The effects of stress on skin health

The effects of stress on skin health

The effects of stress on skin health

Stress is a natural reaction of the body to stress or tension. A certain amount of stress can even be beneficial for humans, as it can help increase attention and concentration. However, chronic or intense stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. These effects are often particularly noticeable on the skin.

In this article we want to take a closer look at the connections between stress and skin health. We will examine how stress-related pressure affects various aspects of the skin and what measures can be taken to maintain healthy skin despite high levels of stress.

How does stress affect the skin?

Stress exposure has both direct and indirect effects on the health of our skin. Under the influence of stress, the body's biochemical composition changes, which in turn affects certain tissue and organ functions - including our largest protective covering: the skin.

Hormonal changes

A primary response of the body to stress is the release of various hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger physiological changes in the body to better prepare us for “fight” or “flight.”

However, the increased levels of these hormones can also disrupt our normal hormonal balance. In particular, the increased production of cortisol can lead to a number of negative effects, including an increase in sebum production in the skin glands.

Effects on sebum flow

The increasing release of cortisol stimulates our sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excessive flow of sebum can ultimately lead to clogged pores and inflammation, which can lead to acne formation or worsening of existing skin blemishes.

Additionally, stressed individuals often tend to pick at or scratch their skin. This mechanical stimulus can cause micro-injuries, the risk of infection and healing time of which are further increased by the increased cortisol level.

Reduced barrier function

Healthy skin has an intact outer protective layer – the so-called “barrier”. This layer helps lock in moisture and ward off harmful environmental influences. Stress can compromise this barrier, thereby increasing the skin's sensitivity to external stimuli such as allergenic substances. As a result, more sensitive people may suffer from stress-related eczema.

In addition, there appears to be a connection between chronic stress and an imbalance in the normal bacterial population on our skin. An inadequate barrier function can facilitate the entry of harmful bacteria, which can lead to infection and inflammation.

Effects on collagen production

Stress can also have a negative impact on the production of the protein collagen. Collagen is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. When collagen production is inhibited by stress, the skin sags more quickly and premature signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin or pigmentation problems can appear.

Because many people view stress as a normal part of their lives, these possible long-term consequences are often overlooked.

Practical measures to maintain healthy skin despite stress

Fortunately, there are a number of practical steps you can take to maintain or improve your skin health even under stressful conditions:

1. Stress management

Effective stress management techniques such as regular exercise, relaxation exercises (such as yoga or meditation), or seeing a therapist can help reduce overall stress levels.

2. Healthy lifestyle habits

A balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and enough sleep are important factors for healthy skin - and they can also help counteract the effects of physical and psychological stress.

3. Good skin care routine

Regularly cleansing the skin with mild products, avoiding irritants, and applying moisturizer can help strengthen the skin's barrier function and reduce the risk of inflammation.

4. UV protection

Since collagen production can be affected by stress, it is important to protect the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can help minimize premature signs of aging.

5. Aids for dermatological problems

If stress-related skin problems such as acne or eczema occur or worsen, those affected should see a dermatologist. A specialist can give individual advice and recommend medical treatment if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ask:Can stress cause hair loss?

Answer:Yes! Chronic or intense stress can actually promote or accelerate hair loss. This is called “telogen effluvium” and causes more hair to enter a resting phase and subsequently fall out.

Ask:Can I improve my skin health just by reducing stress?

Answer:There are many factors besides stress levels that affect our skin health. The combination of stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, and a proper skin care routine can help maintain or restore healthy skin.

Ask:Can stress also have positive effects on the skin?

Answer:While chronic or intense stress often has negative effects, a moderate amount of short-term stress can actually cause positive changes to the skin. In some cases, defense mechanisms can be activated to fight infections more quickly. However, it is important not to neglect the general long-term impact of chronic stress on the skin.

Conclusion

Stress can have a significant impact on the health of our skin. The increased hormone levels can increase sebum flow and increase the risk of acne formation. The skin's impaired barrier function makes it more sensitive to external stimuli and infections. In addition, the decrease in collagen production caused by stress negatively affects the texture and elasticity of our skin.

However, the good news is that we can take steps to promote our skin health despite high levels of stress. We can help ourselves through effective stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, a good skin care routine, and regular consultations with a dermatologist.

It is important to recognize that authoritative scientific studies in the area of ​​stress and skin health are still limited, but existing research suggests connections that are worth further investigation.

External sources:
– American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Can stress affect your skin?” (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/wellness/stress-and-skin)
– Jane Forester. “How does stress affect your skin?” Medical News Today. February 11, 2020. (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324543)
– Rodrigues M et al.. “Skin barrier in the pathogenesis of rosacea.” Indian Dermatol Online J., 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):265-9. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27559461/)
– Sivamani R et al.. “Acne and rosacea: what’s new for pathogenesis and management?” Drugs Context., 2018 Mar 22;7:212528. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29593250/)