Most people think the products they use and the environment they live in are the only things that affect their skin. While these external factors play a big part, the internal aspects also make a difference.
Here are the effects on your skin.
Stress and Skin
Can cause various skin problems. It may seem unlikely at first, but school, work and other aspects occupy your mind. Some people develop unhealthy coping mechanisms as a result, from eating junk food to staying up late. Unfortunately, these habits manifest into skin issues as well.
Stress aggravates existing skin issues, with flare-ups bound to happen due to the habits you’ve built. Too much on your mind can also inhibit you from remembering to perform your skin care routine.
Here are some common stress-related skin problems.
Acne
Are you dealing with oiliness and pimples? Stress ramps up cortisol production in the skin. While those pressures don’t directly cause acne, the impending hormonal imbalance clogs pores and triggers this skin issue.
Stress can also worsen acne if it’s already present. The hormonal imbalances can lower the rest of the skin’s defense and increase the likelihood of inflammation.
Dryness
Dry skin can also be a sign of stress, despite it being a different reaction from oily and acne-prone skin. The breakdown of your skin barrier can lower your moisture levels, leading to dehydration and itchiness.
You can usually tell you’re dealing with dryness if you seem more sensitive or red. Some people also experience patches of flaky or rough skin on the face, as well as tightness after cleansing.
Dark Circles
Certain thoughts may keep you up late at night. Some people may also cry from the pressures they face. This combination results in bags under your eyes. Aside from dark circles, you may also deal with puffiness as the eye muscles under the skin begin to weaken. You might notice a more uneven complexion as a result.
Rashes
Causes inflammation due to hormonal imbalance. People with sensitive skin may experience rashes and redness. It can also aggravate rash-related conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. As important as avoiding stress when dealing with those issues is, you must also take care of your skin directly.
Wrinkles
Growing older means facing many more stressful problems. Wrinkles are a sign of intrinsic aging, as the skin’s elasticity lowers over time. You can also get these facial features when you furrow your brows or make other expressions due to stress. They may appear on the forehead, around the mouth and elsewhere.
Dullness
Stress also affects your skin by making it appear much duller than it usually is. Oiliness, dryness and dark circles affect your complexion. An unaddressed buildup of dead skin cells can also be a culprit.
Reducing Stress-Related Skin Problems
Address stress-related skin problems by getting rid of the stress first. Pinpoint what’s causing those pressures and devise a solution. For instance, if you keep thinking about a project that you have to get done, break it down into smaller tasks to create a checklist.
You should also find healthy ways to manage stress to avoid the effects on your skin. Try to disconnect from your mobile devices and enjoy the great outdoors. You can also pick up relaxing hobbies like reading books or practicing yoga.
You also have to give love and attention to your complexion. About 27% of Americans did not have a skin care routine in 2024, which may be a contributing problem. Caring for your skin helps maintain its evenness and clarity. It’s also a calming way to end a long and stressful day.
Clear Your Mind and Skin
Effects on the skin are evident, especially when people are under pressure for a long time. Make it a mission to care for your mind and maintain a glowing complexion. A clear head can bring you clear skin in the long run.
(photo: engina kyurt)
