How Stress Impacts Your Skin and What You Can Do About It
Stress is something we all experience at some point in life, but did you know it can directly impact the health and appearance of your skin? From breakouts to premature aging, stress can have multiple effects on your complexion. The good news? Understanding the link between stress and your skin can help you take steps to protect and nourish your skin, no matter what life throws at you.
When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. While cortisol is helpful in short bursts—like when you need to respond to an immediate challenge—chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated for extended periods, which can negatively affect your skin.
How Cortisol Impacts Your Skin:
- Weakened Skin Barrier: Stress can impair your skin’s protective barrier, causing it to lose moisture and become more sensitive to external irritants.
- Slowed Healing: Chronic stress slows down your skin’s ability to repair itself, making it harder for wounds, blemishes, or irritations to heal.
- Collagen Breakdown: High cortisol levels break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful, leading to wrinkles and sagging over time.
- Dull and Dry Skin: Stress can deplete your skin’s natural hydration, giving it a dry and dull appearance.
- Premature Aging: Stress-related collagen breakdown can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
- Inflammatory Skin Conditions:
Stress can aggravate conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, causing flare-ups and discomfort.
While managing stress is key to maintaining healthy skin, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Muse by Monique, we’re here to support your skin health with advice and personalised treatments designed to meet your needs.
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards stress-free skin. Together, we’ll help you glow from the inside out.
