Stress can trigger a variety of physiological responses, including the release of cortisol, which can adversely affect the skin. According to experts, chronic stress disrupts the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased water loss and susceptibility to irritants.
Moreover, it exacerbates inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, often resulting in flare-ups and prolonged healing times. Stress also accelerates skin aging by promoting collagen degradation and impairing repair processes.
Furthermore, stress-induced behaviors such as poor sleep, unhealthy diet, and inadequate skincare exacerbate skin issues. Overall, stress undermines skin health, manifesting in various dermatological concerns, necessitating comprehensive stress management for skin vitality.
According to Dr Rashmi Sharma, Senior Consultant, Dermatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj stress and poor mental health can have a significant impact on the skin.
Impact of stress on skin
- Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases oil production in the skin, leading to acne breakouts. Additionally, stress can worsen existing acne by increasing inflammation.
- Stress can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis, causing flare-ups and making symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation more severe.
- Stress can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased water loss and dryness. Dry skin is more prone to irritation and can exacerbate conditions like eczema.
- Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process by promoting the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Stress impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds by disrupting the inflammatory response and slowing down the production of new skin cells. This can result in delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection.
- Stress can trigger allergic reactions in the skin, leading to hives, rashes, and other forms of dermatitis.
- Chronic stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and sheds more than usual. This can result in thinning hair and hair loss.
“It’s important to manage stress and prioritize mental health to maintain overall well-being, including skin health. Practices such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress-reduction techniques (such as meditation or deep breathing exercises), a balanced diet, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can help mitigate the effects of stress on the skin and promote overall wellness,” Dr. Sharma told Financial Express.com.
According to Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Head Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Artemis Hospital Gurugram, stress and poor mental health can significantly impact skin health.
“High levels of stress trigger the release of hormones like cortisol, resulting in increased inflammation, which can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Also, Chronic stress weakens the skin’s barrier function, making it more vulnerable to irritants and infections. Furthermore, stress can potentially disrupt the regular skin repair processes, hampering the collagen production and causing premature aging,” Dr. Chandhok told Financial Express.com.
Intake of excessive alcohol, smoking, lack of sleep, proper diet and dehydration all of which generally happen when a person is in stress compromise skin’s health and cause skin problems, he said.