Have you ever wondered why your skin still rebels despite religiously sticking to your skincare routine and guzzling water like there’s no tomorrow? I’ve been there. Lately, despite the twice daily cleansing, moisturizing, and weekly scrubs, I have noticed that my skin has never looked this terrible.
Time to visit the dermatologist — who takes one look at my blotchy complexion, under-eye bags, and the monstrous zit on my forehead and decides what I need is a “life questionnaire” rather than a microdermabrasion session.
And through gradual prodding and poking, we arrive at the root cause — stress (and a lot of being angry, to boot), which is literally killing my skin cells.
I have always known that stress leads to high blood pressure, depression, migraines, heart disease, obesity… yada yada yada! But honestly, it never bothered me because that’s a “future-me problem.”
However, skin problems like stress acne and stress skin rashes are in the here and now! Hence, this required some serious research. And what I found is that given our increasingly crazy lifestyles, there is a field of medicine called psychodermatology, which focuses on stress and skin connection.
Experts of psychodermatology treat skin conditions caused or worsened by psychological stress. There’s even a term for this stress response: “Stressed face.” And let me tell you, what they have to say about how signs of stress show up on our skin is nothing short of eye-opening.
So, join me in the journey that happens when skin meets stress. And how to counteract the effects of this stress on the skin? It’s time to give your skin the peace it deserves, and trust me, the change will be more than skin-deep!
Stress and skin: Premature skin aging
When we’re under chronic stress, our body releases higher cortisol levels, a hormone well-known for triggering the fight-or-flight response. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, cortisol levels when we are stressed can increase by 900% than during relaxed times.
According to a whole slew of scientific studies, this cortisol spike significantly contributes to premature skin aging.
How does this happen? This “stress hormone” accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the very proteins that give your skin its youthful bounce and resilience. The result? An increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that makes you look older than your years.
Fight back: Anti-aging arsenal
Sun Protection: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can exacerbate the effects of cortisol on the skin. They break down collagen and elastin even more rapidly. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.
Regular Exercise: Exercise increases blood flow, nourishing skin cells and carrying away free radicals and other cellular debris. This improved circulation can help keep your skin healthy and vibrant, countering the effects of stress-induced aging.
Adequate Sleep: Sleep is anti-inflammatory — a time of healing when cortisol levels are at their lowest. Getting enough sleep will keep your body’s best coping skills at hand, which is an essential factor in countering the effect of stress.
Stressed face: Sagging skin
Collagen and elastin fibers are responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. Under stress, the body’s increased cortisol levels lead to the breakdown of these fibers — this not only accelerates the natural aging process but also leads to sagging, resulting in a loss of skin tightness and resilience. Such changes are a hallmark of the stressed face.
How to combat stress-induced sagging
Nutrition for Collagen Production: A diet rich in Vitamin C, lysine, and proline can promote collagen synthesis. Citrus fruits, red peppers, chicken, and egg whites are excellent sources of these nutrients.
Facial Exercises: Just like the muscles in your body, regular facial exercises can help maintain muscle tone beneath the skin, thus reducing sagging. They also go a long way in relieving facial tension by loosening over-tight muscles!
Topical Treatments: Skincare products containing retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can stimulate collagen production and combat sagging. These ingredients are key in many anti-aging formulations.
Stress and skin: A sallow complexion
Sallowness, characterized by a loss of skin color or vibrancy, is a common yet often overlooked sign of stress’s impact on the skin. When under mental stress, our body’s physiological response can redirect blood flow away from the skin towards vital organs.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this reduced circulation means fewer nutrients and less oxygen reach the skin’s surface, resulting in a dull, tired, or yellowish complexion lacking a glow.
Strategies to revive skin’s natural glow
Facial Massage: Regular facial massages can stimulate the blood vessels, helping to restore color and vitality to the skin. This can be done using your fingers or a facial massage tool.
Regular Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating the skin can remove dead skin cells that contribute to dull skin. This reveals the brighter, healthier skin underneath and promotes better circulation on the skin’s surface.
Skincare with Brightening Ingredients: Incorporate products containing vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice root extract in your skin care routine. They can help brighten the skin and reduce sallowness.
Healthy Diet: Increase your intake of leafy greens, fruit, high protein grains, lentils, and healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil. Skipping meals is a complete no-no for stressed skin!
Stressed face: Stress acne
One of the most common manifestations of a stressed face is stress acne, a condition primarily influenced by hormonal changes. Cortisol — the aforementioned “stress hormone” — puts sebaceous glands in overdrive, which increases the skin’s oil production. This excessive oil, combined with the buildup of dead skin cells, is the perfect recipe for blocked pores and acne breakouts.
