We all go through stress, whether it stems from our jobs, relationships or day-to-day activities. We also know how it can put us at an increasing risk for a range of health problems including high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and depression or anxiety. Failing to manage stress can also wreak havoc on our skin. Yes, you heard that right.
Stress can give you acne, dermatitis, hair loss and what not. It can even exacerbate a pre-existing condition or make it worse. “Our mind makes a strong impact on the skin. With hypertension, it can make existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis worse. Hair loss is common with high stress levels. So, it’s not just about how our skin looks, but what we feel inside can affect it too,” says dermatologist Dr Meghna Gupta, who is also the founder and medical director at Delhi Skin Centre.
Simply put, skin plays an important barrier in immune functions, maintaining homeostasis (a self-regulating process by which an organism can maintain internal stability) between external environment and internal tissues. Known as the science of skin and mind, psycho-dermatology addresses the interaction between mind and skin. It studies how the physical, mental and emotional well being are linked to each other, so the skin condition highlights skin disorders that affect mental health, or how mental health can affect skin.
As per Dr Saurabh Mehrotra, associate director, neurology and neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, stress can be one reason for flare-up of acne but skin conditions can in turn lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, low self-esteem and confidence. “Skin and mind are affected by the same group of cells, hormones and neurotransmitters,” says Mehrotra.
But psychological disorders and feelings can show up in different skin problems. “In teenagers, changes in hormones and stress from school or friends can cause acne. In grown-ups, there is ongoing stress, so it is different in different age groups and stages,” adds Gupta.
How does it happen? The body glands produce more oil when under stress, which can cause acne to worsen in people who are prone to outbreaks. According to the US-based American Academy of Dermatology, stress can have a large impact on how the skin ages. Stress hormones break down the collagen and elastin in skin and interfere with rejuvenation, which can speed up the aging process causing more fine lines and wrinkles.
The connection
Psychological stress arises when people are under mental, physical or emotional pressure. Stress hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), glucocorticoids and epinephrine are released, which trigger a wide range of physiological and behaviour changes and responses that try to adapt the body to the stress. If the stress responses are inadequate or excess, they may trigger adverse events including cardiovascular disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis and skin-related issues.
Even neurotransmitters play a pivotal role as they convey messages of stress or anxiety, which can manifest as various skin concerns such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. Such conditions often exacerbate due to lifestyle factors and heightened stress levels. “At different stages, mental health conditions can influence the development of skin issues. For instance, manageable levels of stress may not manifest as severe skin concerns, but chronic stress can lead to organ failure or other systemic diseases or impact the skin. This highlights the importance of addressing mental well-being to mitigate skin-related issues. The impact on both skin and mind forms a cyclic pattern, where psychological distress can exacerbate skin conditions, leading to stress,” says Dr Mohammad Jafferany, a psychodermatologist and psychiatrist at Sereko skincare.
Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai, adds, “Psychological stress occurs by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and releasing stress hormones, which can alter the skin’s barrier function, promote inflammation, and exacerbate pre-existing skin disorders.”
According to Sonavane, work-related stress, poor diet, hormonal fluctuations and exposure to pollutants can contribute to the development of many disorders. “Skin diseases including rosacea and skin cancer can develop later in life as a result of cumulative sun exposure, hormonal changes and ageing,” she says.
The influence of the mind on skin health unfolds differently at each stage, presenting unique challenges. “In adolescence, hormonal changes intensify oil production, with stress exacerbating acne, not only physically but also emotionally, adversely affecting self-esteem. The gut-brain-skin-axis introduces another layer, as stress disrupts the gut microbiota, contributing to skin inflammation and conditions like eczema, affecting both physical and mental comfort. The intricate interplay emphasises the necessity for holistic approaches addressing emotional and physical aspects of well-being,” says Mumbai-based Dr Sanjeev Nelogi, an aesthetic physician at Glow Clinic.
Combat the condition
While stress can make bodies release hormones that create more oil, leading to more acne, the visible skin problems can even make one feel stressed out. “Simple things like being mindful, doing meditation, or exercising regularly can help. Talking to mental health professionals for support and finding good ways to cope is useful too. Plus, keeping a healthy lifestyle with good food and enough sleep helps our overall well-being and skin health,” says Gupta of Delhi Skin Centre.
It’s crucial to adopt strategies for stress management or seek guidance from mental health experts and practices like yoga, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can help regulate stress levels.
“In the world of skincare, science has brought about a revolution. Procedures like Profhilo, using ultrapure hyaluronic acid, offer effective ways to care for the skin without surgery as hyaluronic acid, recognised as an anti-inflammatory molecule, aids in diminishing skin heat, irritation, and sensitivity. Knowing about the connection between our mind and skin can help us take better care of ourselves overall,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, director and chief dermatologist, Alive Wellness Clinics, Delhi.
Incorporating evidence-based medical treatments, including psychotherapy, meditation and relaxation techniques, directly addresses psychological distress, offering potential improvements in both mental and dermatological health.
“Recent developments in the skincare industry, such as sheet masks, AHAs, BHAs, chemical peels, hyaluronic acids, and bio-remodelling products like profhilo, represent significant advancements in skincare technology and are examples of psycho dermatological treatment techniques,” says Nelogi.
Five ways to shine
Drink enough water
Drinking enough water can help you combat a variety of skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Keeping your body hydrated can also help maintain your skin’s elasticity. You are also less likely to suffer from scars or wrinkles, besides ageing, if you drink plenty of water
Eat healthy
Include sufficient portions of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Have food rich in vitamin C to promote radiant skin and vitamin E to protect skin from cell damage and photo-ageing
Exercise regularly
This is important to increase your body’s oxygen levels and in turn improve your skin’s overall elasticity. The increased oxygen flow can also help flush out toxins clogging pores
Sleep in a dark room
Besides disturbing your sleep and sleep rhythms, sleeping with your skin exposed to the sun can affect its health and appearance
Practise relaxation
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help combat stress, which in turn can help rejuvenate your skin and bring back its healthy, youthful glow
