Stress has become an integral part of modern living, impacting both our mental and physical health.
01. Self-criticism
and high self-expectations, often driven by societal pressures and success culture, contribute to stress and burnout. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can be challenging, adding to stress levels.
Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is crucial for the body’s response to stress. However, prolonged high levels can negatively impact skin health.
Skin Changes: Chronic stress can trigger skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Elevated cortisol disrupts the skin’s balance, leading to breakouts and increased sensitivity.
03. Pallor or Redness
Stress affects blood circulation, causing either pale or flushed skin. Blood flow may be redirected to vital organs, reducing circulation to the skin. This can make the face appear pale or, conversely, lead to redness, especially in individuals prone to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
Long-term Effects: Chronic stress can impair circulation, slowing down skin regeneration and wound healing. Reduced blood flow affects nutrient delivery to the skin, increasing the risk of dryness, dullness, and other skin concerns.
Weight Fluctuations: Stress influences appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain or loss, both of which impact facial appearance. Some people overeat in response to stress, while others lose their appetite. Rapid weight fluctuations can affect skin elasticity and contribute to premature aging.
05. Managing Stress for Healthy Skin
To counteract stress-related skin issues, implementing effective stress management strategies is crucial:
Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves circulation and reduces cortisol levels.
Healthy Diet: A nutrient-rich diet supports skin health and overall well-being.
Quality Sleep: Prioritizing rest and a consistent sleep schedule aids in skin regeneration.
Support System: Seeking support from family, friends, or professionals helps manage stress effectively.
02. Skin Aging
Stress accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen, reducing skin firmness and elasticity. This leads to wrinkles and fine lines, particularly in frequently creased areas like the forehead and around the eyes and mouth.
Under-eye Shadows and Bags: Stress often disrupts sleep, resulting in dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Poor sleep quality impacts overall skin health and accelerates aging.
Facial Expression: People under stress may frown or clench their jaws frequently, leading to mimic lines and wrinkles over time.
04. Hair Loss
Chronic stress can lead to hair problems, including excessive shedding and thinning.
Telogen Effluvium: Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more hairs into the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding within months.
Alopecia Areata: Stress is linked to this autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
Changes in Hair Texture: Prolonged high cortisol levels weaken hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage.
Tired Appearance: Stress can make the skin appear dull and fatigued. Dehydration, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies contribute to a lackluster complexion.
06. Tired Appearance
Generally speaking, the face of a person living in stress may look tired, dull, and lackluster.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, triggering acne, eczema, and premature aging. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress. It helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, and immune function. However, prolonged elevated levels can weaken collagen, leading to wrinkles and reduced elasticity. It also disrupts the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation, dehydration, and inflammation. Excess cortisol can increase oil production, clogging pores and contributing to acne. Additionally, it may slow wound healing, trigger hyperpigmentation, and delay skin regeneration, causing dullness and fatigue. Poor circulation leads to pallor or redness, while disrupted sleep causes under-eye shadows.
Take care of yourself to enjoy good physical and mental health for many years.
Joanna Skorzewska certified dietitian, cosmetologist and personal trainer
