Stress and your skin: How stress affects skin health

Stress and your skin: How stress affects skin health

Stress and your skin: How stress affects skin health

In today's fast-paced world where so many of us are constantly juggling the demands of work, family life and social events, it is no wonder that stress is taking its toll. Whilst we often talk about how stress impacts our mood, sleep and overall wellbeing, its effects on our skin are just as significant and sometimes even more visible.

In this blog, award-winning Aesthetic Doctor and skin health specialist, Dr Christine Or advises on the signs that your skin may be showing signs of stress and how the right approach to manage this can help restore balance, radiance and optimal skin health.

How stress affects your skin

When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. This hormonal response is natural during times of stress; however prolonged or chronic stress can disrupt out skin's normal function in several ways:

• Increased oil production and breakouts: elevated cortisol levels can stimulate oil glands leading to clogged pores and acne flare-ups, even in those who don't usually struggle with skin breakouts.

• Skin sensitivity and irritation: when we are stressed our skin barrier can become weaker which makes it more reactive. This could cause skin redness, dryness, itching or exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.

• Premature skin ageing: chronic stress contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin, the proteins which are responsible for keeping our skin firm and youthful. Over time, this decrease in collagen and elastin can lead to fine lines, dullness and loss of elasticity.

• Slower healing and a dull complexion: stress reduces the skin's ability to repair itself so you may notice that blemishes take longer to heal and that your skin often looks and feels tired, dull and lacklustre.

The mind and skin connection

Our skin and nervous system are closely linked, so when our mind is under pressure, our skin often reflects this. This is why during times of stress, whether that be from work, family life, changes or lack of sleep, can lead to noticeable changes in your skin health. Understanding this connection is key to help combat the effects of stress, and often treating the skin alone isn't enough, and in fact a more holistic approach tends to deliver the best results.

How to combat the effects of stress on skin health

During times of stress, we can often feel overwhelmed and helpless, but it is important to remember that there are effective ways to support your skin, both through lifestyle tweaks and targeted skincare and treatments.

Prioritise gentle and consistent skincare

A simple routine that supports the skin barrier and doesn't overload it with too many active ingredients should be implemented when skin is feeling the effects of stress:

• Use a mild cleanser that doesn't strip the skin such as the Alumier Sensicalm Cleanser which gently removes impurities, oils and makeup, and leaves skin clean and comfortable.

• Apply a hydrating moisturising in the mornings and evenings such as the Alumier Hydracalm Moisturiser for stressed skin that is sensitive and prone to redness, due to its soothing and intense moisturising capabilities.

• Incorporate ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidants to help stressed skin. They repair the protective barrier, restore hydration and counteract dullness, irritation and accelerated ages. When choosing medical-grade skincare, always consult an Aesthetic Doctor or skin specialist, who will be able to advise on a tailored treatment plan which is the most suitable for your concerns.

Try to manage stress where possible

Incorporating small daily habits into your existing routine can make a meaningful difference to combating the effects of stress. Short periods of relaxation can help to regulate stress hormones and benefit our skin as well as these additions to your routine:

• Regular movement and exercise, whether that's a relaxing walk in nature or gentle exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming.

• Mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques can all help to restore our balance.

• Ensuring adequate sleep so your skin can repair itself.

Stay hydrated and nourish your body from within

What you put into your body directly affects skin, so aim to have a balanced diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats, drink plenty of water during the day, and limit your intake of caffeine and sugar, especially during stressful periods.

Consider professional skin treatments

Targeted aesthetic treatments can help to restore skin health and address specific concerns caused by stress such as dullness, breakouts or early signs of skin ageing. Effective treatments that are carried out in-clinic include:

• Skin boosters such as Profhilo to deeply hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production in the skin leading to further improvement in skin quality, elasticity and firmness.

• Exfoliating facials such as chemical peels to treat a range of skin concerns such as acne, photodamage and pigmentation, leading to improved texture and tone, so your skin is refreshed and renewed.

• Anti-wrinkle injections to treat frown lines, crows feet around the eyes and forehead lines, for a rested and more youthful look that can be tailored to your requirement.

Final thought

Unfortunately, many of us will feel the effects of stress during our lives, however its effects on our skin don't have to be permanent or a cause for concern. By combining thoughtful skincare, lifestyle adjustments and professional advice, it is possible to have healthy skin that looks and feels balanced and radiant, even during busy or challenging times. 

Why choose Dr. Christine Medical Aesthetics?

If you have noticed changes in your skin which you believe may be linked to stress , book your consultation with Dr Christine Or to discuss a tailored plan to help you restore the confidence you deserve in your skin.