Stressed Out? Your Skin May Show It

The skin doesn’t lie. If you’re stressed out, it’s going to show on your face and body in the form of acne breakouts and flareups of chronic conditions like rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. As stress piles up, so might your skin issues.

Dr. Brian Connor, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, explains, “Have you ever gotten nervous before a big presentation? What happens? Your skin begins to flush. You start to sweat. And the more you think about it, the worse it gets.”

Learning to manage stress may be the most important part of an effective skincare routine, and a powerful way to keep your complexion clear and healthy.

How Stress Damages Skin

“It has long been accepted that there is a brain-skin connection that can impact both acute and chronic skin conditions” says Dr. Connor. “Psychological stress signals from the brain ultimately result in cortisol release from the adrenal gland, in the classic ‘fight or flight’ response.” Then the procession begins.

“This physiologic response results in the release of cortisol and other stress hormones into the bloodstream, which then travel to the skin and result in the activation of the immune system and release of numerous inflammatory signaling molecules that have been in implicated in a host of dermatologic diseases,” he says.

Inflammation caused by cortisol can worsen acne and chronic skin conditions and kickstart the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that weakens the skin microbiome, allowing acne-causing bacteria to grow. It also speeds up the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Inside and Out

Stress signals can be external, not just internal. “Exposing your unprotected skin to excessive UV radiation and extreme temperatures can send stress signals back to the brain, leading to a feedback loop that propagates the stress cycle,” notes Dr. Connor.

“Psychological stressors can have effects on the skin, but the skin can also be exposed to stressors from the outside world and cause feedback to the brain that can then worsen the psychological stress,” Dr. Gloria Lin, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, told Huffington Post. Dr. Lin adds that chronic stress tends to have serious, long-term effects, though small doses of acute stress can lead to issues too. If left to fester, stress can cause deep-rooted illness as well.

Less Stress, Better Skin

As the largest organ, the skin protects us in many ways. It keeps moisture in and defends against irritants and allergens. But for it to do its job against stress, you must commit to a good skincare routine. “There’s no replacement for it,” Dr. Connor says. Wash your face, moisturize and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. “Don’t let life get in the way of the basics, especially when you are busy or stressed out.”

If you continue to experience skin issues, a dermatology provider can assess whether stress is the root of the problem. “There’s not a specific test we can run that will determine if, or to what extent, a skin condition is caused by stress,” he explains. “However, patterns can be revealing. If your skin disease predictably flares during stressful times of the year or if you develop a new skin condition during a period of intense stress, it is possible, or even likely, that there is a stress-related component of your skin condition.”

When stress is the culprit, Dr. Connor recommends the following tips to his patients to help decrease stress and, in turn, improve skin health:

  • Exercise regularly. It’s good for skin and overall wellness. “Always shower after exercise to remove the impurities you just worked so hard to sweat away,” he advises. “Not doing so can flare skin conditions like eczema and acne.”
  • Eat well. A well-balanced diet has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation caused, in part, by the stress response.
  • Practice mindfulness. Taking just five to ten minutes a day to meditate, reflect or simply do something you enjoy can combat stress. “Invest in yourself,” he says.
  • Sleep! Most people need eight hours a night to perform their best. “Your under eyes will thank you, too!”
  • Say no. Learn to say it and mean it. “Boundaries are healthy.”
  • Ask for help. Sometimes lifestyle interventions aren’t enough. Dr. Connor emphasizes, “Seeking out a mental health specialist is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Reassess your routine

As you incorporate these stress-reducing methods into your life, take time to look at your current skincare routine to ensure it’s helping you meet your goals. A common tendency is to add more products to attempt to solve recurring issues, but Dr. Connor does not recommend this route. “Start with gentle cleansing and hydrating to repair your skin first,” he advises.

If you’re still experiencing flare-ups, consult with a dermatology provider who can provide a diagnosis and create a treatment plan to help nurture you and your skin.

To schedule an appointment with one of our dermatology providers:

Or call (844) DERM-DOC or text (844) 337-6362

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

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