From dryness to acne, 8 ways stress affects your skin

Stress not only has consequences for physical health, such as fatigue or mental health, its effect is also visible on the skin. Read what experts have to say.

DOCTOR VERIFIED

In the fast-paced world we live in, stress can take a toll on more than just our mental well-being. It can also affect our skin. Exorbitant use of multiple skin products and exposure to pollution and dust also cause signs of stress on the skin. Recognizing the signs of stressed skin is the first step in maintaining healthy skin.

8 ways the skin responds to stress

1. Drought: Stress can strip the natural moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Hydrate your skin with a nourishing, ceramide-rich moisturizer and opt for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter to lock in moisture. Clinical treatments such as facial mesotherapy and vitamin infusion are useful.
2. Redness: Stress can cause inflammation, leading to redness. Soothe your skin by using anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile or aloe vera. It also helps to dip your face in ice water for 20 seconds.
3. Itching and burning: The feeling of itching or burning is common when your skin is stressed. Resist the urge to scratch as this can worsen the irritation. Instead, soften your skin with cool compresses and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer to relieve discomfort.
4. Dullness: Skin metabolism slows down under stress, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells, making the skin dull. Gently exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub, opting for treatments like microdermabrasion or hydrafacial to remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother complexion.
5. Scaling or peeling: Stressed skin can peel or develop flakes. Don't try to pull the flakes out, but instead apply a lightweight moisturizer and repeat every 3-4 hours until the flakes and peeling are gone.
6. Acne outbreaks: Stress can cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Maintain a consistent skincare routine with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and use chemical peels.
7. Sensitivity: Stressed skin becomes more sensitive and reacts to products it once tolerated. Switch to gentle, fragrance-free skin care products to reduce irritation.
8. Uneven tone, peri-oral pigmentation and chapped lips: Stress can contribute to uneven skin tone, resulting in darkness around the lips. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and use treatments such as PRP therapy to improve skin sensitivity. Don't forget to keep your lips moisturized with a moisturizing lip balm.

Tips to prevent it

• Incorporate mindfulness, deep breathing or meditation into your routine to manage stress.
• Make sure you get enough restorative sleep to promote skin rejuvenation.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration from within.
• Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support skin health.
• Physical activity helps reduce stress and promotes healthy blood circulation to the skin.

Being aware of your skin's response to stress can help you take proactive steps to care for it. By taking a holistic approach to wellness, including skin care practices and stress management techniques, you can nurture a radiant and stress-free complexion.