How Stress Impacts Your Skin and What You Can Do About It

How Stress Impacts Your Skin and What You Can Do About It

As well as taking a toll on our mental health, stress can also start to

cause issues with our physical health. Studies have shown how both chronic

and acute bouts of stress can have a negative impact on our skin and

exacerbate the symptoms of existing skin conditions such as eczema, acne and

psoriasis.


The Connection Between Skin and the Brain


There is an intrinsic connection between skin and the brain, which you may

have experienced if you've ever been so nervous that you started to sweat or

flush. 


Stress triggers certain glands in the brain, which play a central role in

how the body responds to stress. This can prompt the production of

inflammatory factors, including cortisol. This matters because cortisol can

trigger mast cells, which are pro-inflammatory skin cells that can

contribute directly to a range of skin concerns, including itchiness.


Stress can also cause disruption in the top layer of the skin, which is

responsible for protecting us from harmful bacteria and locking in moisture.

When the epidermal barrier is disrupted, it can lead to irritation, chronic

conditions including psoriasis, and prolonged healing and wound repair.


How to Prevent Stress-Related Skin Issues


Taking steps to regulate your stress hormones can have an array of benefits

for both your physical and mental health. Maintaining healthy lifestyle

habits is key to managing stress, including eating a healthy diet, drinking

plenty of water and exercising regularly. You may also benefit from

discussing your issues with a GP, who is well-placed to ensure you're

receiving the correct support for both your physical and mental health.


Life can be unpredictable, and unfortunately, it's very common to experience

episodes of stress at various points throughout our lives. So, in addition

to doing everything possible to support your physical and mental health,

what else can you do to give your skin some extra support during challenging

times?


Support Skin with Skin Barrier Boosting Skincare Products


Focusing on maintaining a healthy skin barrier is key to preventing a number

of skin concerns. High quality skincare products are formulated with a

variety of ingredients to support the skin barrier, including hyaluronic

acid, peptides, squalene and ceramides.


The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel is formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic

acid and vitamin B5, which help to lock in moisture without clogging pores

and promote the skin's natural repair process. It can be used alone or with

a daily moisturiser, depending on your skin type, making it a versatile

addition to your morning and evening skincare routine.


Another excellent product to support your skin barrier is the SkinCeuticals

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. This moisturising cream is formulated with

ceramides, fatty acids, natural cholesterol and essential lipids, which

restore the skin barrier, improve hydration, and improve skin tone and

radiance.

 

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