Lately, despite the twice daily cleansing and moisturising, weekly scrubs and face packs and copious amounts of water, I have been noticing that my skin has never ever looked this terrible.
Time to visit the dermatologist — who takes one look at my blotchy complexion, flaking chin, dark circles and the monstrous zit on my forehead and decides what I need is a “life questionnaire” rather than a session of microdermabrasion.
And through gradual prodding and poking, we arrive at the root cause — stress (and a lot of being pissed off, 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 all that’s in the future.
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 actually a field of medicine called psychodermatology, which focuses on the mind-beauty connection.
Experts of psychodermatology treat skin conditions that are caused or worsened by stress and here I am summarising what they say happens to our complexions when we are emotionally troubled.
But remember, these “quick fixes” are just that — quick fixes.
To actually reverse the beauty (and overall health!) effects of stress, you need to go much deeper than lotions and potions!
Stress and skin #1: Dull skin
Stress triggers cortisol (a stress hormone), which slows down the production of skin cells, making them take longer to reach the surface and flake off. Hence, dead skin cells build up, making your face look dull and lifeless.
Quick fix: Exfoliate regularly.
Stress and skin #2: Stress acne
Psychological stress 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.
Quick fix: Keep skin clear of surface dirt, oil and dead cells. Use non-comedogenic beauty products and wash your face gently with a soft flannel.
Stress and skin #3: 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.
When you are under stress, this protective layer becomes less effective, allowing harmful bacteria to reach the deeper layers of skin.
Cue: Stress acne of the inflammatory, painful kind (also known as acne vulgaris), along with other skin infections such as cellulitis and erythrasma.
Quick fix: Keep skin scrupulously clean with a mild soap. Use warm, not hot water, and pat skin dry instead of rubbing; put moisturiser on immediately.
Stress and skin #4: Stress skin rashes
Chronic stress decreases skin’s self-repairing abilities, while also releasing histamines (which create allergic reactions) into the bloodstream.
The result? Stressed skin is much more prone to flareups of immunity-related conditions such as rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, cold sores, psoriasis and eczema.
Quick fix: Look for beauty products that contain soothing ingredients like avocado oil, almond oil, aloe vera, Shea butter, sunflower oil and chamomile.
Also, cut down on the number of skincare products you use — fewer products means lesser ingredients and hence a lower risk of an allergic reaction.
Stress and skin #5: Dryness
Stressed skin has a very low lipid (protective) barrier, so fluids evaporate more easily.
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.
Quick fix: Try a weekly moisture mask and layer a hydrating serum under your moisturiser.
Also, avoid using toners and cleansers that contain harsh ingredients such as Ammonium Laurenth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which can further dehydrate and irritate the skin.
Stress and skin #6: Premature aging
During times of crisis, our body redirects the flow of blood to areas that are considered to be vital organs as a stress response — such as the lungs and heart. This leaves skin without essential blood and oxygen.
The result? Increased production of free radicals and tissue-damaging oxidants, which speed up wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of premature ageing.
All of which make you look older than your years. Not good, right?
Quick fix: Try some facial exercises and massage. These help release tension along with increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to muscles, tissue and skin, making the complexion look vibrant and healthier.
Stress and skin #7: Sagging
Furthermore, the high stress levels that lead to prolonged cortisol production also result in loss of collagen and elastin, resulting in slackness, sagging and loss of elasticity.
Quick fix: Consume foods that increase collagen production and benefit the skin. For example, soy products help block enzymes that break down and age the skin.
Also, try topical beauty products containing Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
Stress and skin #8: Sallowness
Besides the stress rashes, being in a stressful situation can also hurt the digestive system. This means essential nutrients are not digested properly, allowing build up of impurities.
As a result, besides the stress acne, skin also looks dull, lifeless and sallow.
Quick fix: A compromised digestive system means you need to go the extra step with a healthy diet and plenty of water.
Step up intake of leafy greens, fruit and high protein grains and lentils as well as healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil. Skipping meals is a complete no-no for stressed skin!
Stress and skin #9: Inflammation
Prolonged stress creates chronic inflammation, which leads to an uneven skin tone and texture, lack of radiance and hyperpigmentation. And those stress skin rashes that we spoke about earlier.
Quick fix: Sleep is anti-inflammatory — a time of healing, when cortisol levels are at their lowest. Getting enough nap-time will keep your body’s best coping skills at hand, which is an important factor in countering the effect of stress.
Stress and skin #10: Skin cancers
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.
Quick fix: Not all of us can actually avoid acute stress during some phases of our lives. What we can do? Remember to not skip the sunscreen — even if you are indoors. Rule of thumb is that if the natural light is bright enough to read, it’s bright enough to damage your skin.
Have you ever felt your skin take a nosedive in the face of stress? Or anger? Or anxiety? Or depression?
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.