Stress & The Skin: What Skin Therapists Should Know

The connection between the brain and skin is real, and mental health is key to skin health. Let’s find out more about stress & the skin.

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The connection between the brain and skin is real, and mental health is key to skin health. In simple terms, stress activates sweat glands causing dehydration. This can lead to dryness and inflammation. As one of the longevity pillars, it is important to highlight the potential effect stress can have on your client’s skin barrier. Inflammation can also cause flare-ups of any underlying skin condition. Let’s find out more about stress & the skin.

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Stress & The Skin

The skin barrier is fragile. It needs time to heal and repair itself. While dealing with stress, it is important to keep an eye on the effect it has on the skin and address any issues as soon as they arise. Incorporating stress management techniques can improve the skin’s health and appearance.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress manifests on the skin as cortisol, the stress hormone. It is responsible for many skin changes:

Increased inflammation
Excess sebum
Inhibition of hyaluronic acid & collagen production
Increased oxidisation
Skin barrier dysfunction

Skin Issues

Common skin issues that are linked to stress include:

Acne
Rosacea
Eczema & psoriasis
Hives & rashes
Signs of premature ageing

As therapists, it is our job to educate clients and encourage them to engage with stress management techniques. Recommend mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises and yoga. Meditation is a powerful technique allowing the mind to focus on breathing which can lower stress levels.

Managing Stress

To manage stress effectively the other longevity pillars are also important:

Regular exercise
Adequate sleep
Nutrition

Exercise increases endorphin levels which improves mood and reduces stress. During sleep the body repairs itself and a lack of sleep worsens stress levels which in turn exacerbates skin issues. Good food means a good mood. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruit and vegetable with healthy protein can reduce oxidative stress. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial to keep skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Longevity Pillars

Stress in skincare is an important longevity pillar to manage. Practising self-care and mindfulness while maintaining a skincare routine will help clients regain their glow.