How does stress affect skin health?

Dr.Pooja Chopra, 3 mins read

Stress has now become a common part of our lives. Whether it is for professional or personal reasons, stress can have a significant impact on our lives. Skin is no exception. Someone rightly said that if we are stressed, it reflects on our face and skin, too. For instance, it can accelerate skin ageing, cause acne breakouts, etc.

In this guide, we are going to untangle the relationship between stress and skin health. And also discuss tips to ease the effects of stress on the skin.

Impact of stress on skin health:
Stress can have a significant impact on skin health in several ways.

• Acne and breakouts
It has been seen that persistent stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. This causes the sebaceous glands to produce extra oil that clogs the pores and causes acne breakouts.

• Accelerate ageing
The increased production of cortisol due to chronic stress can break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. It can cause development of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. As a result, the skin starts ageing faster.

• Skin conditions
Persisting stress also has a bad impact on existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This is because stress promotes the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body.

How to ease the effect of stress on the skin?
Here are some strategies to help you out:

• Practice stress-reducing activities: It’s essential to manage your stress first. Because it doesn’t only have an impact on your skin but overall health, too. Follow stress management strategies like yoga, meditation, mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. In addition, do things that entertain you. Let your creative juices flow on painting, journaling or any other art you love. Strolling through a flower garden or vacation with family or friends may also help you. These activities may lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which can have a positive impact on skin health.

• Maintain a healthy skincare routine: Create a skin care regimen and adhere to it. Cleanse, tone, moisturise, and protect the skin from sun damage.

• Get enough sleep: Quality sleep is a natural way to drop down your stress level. Set your sleeping time and ensure you are getting around 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night. And stick to this ritual.

• Eat a balanced diet: The foods you consume also have an impact on your skin health. Consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats will be good for your skin health. Also, avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.

• Seek professional help: If stress significantly impacts your daily life and skin health and is not manageable, you should seek the help of an expert at Aakash Healthcare. They will provide personalised recommendations and treatment options to address both the physical and emotional aspects of stress-related skin issues.