Lucija Kračun, MD
Specialist of family practise
AAAMED diploma for aesthetic medicine
Is your “skin on stress”? Psychological strain can show up as “stress skin.” Handling stress is actually easier than you think it is. Interesting to know more? Continue reading. We know today that stress can have many negative impacts on the skin.
In this blog, we will explain to you what damage can stress do to the skin.
The very beginning of everything is already in utero, where two different systems are born: the brain and the skin. A circle of life between this two is created for a lifetime, forever.
When one senses embarrassment, the other blushes. When one senses pain, the other reacts to it. And when one bears the burden of a pandemic, political unrest, systemic racism, climate change … well, the other gets pimples, eczema outbreak, psoriasis flare-ups…. The result is dull, dehydrated, and aged skin.
There are two different types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress. Exposure to acute stress has positive survival effects, such as, heightening your senses, enhancing mental clarity, and helping to create collagen to speed up wound repair. Now it is here, and the second moment is away.
Continuing stress, chronic stress, is the one that causes problems, it affects your skin on long-term.
There are two different types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress.
Exposure to acute stress has positive survival effects, such as, heightening your senses, enhancing mental clarity, and helping to create collagen to speed up wound repair.
Now it is here, and the second moment is away.
So how stress affects your skin?
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that affects the skin barrier. The skin barrier’s function is to retain and lock moisture in the skin and keep allergens, irritants, and pollutants out. Three things are crucial for normal function of skin barrier: lipids, water and microbiome.
When exposed to stress, cortisol activates and slows down the production of essential lipids (oils) in the skin barrier. Lipids normally seal the moisture to the skin and prevent trans epidermal water loss. Under stress, the function of lipids is compromised, and skin starts to “leak” water. The result is dry, damaged, and irritated skin.
At the same time, cortisol stimulates the overproduction of sebum, which can cause acne. Many of us, when under stress, experience more oily skin.
When stressed, the microbiome may experience an overgrowth of so-called bad bacteria and a death of good bacteria. The skin becomes more prone to infections, irritations (like air pollutants), inflammation and hyperpigmentation
Stress prompts the body to produce internal free radicals. When free radicals target elastin and collagen, it leads to fine lines and wrinkles. When free radicals target lipids, it leads to dehydration and skin barrier damage and acne. Chronic exposure to cortisol inhibits the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Stress is an epidemic of the 21st century.
To heal the skin, fight the stress organically.
Here is how.
Meditation can’t stop the global warming, but it can help to clear your complexion. Meditation initiates relaxation response which activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system and decreases cortisol level and reduces inflammation. With consistent practice, the skin barrier can stop leaking and start locking in moisture, suggesting that the fabled inner glow is less symbolic than scientific.
Something as simple as sleep can change the skin barrier.
Eat as many fruits as possible and veggie you can. They are abundant with antioxidants like vitamin C and A.
Exercise increases antioxidants, as well. It lowers cortisol levels – fewer breakouts and a stronger skin barrier. It is even better if your exercise outside. Observing the nature is proven to lower inflammatory markers in our body. If it doesn’t help, cry.
ACNE
When you feel stressed, your body produces more cortisol. Cortisol causes a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus to produce a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is thought to stimulate oil release from sebaceous glands around your hair follicles. Excessive oil production by these glands can clog your pores and lead to acne. Try Dalú Micellar cleansing water with hyaluronic acid and Refining lotion to clear the impurities. A must-have serum to rehydrate oily skin is Dalú Hyaluronic acid youth elixir.
BAGS UNDER YOUR EYES AND DARK CIRCLES
Are characterized by swelling or puffiness beneath your eyelids. They become more common with age since the supporting muscles around your eyes weaken. Sagging skin caused by a loss of elasticity can also contribute to eye bags. We suggest Dalú Hydrogel eye contour mask.
DRY SKIN
The stratum corneum is the outer layer of your skin. It contains protein and lipids that play a critical role in keeping your skin cells hydrated. It also acts as a barrier that protects the skin underneath. When your stratum corneum isn’t working the way it should, your skin can become dry and itchy. We suggest Dalú Immortelle timeless cream, Hyaluronic Acid Youth elixir, Marine collagen serum, Pampering deep moisturising cream, Hydra glow mask.
RASHES
Stress has the potential to weaken your immune system. A weakened immune system can lead to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut and skin known as dysbiosis. When this imbalance occurs on your skin, it can lead to redness or a rash. Try our Immortelle timeless cream, Precious facial oil serum.
WRINKLES
Stress causes changes to the proteins in your skin and reduces its elasticity. This loss of elasticity can contribute to wrinkle formation. Use Dalú Anti-aging pearl serum, Marine Collagen serum, Immortelle timeless cream and Hyaluronic Acid Youth Elixir, Precious facial oil serum.
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