Managing and preventing stress acne
Gentle Cleansing: To manage stress acne, keep skin clear of surface dirt, oil, and dead cells. However, keep it gentle! Overwashing or using harsh products can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
Non-Comedogenic Products: When choosing skincare and makeup products, opt for those labeled non-comedogenic, as they are formulated not to block pores.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Constantly touching your face can transfer bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face, worsening acne. Be mindful of keeping your hands away from your face.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps detoxify your skin from the inside out. Hydrated skin is better able to cope with stress and is less prone to acne.
Stress and skin: Skin infections
Another way in which emotional stress can affect skin health? Normal epidermal cells are packed tightly together, forming a strong skin barrier that blocks the entry of bacteria and other toxins.
According to Harvard Medical School, when your stress levels spike, this protective layer becomes less effective, allowing harmful bacteria to reach the deeper layers of the skin.
Additionally, your body’s immune system is altered when you’re stressed. Stress can cause a decrease in the skin’s production of antimicrobial peptides, the body’s natural antibiotics that help fight germs.
Cue: Stress acne of the inflammatory, painful kind (also known as acne vulgaris) and other skin infections such as cellulitis and erythrasma.
Quick fix: Shielding your skin
Hygienic Practices: Regular, gentle cleansing is crucial. Use a mild soap to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils, which is essential for maintaining your skin’s barrier function.
Moisturize and Protect: After cleansing, apply a good moisturizer to help repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can boost your skin’s ability to fight infections. These nutrients play a vital role in skin health and repair.
Professional help: If you’re experiencing recurrent skin infections, it might be time to consult a board-certified dermatologist. They can provide targeted treatments and advice specific to your skin’s needs.
Stressed face: Stress skin rashes
Chronic stress decreases the skin’s self-repairing abilities while also releasing histamines (which cause allergic reactions) into the bloodstream.
The result? A stressed face is much more prone to flare-ups of immunity-related conditions such as rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, cold sores, psoriasis, and eczema.
Stress rashes often appear as raised bumps, red patches, or itchy skin. They can occur anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the face, neck, chest, or arms.
Managing stress-induced skin rashes
Avoid Aggravating Factors: While stress is the root cause, other factors like heat, sweat, or irritants in skincare products can worsen the condition. Identifying and minimizing these factors can help.
Gentle Skincare Routine: Look for beauty products that contain soothing ingredients like avocado oil, almond oil, aloe vera, Shea butter, sunflower oil, and chamomile.
Cool Compresses and Soothing Agents: Applying cool compresses can provide immediate relief from itching and inflammation. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can also help reduce irritation.
Stress and skin: Dryness
Cortisol can diminish the skin’s production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizer, and disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to increased moisture loss.
Additionally, stressed-out skin has a very low lipid (protective) barrier, so fluids evaporate more quickly. In addition, cortisol also reduces the skin’s ability to retain water, leading to excessively dry skin.
That’s why even those of us with oily skin feel it getting drier during a stressful period.
How to counter stress-related dryness?
Intensive Moisturizing: This is the cornerstone of combating dry skin. Opt for rich, emollient creams that contain ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and repair the skin’s barrier. Try a weekly face mask and layer a hydrating serum under your moisturizer.
Humidifiers: Especially in dry climates or during winter, a humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air, helping to prevent your skin from drying out.
Adequate Hydration: Increasing your water intake is crucial. Hydration from within is just as important as moisturizing the skin’s surface. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Soaps: Hot water and harsh cleansing agents can strip your skin of natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water and gentle, hydrating cleansers.
Nutrition for Skin Health: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can help fortify the skin’s barrier. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides the vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs to stay hydrated and healthy.
Stressed face: Chronic inflammation
While inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response, research shows that chronic stress can lead to persistent, low-grade inflammation that wreaks havoc on the skin.
This manifestation of a stressed face can include redness, swelling, and a sensation of heat, often worsening conditions like acne or eczema.
Strategies to counter stress-induced inflammation
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Diet plays a crucial role in managing inflammation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts), antioxidants (found in berries, leafy greens, and nuts), and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Gentle Skincare Products: Choose skincare products designed for sensitive skin that are free from irritants like alcohol, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Products containing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea can have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress to inflamed areas can provide immediate relief by reducing swelling and redness.
Stress and skin: Skin cancers
And it’s not just about the appearance of your skin: In a study at Yale University, it was found that people with melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — were more likely to have gone through stressful events during the years leading up to their diagnosis than people who did not have skin cancer.
