How Stress Affects Your Skin and Leads to Unwanted Skin Concerns

We all deal with stress from time to time. Whether it’s from work, relationships, or just the craziness of everyday life, stress is often unavoidable. But did you know that stress can also take a toll on your skin?

Yep, that nagging breakout or those unexpected dry patches could be directly related to your stress levels.

You’re not imagining it—there’s a strong connection between your emotions and your skin’s health. If you've noticed your skin acting up during particularly stressful periods, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s dive into why stress impacts your skin and what you can do about it.

Why Does Stress Affect Your Skin?

Before we get into how stress can lead to acne flare-ups and other skin concerns, let’s talk about why stress affects your skin in the first place.

When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. Cortisol isn’t all bad—it's a natural response that helps you deal with short-term stressful situations (think: that fight-or-flight mode). However, when you're dealing with chronic stress (long-term stress), the constant release of cortisol can throw things out of whack, including your skin.

Cortisol messes with your skin in a few different ways:

1. Increased Oil Production: Cortisol causes your sebaceous (oil) glands to go into overdrive, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Weakened Skin Barrier: Stress compromises your skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of your skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When the barrier is weakened, it can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

3. Inflammation: Stress promotes inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. This inflammation can worsen existing skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

So, whether you’re experiencing stress from a big work deadline or personal challenges, your skin may respond with breakouts, dry patches, or other annoying flare-ups. Let’s explore these specific skin concerns and how stress contributes to them.

Stress and Acne: A Match Made in Pore-Clogging Hell

You might have noticed that pimples love to pop up when you're stressed. (Like, could the universe be any more cruel?) There’s a reason for that! Stress, as I mentioned earlier, leads to an increase in cortisol, which can throw your skin's oil production into overdrive.

Here’s how it works:

• Cortisol and Sebum Production: Cortisol triggers your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). While sebum is necessary to keep your skin hydrated, too much of it can lead to clogged pores. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells, it creates a perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

• Inflammatory Response: Stress also increases inflammation in your body. If you're already prone to acne, that inflammation can worsen your breakouts, making them redder, more painful, and slower to heal.

• Compulsive Picking: Many of us engage in stress-induced behaviors like picking at our skin, which can worsen acne, cause scarring, or lead to infections.

What to Do: Managing stress is key, but let’s be real—it’s not always possible to completely eliminate it. Instead, focus on adopting a skincare routine that supports your skin during stressful times:

• Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping your skin.
• Look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Make time for self-care practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress levels (even 5-10 minutes a day can make a difference!).
• Resist the urge to pick or squeeze your pimples (trust me, your skin will thank you later).

Stress and Dry Skin: How Anxiety Can Zap Your Skin’s Moisture

On the flip side of the acne-stress relationship, there’s the issue of dry skin. You might think, "I’m stressed—shouldn’t I just be breaking out?" But for many people, stress can lead to dehydration and dry patches instead.

Here’s why stress can lead to dry, flaky skin:

• Compromised Skin Barrier: Stress weakens your skin’s protective barrier, which is responsible for keeping moisture locked in. When this barrier is damaged, your skin loses water more quickly, leading to dryness and flakiness.

• Dehydration: When you’re stressed, you're often not as focused on self-care. You may forget to drink enough water, get sufficient sleep, or nourish your body with skin-friendly foods, which can all contribute to dry, dull skin.

• Cortisol’s Impact on Hydration: Cortisol can also interfere with your skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it dehydrated even if you’re drinking plenty of water.

What to Do: When your skin feels dry or looks flaky, it’s important to nurture it with moisture-rich products and make some lifestyle tweaks:

• Opt for a hydrating cleanser and a moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
• Add a hydrating serum into your routine—something lightweight but potent.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for 8 glasses, but listen to your body.
• Focus on stress-relief techniques like stretching, taking a bath, or listening to calming music. Your mind and your skin will both benefit.

Stress and Other Skin Issues: Eczema, Psoriasis, and More

If you suffer from a chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, stress can exacerbate these issues. For instance, eczema often flares up during stressful periods, leading to red, itchy patches of skin. Stress can also make psoriasis flare-ups worse, resulting in increased inflammation and discomfort.

In both cases, stress disrupts your body’s immune system, causing it to react more strongly to irritants and allergens. This heightened immune response triggers flare-ups that can be painful and tough to manage.

What to Do: If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other chronic skin conditions, consider these tips for managing stress-related flare-ups:

• Stick to a gentle skincare routine with fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin.
• Avoid hot showers, which can further dry out and irritate your skin.
• Make time for regular relaxation techniques—whether that’s a daily meditation session or simply taking a few deep breaths during the day.
• Consult a holistic esthetician for targeted treatment options if your flare-ups become unmanageable.

How to De-Stress for Happier, Healthier Skin

Now that we’ve explored how stress impacts your skin, you’re probably wondering: How do I actually keep stress under control? We’ve got you covered with some practical ways to manage stress and keep your skin happy.

1. Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep can elevate your stress levels and, in turn, make your skin more prone to breakouts or dryness. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to give your skin time to repair and rejuvenate.

2. Move Your Body: Exercise is a proven stress-reliever. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, or a dance session in your living room, moving your body helps reduce cortisol levels and boosts your mood.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises can significantly lower your stress levels. Even five minutes of focused breathing can have a big impact on both your stress and your skin.

4. Fuel Your Skin from Within: A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can support your skin and help combat the effects of stress. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are especially beneficial for reducing inflammation.

5. Create a Skincare Routine You Love: A consistent skincare routine can act as a form of self-care, helping you de-stress and maintain your skin’s health. Stick to products that suit your skin type and incorporate calming elements like facial massages or a soothing sheet mask.

Time to Show Your Skin Some TLC

Is stress wreaking havoc on your skin? It might be time to give your skin the attention it deserves. Stress is part of life, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer because of it. Whether you’re dealing with stress-induced acne, dry patches, or flare-ups from chronic skin conditions, having a tailored skincare routine can make all the difference.

If you’re unsure about what products are best for your skin or need expert advice on how to manage stress-related skin issues, I’m here to help! Book a virtual skin consultation with me, and together, we’ll create a personalized skincare plan to bring your skin back to its healthy, glowing self—even when life gets stressful. You deserve it!

Stress may be inevitable, but clear, glowing skin doesn’t have to be out of reach. By taking small steps to manage your stress and nurture your skin, you’ll be on your way to a healthier complexion in no time. Remember, it’s all about balance—and when you find that, both your skin and your stress levels will thank you.

xo, Frankie
Holistic Esthetician + Your Favorite Brown Girl