Skin Conditions Caused by Stress

The Harmful Effects of Stress on the Skin

German scientists at the University of Dresden found that a particular stress hormone interacts with a receptor in the skin and causes damaging inflammation that results in wrinkles. Stress has a huge impact on the way we feel and act, but many people do not realize that it also has a harmful effect on the skin. Stress wreaks havoc both inside and outside of our bodies.

Exacerbates Other Conditions

Stress or anxiety can cause any condition in the body to worsen. For people with acne or sensitive skin prone to blemishes, stress can cause the outbreak of lesions. Those with excessive perspiration or hair loss may see their problems increase, and those with psoriasis or rosacea may find that their skin is more inflamed and redder than usual. Stress can cause the skin to become dehydrated which, in turn, allows all types of infectious allergens to penetrate the skin. Conditions like eczema and rashes can occur and breakouts may be more frequent.

People under a lot of stress may become depressed and neglect daily skincare. Their skin could well become itchy and dry starting a vicious cycle of scratching, rubbing, and increased irritation. Neglect can cause a breakdown in the normal repair and restoration cycle the skin goes through as it rids itself of dead cells. Skin that is dehydrated cannot recover if left untreated. 31

Skin Conditions Caused by Stress

Stress can cause fever blisters, dermatitis and other skin conditions that you might not normally develop. Your nails may turn brittle and you may break out in hives. Long-term stress can cause intensely adverse effects on the skin such as poor circulation, and the decreased blood supply to the skin can make it flaky, dry, and irritated. Stress can affect your respiratory system, reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the skin. This causes the skin to appear dull and pasty and to lose its natural glow.

If your skin is lacking all the things that are important to keep it healthy—blood, oxygen and water—it becomes dull and gray. People with nutrient-deprived skin develop puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, and wrinkles and fine lines may increase and deepen. Puffy eyes are another Skin Conditions Caused by Stress .

Stress Seeks Comfort

When we are under stress, we tend to eat and drink the wrong things, like coffee or alcohol, that are debilitating, dehydrating, and drying to the skin. This is the time when you should be increasing your water intake to keep the skin moisturized and nourished, but because of anxiety and depression, you reach for things that are harmful instead. The next time you‘re feeling stressed, reach for the fruits and vegetables and forget the comfort foods that don‘t nourish the body or the skin. Giving in to impulse eating and drinking is a downward spiral that is difficult to escape. It is important to seek help if you feel like stress is gaining control in your life. Long-term stress can cause irreparable damage if left untreated, but the good news is that it can be diagnosed and treated by a qualified physician.

Coping With Stress

It‘s easy to say that you should reduce stress, but it‘s one of those things that is often easier to talk about than to do. Making some time for yourself, just an hour each day, to perform some of the skincare rituals can help reduce the effects of stress on your skin, and it can help you mentally too. Exercise and relaxation techniques work wonders. Once you start seeing the effects of wrinkle creams or other skincare treatments, you will inevitably notice that you have a more hopeful outlook too. 32

You start to feel stronger and are better able to cope with stress when you look and feel your best.