Possible causes? Chronic stress affects the body’s endocrine and immune responses, potentially leading to immunosuppression. This weakened immune state can impair the skin’s ability to repair DNA damage caused by UV exposure and fight off cancerous cells.
Furthermore, stress-related hormones like cortisol can influence cell growth and death, factors relevant to cancer development.
Preventive measures and early detection
Sun Protection: Not all of us can avoid acute stress during some phases of our lives. What can we do? Remember not to skip the sunscreen — even if you are indoors. The rule of thumb is that if the natural light is bright enough to read, it’s bright enough to damage your skin.
Self-Examination: Become familiar with the moles and marks on your skin and monitor them for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.
Regular Dermatologist Visits: Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are crucial, especially for individuals with a history of sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer. Early detection significantly improves the treatment outcomes of skin cancers.
Blemishesandmore says
That’s so true, yet most neglected fact. Thanks for a much needed reminder!
Tonya says
I had a major stressful event lasting almost 2 years and looked in the mirror and feel like I don’t recognize myself. I have to make effort to relax my face because I hold my tension on my brows causing eyelids to sag. I have put on weight but my face looks skinny and sunk in. I am trying to make a conscious effort to relax my face and get more rest. I hope this is not permanent.
Vickie says
I feel exactly the same. After a continuation of deeply stressful events over the past 3 years I no longer recognise myself and its making me really sad.
I hope you find postive changes for yourself soon x
Elaine says
I really hope it can reverse. I’m only 22 but chronically stressed for at least 3 yrs now. Used to have nice fair skin, now I can’t relax enough to budge the dark circles, sallowness, etc. Hopefully beginning to exercise again, eat well, and sleep might contribute; but honestly I’m scared I will look this lifeless and sickly forever. RIP natural beauty
Jennifer says
I totally hear you. It is so hard because the sadder you feel, the more cortisol you produce hurting your skin. I became depressed and then aged about 5 years in 5 months. I am sorry. Remember that you belong, you are special, and that is what is important.
amna says
Hi! Hope you’re doing well. I am suffering from similar things and I’d love to hear how you’re doing now and did lowering your stress helped reverse the damage caused by stress over the years?
Jewel says
Hey ladies! I want to share with y’all that I am experiencing the same things I have had stressful , hard, emotional 3 years. I have aged in my face especially under my eyes. It sad kind of. Considering a lot of the stress wasn’t my fault. I hope you all are able to recover . Joy and peace and love heals the soul and I think sometimes the body. ❤️
amna says
Hi! Hope you’re doing well. I am curios if lowering your stress helped reverse the damage caused by stress over the years?
Jewel says
Hi Amna! Yes I moved away from a stressful environment and I’m sleeping through the night so that took away some of the tiredness. I also going to start incorporating collagen powder in my drinks starting today actually. I started walking /jogging and that has helped . It is taking awhile though . But don’t be discouraged I have seen some improvement with lowering stress . Take care Beautiful!
Jewel says
Hello Amna! The stress/ depression has lessen since I made some changes about a year 3 months ago. The severe undereye bagage has lessened as well. I still look different though. So the answer is yes . It can reverse. I would say good sleep, some exercise , basic healthy eating will boost it as well. I am also looking to adding collagen powder supplement to by foods. I hope you are doing well ! Take care! It does change and can get better .
amna says
Hi! Hope you’re doing well. I am suffering from similar things and I’d love to hear how you’re doing now and did lowering your stress helped reverse the damage caused by stress over the years?
ms.p says
I experienced similar. I really think it can reverse. Takes relaxation and self-love. Can be hard because seeing the facial and skin changes can trigger even more stress. Have to love ourselves through it.
Jewel says
I hope it can reverses .I agree that it may take awhile though. I hoping this for myself .
amna says
Hello, interested to know how you’re doing now and how your skin is looking? please give us an update as i’m also struggling with this
Jen says
Remember your value and worth. It is so sad, but I have to remember I am loved by others. We never see the beauty we hold in others’ eyes.
Sammy says
I had my heart broken by my other half, then was humiliated, lied to, thrown out of my job (we worked together), had the other woman repeatedly shoved in my face for months on end and eventually had a seizure and heamorhaging in my eyes as a result of the stress. It felt like I was psychologically tortured and it deep-fried my brain. I honestly thought my time was up and I was happy about it!
I’ve aged about a decade in the last year. I used to look very young for my age, but now I had huge dark under-eye bags, my hair is going grey and thin (and in one place actually fell out for a while, although that seems to be growing back again), my skin all over is extremely dry, my lower jaw is receding from grinding my teeth so much, and I’ve lost a ton of muscle tone everywhere.
