich ingredients which combat free-radicals such as Vitamin C.
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Incorporate retinoids in your PM skin routine. Retinol is the most commonly used and available, Retinal is a strong derivative.
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Adopt stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga. Tackling the stress instead of the symptoms is an effective way to avoid further damage.
Stress and Skin Breakouts
Stress results in increased oil production which can cause clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts. You may have noticed that your skin is suffering from acne or pimples during times of heightened stress, such as exams, loss of a job or during grieving.
How to Address Breakouts:
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Use a gentle skin cleanser (ideally non-foaming) to wash away impurities without overly drying the skin. Foaming cleansers are often drying which can actually lead to further oil production.
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Incorporate an AHA or BHA into your regime to improve skin cell turnover, unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Examples include Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid.
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Change pillowcases often. At least once a week, but we recommend every 2-3 days in periods of heightened stress as the excess oils and dirt can be transferred onto your pillow and therefore back onto your skin.
To Sum it Up
To reduce the impact that stress has on your skin you have to reduce your overall stress levels. Practising mindfulness techniques, exercising, or seeking professional help are just a few ways you can tackle chronic stress. By doing so, you're opening up the path to a fresher, more vibrant version of yourself.
We've written an article on psychodermatology which can help you manage your stress levels and in turn improve your skin.
How has stress impacted your skin, and how did you overcome it? Tell us your story in the comments, we might just feature it!