The Direct Link Between Stress and Skincare

Although stress looks different for everyone, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who claims they have zero stress in their life. Stress about work, family, home, bills, and social commitments are only a few of the factors that affect most people in one way or another. Stress is also a well-known factor that triggers skin issues, so understanding the direct link and how to address skin conditions that become inflamed or show up the first time under stress may explain the direct link between the two.

Short and Long Term Stress and Skin Health

There are moments when stress can be so acute that a person’s skin may react with a rash, cold sore, severe breakout, or another outward skin condition that seems to pop up suddenly. Although these visible signs of stress can be inconvenient and even embarrassing, there are many treatment options to minimize the length of time for healing. However, when meeting with clients, the most skilled dermatologists help guide them to determine which environmental factors may be causing their skin to react. Long-term and chronic stress can do a number on the body and, of course, the skin.

Common skin conditions that land people in the dermatology office are eczema, acne, psoriasis, and hair loss. Although stress may not be the only cause of these or any other skin condition, stress does not help in any situation, and much of that is due to the direct link and relationship between the mind and body.

The Skin Cycle of Stress

Although most would acknowledge that stress can cause a skin reaction and chronic stress can cause more severe health issues over time, many are unaware that skin reacting to stress can cause a chain reaction, creating stress in the hair follicles that send stress signals back to the brain. This cycle of emotional and physical responses can leave a person feeling weary when “getting a handle” on their skin health.

When people begin to feel stress, they often flush or sweat as their body temperature rises, which is a normal response to acute stress. These reactions are temporary responses to stress. Although these responses may often go away once the stressor is removed or overcome, prolonged exposure to stress can have severe consequences on the skin, mind, and body.

There is a bidirectional path that translates stress back and forth from the brain to the skin. Stress triggers glands that are a significant part of how the body responds to stress, including cortisol and immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin. Itching is a very common response to stress, which can trigger skin conditions or exacerbate existing ones.

Professional and experienced dermatologists, like Sherrie Straughn of Buckhead Dermatology in Atlanta, are skilled at helping clients identify stressors, environmental factors, hereditary tendencies, and other details to help properly identify skin concerns.

Stress’ Adverse Effects on Skin

Emotional stress or trauma can directly disrupt the top layer of skin, also called the epidermal barrier. This layer keeps the skin moist and protects it from harmful things in the environment. Stress can inhibit this layer from acting normally and repairing the skin. If this layer is disrupted, as is done with stress, healthy skin may become evasive. Skin can become irritated, showing symptoms of psoriasis and eczema and noticeably slow healing of cuts and wounds.

Other results of prolonged stress may include acne flare-ups and hair loss. Stress is a known culprit of hair loss and inhibits hair growth. Some studies have connected stress to hair graying, which is why many believe our Presidents go gray so quickly once in office!

Best Ways to Manage Stress and Skincare

Everyone experiences some stress in their lives. Some stress is acute and short-term, whereas others can be chronic and cause damage to the skin, body, and mind. Similar to how skincare is unique, so is how individuals manage stress. It is best for each person to find the best way to manage their stress. Some people choose methods to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, and breathing techniques. However, when it comes to stress’ effects on the skin, recognizing the stress in one’s life and finding ways to handle it can be lifesaving. Most experienced dermatologists won’t just suggest products for skin concerns but instead dig deeper to get to the core of the skin condition and guide people to success in achieving the skin they seek. Choosing healthy habits, including food choices and exercise, will have positive effects on the hair and skin.

If you believe your skin concerns may be related to stress, visit Dr. Straughn in Buckhead and let her help you navigate the stress and skin connection to success! She is dedicated to helping clients of all skin types and colors and works with many insurance carriers to help make skincare affordable.