I was too humiliated and scared to leave the house for the last 11 months, as they both live locally and I couldn’t bear the thought of bumping into them or anyone else we know. I still have massive trust issues with everyone and don’t want to talk to or see other humans if I can help it. Therapy has helped a bit, but they told me I have C-PTSD, panic disorder and depressive disorder now, plus short-term memory issues, which is great. Medication turned me into a zombie, so I can’t take that. I just have to try and work my way out of it gradually.
I am scared my body will never recover, even if my mind does. The main reason he rejected me was because she was prettier. She is abusive, a gold-digger, actually asked me(!) to help her find another guy with more money, insults and humiliates him, has anger and drinking problems and smokes too much pot. But she looks good, so she won.
It isn’t the first time that’s happened, so I am very very aware of how much my appearance matters if I want to find someone. Unfortunately, a lot of men do only care about appearance, whether they admit it or not. So it feels as though she has won twice.
Jen says
Sammy – I am so sorry. That is heartbreaking. Your ex is awful. Period. He doesn’t deserve you. I struggle with a lot of the same thoughts that you expressed. I try to tell myself positive sentiments each day. I try to remember that other people see me as a beautiful soul and that’s what radiates through. It is so hard to do some days. It’s also hard to let go of the anger toward the other person (your ex). Just do the best you can and remember you are perfect how you are. I wish you all the best.
Jewel says
@Sammy I am so sorry sister. I feel for you. I can tell you from experience that it can get better. Mental torment takes time to heal. Little by little. You are on the right track talking to someone. That will help get the trauma out of your body, mind, and heart . since my breakdown my appearance has improved. Lots of rest. medication, staying away from people that mistreat me, a lot of tears and anger to get it out, and walking. I use a Vitamin C serum I bought on Amazon and Vitamin e oil. I get massages and go to a Korean Spa in town . Hold your held up sister. You are valuable regardless of how others treat you. YOU ARE Valuable!
Amy Pace says
I am so depressed every time I look in the mirror. I am 52 and I look awful. Last year (June 13th) my mom passed away (17 years to the day of my dads passing). In this past year the stress has taken its toll and then some. I look so different than I did a year ago, it’s scary. My skin is sagging, my dark circles are worse, I have many more discolorations and random small growths, I don’t sleep well so I look tired and AM tired all the time. I see pictures of myself from a year ago or longer and then of this past year or now and I cannot believe the difference. Not only that, but one of my siblings is still in her house AND he has invited a heroin addict to live there. I am paying for the house payment until I can get it sold AND all the household bills so he can save to buy another house my mom owned. Not to mention I take care of ALL my household bills and yes, my boyfriend lives with me, but he has to pay his ex so much that he can’t afford to contribute…….ok – I’m done now and off my pity party, BUT…….my face isn’t!!!!!!!
Jewel says
I hope you get the house sold soon and get to a peaceful place. Don’t allow people to mistreat and use your kindness if it at the expense of your own well being.
Four SeasonsLaser says
Stress is not good for us, so we must practice ignoring things we cannot control.
Lijan says
Wow, I didn’t think it would be possible to find an article on the internet that addresses this issue after so long. I have been suffering from stress-related skin damage for 20 years!
I would like to briefly introduce myself: I am male, 43 years old and come from Germany. 20 years ago I still had perfect skin. Clear skin, with clearly defined facial features, not a single wrinkle, full dark hair. Of course I had a pimple every now and then, but that didn’t bother me. I was completely satisfied with my appearance.
Until I was exposed to extreme exam stress for six months during my studies. I have to say that I suffered from very strong exam anxiety. That’s why I spent half a year preparing for several oral exams with terrible fears. During that time I never left the house once. If at all, I relaxed in front of the television for an hour a day. Otherwise I was just studying. I always learned with a face distorted by fear and very tense.
When I consciously looked at myself in the mirror for the first time after the exam, I got a shock!!! My appearance has changed dramatically!!! I had never seen myself like this before. I can confirm all of the stress symptoms described in the article. I developed deep nasolabial folds and numerous wrinkles around my eyes and on my forehead. The skin under my eyes became extremely dark and wrinkled because the fat under my eyes dissolved. On the one hand, my facial skin became slack, but on the other hand, my face was completely puffy because water had retained on my face due to the stress. As a result, my facial contours have completely disappeared. Overall, my skin has become extremely dry and pale, but on the other hand it is also very oily. Before, my skin had a glow effect, my skin was perfect. Now instead I had pimples and other skin imperfections all over my face. My hair also became thinner and partly gray. I developed itchy scalp and increased hair loss. I’ve been sweating and freezing easier since then. My immune system is totally out of balance. It was/is like a nightmare.
