The Link Between Stress and Skin: How to Manage Both

Our skin’s appearance is often the first impression we show others. We all strive for vibrant and youthful skin, but sometimes annoying breakouts or other skin conditions strike us, seemingly out of nowhere. However, in our increasingly fast-paced world, it is not uncommon to experience stress. Whether it is a tight project deadline at work, mental health struggles, or a busy social calendar, stress can play a large impact on our physical health, including our skin’s appearance. 

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how exactly does it play a role in our skin health and what can we do to keep our appearance looking refreshed, even when we may be stressed? We will dive deeper into these questions and more to help you have the skin you have always wanted, no matter the circumstances. 

How does stress impact our skin?

Stress can play a huge role in how our skin looks and feels. Studies have shown that your brain and skin are linked in a way that translates psychological stress from the brain to the skin (and vice versa). This causes the production of inflammatory factors like cortisol and other hormones to flood our bloodstream which is connected to our skin. To put it simply, when we feel stressed, so does our skin!

When we are stressed, our body produces more cortisol which stimulates our oil glands to produce more oil, leading to an increase chance of acne breakouts. Also, when stress triggers the body’s inflammatory response, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dry skin can be exacerbated. This can also lead to an increase in skin sensitivities, infections, and a slow down in healing for cuts and spots. 

How do we manage stress levels for better skin appearance?

How a person manages stress is going to be individual depending on multiple factors. As a general guideline, there are a few ways to manage healthily manage stress to help not only our mind, but also our body and skin.

The first is to establish a good routine. This includes maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants to support your skin and overall immune health. Focusing on whole foods and foods rich in the proper nutrients go a long way in ensuring your body performs at its best. Additionally, focusing on getting quality sleep every night is not only important for your mental well-being, but also for your skin. Every individual is different but 7-9 hours of sleep a night is a good goal to strive for and will allow your body to rest and recover. 

It is also important to stay active. Whether this is hitting the gym, going for a bike ride, or walking around your neighborhood after work, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 4-5 days a week will help to reduce your stress levels and boost happy endorphins. 

Finally, practicing relaxation techniques to put your mind at ease can also go a long way in helping to reduce stress levels. This includes guided meditation, yoga, and other breathing exercises. However, if stress is dominating your life, turning to a trusted and trained professional can go a long way. Seeking out the guidance from a therapist, counselor, or other provider can help set you up for a less stressful life. 

What can I do for my skin during a stressful time in my life?

Even with the best stress reduction plan, sometimes stress does impact our skin’s appearance. To help reduce the effects of stress on our skin, there are a few things one can do.

It is important to maintain a consistent skincare routine. It does not need to be complicated, but washing your skin with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen goes a long way in how our skin looks. Also, ensuring that you are drinking enough water and fluids helps to maintain skin elasticity and vibrance. Limiting or eliminating alcohol and caffeine helps to keep skin hydrated and reduces stress levels. During periods of high stress, it is especially important not to try out new skin trends.

Also, taking the time to pamper your skin can help reduce the effects of stress. At HYDRO Med Spa we have a variety of skin treatment options to make you look and feel your best. Our team will work with you to create a customized plan, catered to your wants and needs.

Ready to reverse the impact stress has had on your skin? Reach out to Amber at HYDRO Med Spa now to get started!