The effects of stress on the skin

It all starts from conception. At the embryonic level, the skin and the nervous system come from the same tissues. Hence the obvious link between our mental state and any skin problems we may have.

Stress, which is a defense mechanism in dangerous situations, can quickly have a negative impact on our body. 

Prolonged or chronic stress causes chemical reactions that, over time, harm the entire body.

When a person is stressed, the secretion of cortisol goes into overdrive. This peak then triggers an inflammatory reaction causing sensitivity and redness, and an acceleration of skin aging. 

Cortisol is a hormone known to affect the immune system of the epidermis, induce allergic reactions, weaken its barrier function and its microbiome.

Under the influence of cortisol, all skin pathologies are over-expressed and the consequences are multiple:

1. Acne

Cortisol, also called the "stress hormone," increases sebum production. Excess sebum then clogs pores, leading to the appearance of blackheads or acne pimples.

According to individuals, stress pimples can appear only on the facial skin, or also on the body, either sparsely or in patches.

2. Dry skin and itching 

Stress disrupts the skin barrier and weakens the hydrolipidic film which no longer fulfills its role as a shield. 

When the hydrolipidic film is altered, the water naturally contained in the epidermis evaporates more quickly.

Less protected against external aggressions, the skin is then dehydrated and dry, which can cause significant discomfort: tightness, itching, a burning sensation, and irritations at the slightest friction.

3. Oxidative stress and skin aging 

Like tobacco, UV rays, pollution, and many other environmental factors, psychological stress stimulates the action of free radicals in the body and causes oxidative stress. 

This imbalance is the cause of cellular aging and therefore premature skin aging.

On the other hand, the stress response triggers an increase in glucocorticoids, which alter the production and degradation of collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin, all the constituent elements of the skin.

Result: the skin loses elasticity and firmness, the formation of wrinkles and fine lines accelerates, the complexion becomes dull, and pigmentation spots may appear.

4. Complexion alteration 

Beyond cortisol, stress causes the release of numerous hormones such as adrenaline, oxytocin, or vasopressin. Each triggers chain reactions in the body and in the skin tissue.

Depending on the type of stress encountered, these hormones can cause cutaneous vasoconstriction, in other words, the narrowing of blood vessels in the skin. This phenomenon affects microcirculation which nourishes the skin cells. As a result, the complexion fades, becoming paler and tending towards gray.

The eye contour area being very thin skin, the blood and lymph stagnating under the skin are therefore very visible: dark circles are darker, more pronounced, and can even create bags under the eyes.

In other cases, stress instead causes vasodilation, which corresponds to the increase in diameter of the blood vessels in the skin. The face becomes redder, overall, or in patches.

To minimize damage and combat the effects of stress on the skin, you need to adapt your beauty routine:

1. Care tailored to your skin 

To improve the appearance of your skin, you can adjust your topical care routine.

If you are prone to stress breakouts and dull complexion, regular exfoliation will help unclog pores, activate microcirculation, and cell renewal. A purifying mask once a week will help reduce excess sebum.

Moisturize your skin every day to allow it to regenerate and protect itself against dehydration and external aggressions. In case of itching and tightness, use a cream richer than usual.

Place your treatment in the refrigerator for an immediate decongestant effect.

2. A healthier lifestyle 

To reduce the effect of stress on the skin, the ideal is to tackle the cause!

To relieve stress and anxiety, practicing sports, meditation, and maintaining a good lifestyle are recommended.

Balance your diet as best as possible because it contributes to your physical and mental health. Some foods such as green tea, chamomile, nuts, or dark chocolate are recommended to reduce anxiety.

Also maintain a sufficient and regular sleep cycle. Lack of sleep strongly affects your mental state. You will be more likely to be stressed, anxious, and irritable if you do not get enough rest. Give yourself time away from screens, emails, and texts!

3. Dietary supplements for targeted action 

The use of anti-stress dietary supplements in your daily beauty routine is an effective way to combat the effects of stress on the skin. Enriched with micronutrients and phytotherapy, they allow targeted action at the heart of the cells to treat the skin from within.

To complete the routine for stressed skin, D-LAB has developed several supplements to improve daily stress management and soothe skin inflammations, thanks to active ingredients with adaptogenic, calming, and soothing properties for comfortable skin.

• The Complexe Lâcher Prise provides a high dose of antioxidant adaptogens to reduce stress and promote restorative sleep. Formulated with extracts of eschscholtzia, melilot, lion's mane, and eleuthero, it is ideal for de-stressing the skin daily.

• The Soothing Skin Complex combines 8 powerful active ingredients that work synergistically to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and protect sensitive skin. Its formula notably contains Roman chamomile, Provence melon SOD, and hemp oil.