Skin and Mental Health: The Connection Between Stress and Skin

Stay Young Bureau

Apr 10, 2023

Acne

When stressed, a hormone called cortisol is released. This, in turn, stimulates oil production from the sebaceous glands. Thus, oil production around hair follicles can clog pores and cause acne.

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Under-Eye Bags

Stress caused by lack of sleep can increase signs of ageing, including pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, reduced elasticity, dark circles, and under-eye bags.

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Dry Skin

The outer layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, contains lipids and proteins that keep your skin hydrated. Due to stress, the stratum corneum can slow down, causing itchy, dry skin.

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Rashes

Stress can weaken your immune system. This, in turn, can create a bacterial imbalance in your skin and gut. If it happens on the skin, then it can cause rashes.

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Wrinkles

Stress can cause alterations to your skin's proteins and reduce elasticity. This reduction in elasticity can cause wrinkles on your skin.

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Graying Hair

The pigment melanin, which gives your hair colour, is produced by cells called melanocytes. Due to stress, these melanocytes start disappearing, resulting in greying hair. Excessive stress can also lead to hair loss.

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Sore Lips

The skin on your lips becomes chapped and sore, as there are chances of chewing your lips when you are stressed.

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Less Skincare

When you are stressed, you might not be able to concentrate on your daily skincare routine, which can create skin conditions like dryness and acne breakouts.

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Worsen Skin Conditions

Stress can worsen skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and hives. This can result in increased redness and inflammation in your skin.

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Picking at Your Skin

Stress can make you pick at your skin unknowingly, worsening acne and pimples and causing redness.

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Eczema

Stress can worsen eczema by affecting your immune system's ability to control inflammation. Managing your stress can help decrease eczema flare-ups.

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Recovery

Exercise can help your skin recover from the effects of stress. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and supplies oxygenated blood to all parts of your body, including your skin. This can boost your skin's recovery process.

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