Understanding the Link Between Stress and Skin Health

Your skin protects tissues and organs from bacteria, viral infections, and other harmful substances. It's important to keep your skin healthy. Stress can dramatically affect your skin, especially if the stress continues over a long period.

What You Need To Know About Stress and Skin Health

Many factors can affect the health of your skin, including:

• Diet
• Lack of hydration
• Environmental exposure
• Sun, cold, and wind exposure

Another factor that can affect your skin is stress. Let’s look at a few skin issues and conditions that can be caused or made worse by stress:

• Acne, because stress can cause increased oil production, which can lead to plugged pores and acne
• Eczema and psoriasis, because stress can make eczema and psoriasis symptoms worse
• Wrinkles because stress can contribute to decreased collagen and elastin production
• Hair loss because stress can lead to temporary hair loss

Stress can also disrupt the skin barrier, leading to infection and other problems. Skin irritation is another consequence of continued stress. Rashes and hives are two types of skin irritation that can develop due to stress.

When you are under stress, your overall health and the health of your skin depends on taking good care of yourself. Remember to:

• Eat a healthy diet of nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Get enough sleep so your body can renew and recharge
• Practice stress reduction techniques to stay calm
• Do what you can to relieve stress and avoid stressful situations

Want To Know More About Stress and Skin Health?

Your dermatologist is an expert at skin health and can provide tips and guidelines to help you enjoy healthy, beautiful skin. To find out more about the link between stress and skin health, talk with an expert. Call your dermatologist today.