You could say that I’ve aged 20 years in just a few months, but that’s not true. This is not what you look like when you age normally. Even many people 30-40 years older than me had better skin. My skin, on the other hand, was really destroyed and I knew that a lot of skin damage doesn’t go away on its own. I was only 24!!!
What bothered me the most were the nasolabial folds. A year later, out of desperation, I had my nasolabial folds injected with hyaluronic acid. The result looked TERRIBLE. The doctor didn’t inject INTO the wrinkles, but next to them. This made the wrinkles even bigger!!! I reassured myself that the hyaluronic acid would dissolve after a year. But that did NOT happen!!! Instead, scars and granulomas formed under the skin, which are visible to the outside as bulges and caused a very unpleasant feeling. For the last 15 years I have been trying to remove these scars and granulomas. I have had countless treatments such as cortisone injections, laser treatments, microneedling, surgery, stem cell treatment, etc. – but the scars and granulomas have only reduced slightly. I spent 20,000 euros almost for nothing.
At the same time, 20 years later, I still suffer greatly from the consequences of stress. Of course, all of this also has an extreme impact on my mental health. I have felt extremely uncomfortable in my skin for 20 years. I struggle with fainting spells, often panic attacks and am very restless and desperate. As a result, I don’t sleep well and don’t move enough because I’m very lethargic. Of course, this stress means that my skin condition hasn’t really improved for many, many years. A vicious circle.
Only in the last few years has my skin condition improved somewhat, e.g. through microneedling and the fact that the skin has recovered somewhat over the last 20 years. This also makes me feel a little better mentally.
Nevertheless, I still have numerous stress-related skin damages to this day!!! This still weighs heavily on me. I’ve been applying niacinamide serum, hyaluronic acid serum and retinol every day for a few months now. I’m also thinking about injecting Botox and Profhilo, but I’m worried about the side effects. I don’t want to experience something like the hyaluronic acid injection again.
Unfortunately, I get little to no understanding from my family or friends. I have to listen to: “It’s completely normal for your skin to change due to stress. If you sleep in for a few days, everything will be fine again.” Or even worse: “Stress can’t change your appearance. You’re just imagining it all.” As if I wasn’t punished enough already, I also have to constantly justify myself. For me, the day I saw my changed appearance for the first time was a trauma. A trauma that I still haven’t overcome to this day. I don’t feel taken seriously at all and I’m very lonely. I have never smoked, I rarely drink alcohol, I eat healthily and do sports. Under normal circumstances I would still have very good skin today. Of course, I am aware that aging also causes skin to deteriorate. However, all of the major problems I have today were caused by the stress of 20 years ago. This makes me incredibly sad and angry.
I’m glad I found this article because it makes me feel like I’m finally not so alone anymore. I’m sorry my text was so long. I kept it very short lol Maybe someone will still read it. Maybe we can also exchange ideas a little. That would make me happy! In any case, I wish everyone here suffering from stress a speedy recovery. I think the most important thing is self-love. If we manage to accept ourselves again, whatever the path, we have already achieved a lot.
Jewel says
Hello Lijan in Germany from Texas!
I read all your post! I am so sorry for what you have been through. Yes! Stress can damage your skin . I want to tell you that you are not alone . I hope you surround yourself by people who love you and enjoy your presence . I have found that peace and joy helps appearance becuase our beauty comes from within. Be careful if you decide to go with Botox . Find a skilled specialist not someone little place with inexperienced workers . Water, sleep, eating healthy, cutting sugar!
Don’t forgot to live life to the fullest ! I hope you recover mentally and emotionally from what you have endured.
❤️
Lijan says
Hello Jewel!
Thank you for your post and for reading my message! You’re right, having fun in life improves your appearance and of course your charisma. But it’s damn difficult to relax and have fun in life when you’re so stressed about your appearance. So I’m taking a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, I try to have enough time for myself and do things that distract me to reduce stress. On the other hand, I’m trying to repair my appearance cosmetically. But to be honest, I have little hope. As I said, I’ve been struggling with this problem for 20 years and the changes are just too dramatic for me to believe that I can even come close to getting my skin back to the condition it had before. Unfortunately, this pessimistic attitude will probably mean that my skin condition doesn’t improve. It’s complicated and very frustrating…
I read your other posts. I’m very sorry that you also went through a very stressful time. How are you now? Are you still taking collagen powder? I’ve also been thinking about taking collagen because I’m sure that the stress has destroyed a lot of collagen for me. So I would be interested to know if the powder helped you. In any case, I wish you all the best and best wishes to Texas from Germany 🙂