Can Stress Cause Skin Concerns?

Stress is one thing we all share in common, whether as a chronic condition or as an occasional part of everyday life, and it has the power to alter the look and feel of our skin. Like our stressors, these effects on skin health can differ from person to person. However, a stress-induced breakout is not the end of the world: there are ways to combat the appearance of stress on your skin to prevent your stress levels from skyrocketing even more from, as an example, not knowing how to treat blemishes properly.

Can Stress Cause Skin Concerns?

Anecdotally and scientifically, the answer is yes–stress can cause skin concerns. Excessive stress can induce flare-ups with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, stress can also trigger breakouts and worsen other conditions, such as scalp-related concerns. Dryness, redness and itching can also be symptoms of stress in the skin.  

The duration of these symptoms varies depending on multiple factors. These symptoms can disappear after a few days or can persist for weeks, depending on things such as preexisting skin conditions, stress levels and quality of life.

Ease The Effects Of Stress On Your Skin

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to handling stress the right way. Despite that, there are ways to ease the effects of stress on your skin and minimize the more visible symptoms.

Stick to Your Regimen

Even if you’re stressed, continue to take care of your skin. If you suddenly change up your regimen, that can cause a skin reaction. An important note – if dealing with increased sensitivity, burning or dryness, consider decreasing usage of active ingredients, such as AHAs or retinol.

Move Your Body

Exercise is a natural way to reduce stress. 

Get Some Sleep

Sleep is when your body replenishes and heals itself. Sleeping can also help to improve mood, and if anything, will give you the energy to tackle whatever is stressing you out.

Skincare is Self-Care

For some, skincare is therapeutic–not only in its benefits to the skin but also to the mind. Treat your skin to a spa day at home with Complexion Clearing Masque for blemish-prone skin or Enzymatic Peel to revive the look of a dulled complexion.

What Are The Best Products To Help Fix Problem Skin?

It depends—how is stress affecting your skin? There are several routes you can go about treating stressed-out skin depending on your symptoms, such as sensitivity, dryness, or redness.

Gentle, non-irritating products can help to calm the appearance of stress. Calming Toner balances the pH of skin and calms the complexion with a soothing botanical complex. 

Renewal Crème is a lightweight hydrator that is fast-absorbing and good for mild dryness + redness, clinically proven to revitalize the appearance of stressed skin.  For intense dryness or flare ups, Hydrating Crème hydrates and soothes the skin for long-lasting relief. Hydrating Crème has also been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Skin Normalizing Program is a five-product regimen that is curated specifically to address red, sensitive skin. The program features Rozatrol®, a multi-modal serum designed to combat multiple concerns related to red, irritated skin.

The best thing to do to help stressed-out skin is to see your skin health professional. They can work with your skin to offer suggestions, treatments, or medication to get your skin back to its optimal state.