This Just In: Why Stress Destroys Your Skin
Although I’m only 23, I’ve noticed that stressful events make my skin look dull, thinner, and, well, just older. But I was recently curious as to whether or not science stands behind my findings, or if stress just makes you think your skin is aging.
Truth is, science verifies that stress accelerates skin’s rate of aging. According to dermatologist Dr. Amy Weschler in this month’s Shape magazine, “The skin has its own endocrine system, and releases cortisol [a stress hormone] and endorphins [calming hormones] accordingly. When cortisol levels increase, the rate of skin’s healing slows, collagen breaks down faster, and inflammation increases.” Hence, the skin looks dull, thinner, and shows lines more quickly and easily. Dr. David E. Bank, author of Beautiful Skin, adds in the book, “If you chronically stress yourself out…you deprive your skin of crucial oxygen and nutrients and aggravate any skin condition you may already have, such as eczema or acne.”
Thankfully, the same techniques that cure stress in the body soothe the skin as well. In addition to the usual anti-stress advice (sleep 7-8 hours per night, eat a healthy and balanced diet, relax more often), I love the following untraditional advice, from one of my favorite authors, Martha Beck:
- Write down the things you have to do tomorrow. Now think about how each activity makes you feel. Give each activity a rating on a scale from 1 (evokes a feeling of dread) to 10 (makes you feel like your best day ever). If your day is filled with mostly activities that fill you with dread or even a simple lack of excitement, you may not be living your best life. (And if that’s the case, I really recommend the book Finding Your North Star to find your way back. I am not being paid to say this; it is just my favorite non-dermatology book of all time!)
- Think about people, places, and events in your life that make you peaceful and happy. What do these events have in common? There is surely a common thread. For me, it’s reading, writing, learning new things, and traveling, which indicated to me as a pre-med that I should be pursuing side work in writing as well as studying to become a doctor. The website (and upcoming book
) really help me relax and make my life better on a regular basis. You too can find a rewarding activity, and help your stress levels - (and your skin 
) - Reward yourself with fun activities - and often. For instance, after doing the laundry each week, I let myself spend half an hour reading a book or magazine.
- Look beyond yourself when you look in the mirror. For instance, stop focusing in on every little flaw, and instead, see the bigger picture, which is actually closer to how others usually perceive you. I personally started looking at the shower curtain behind me and my appearance in the bathroom mirror. Try it - It’s comforting!
For more anti-stress tips, here is an article from About.com.
While you are devoted to skin care, it’s good to know that your emotional health counts as well. Here’s to being as stress-free as possible, dear readers!
PS - Only 5 days left until the FutureDerm and Skinmedix.com giveaway!
ahh… this explains it… I always look my worst when I’m stressed- when I’m not stressed my skin always do much better.
Is cortisol is same stuff that’s in cortizone cream?
thanks!
Comment by Denise | June 15, 2008
I’m 42 and can definitely confirm that stress takes a toll on your skin–it’s just more obvious as you get older. I once read a quotation by the gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer that went something like this: “I think I look pretty good after a good night’s sleep.” I know exactly what she means–as you get older everything shows up on your face–luckily including relaxation!
Comment by Sarah | June 15, 2008
Those tips are quite helpful. Though I try to relax and live better, sometimes stress is inevitable. My face looks more red and seems to have more acne when I’m stressed. By the way, I really like your blog and have subscribed via RSS. Thank you!
Comment by Joyce | June 15, 2008
Great article, Nicki. I like the tips. They seem common-sense, although I know many people do not apply them. For me, stress equals zits! This causes more stress! Stress is part of life, and we all need to learn how to deal with it, for the sake of our health. Not just skin health, but mental health, heart health, etc.
Comment by Danielle | June 16, 2008
The ironic thing is, bad skin tends to stress me out! A deadly cycle.
What is frustrating is, I don’t really have control over the day-to-day stress. There are coping techniques but at the end of the day, I can’t just will away all of the problems that spring up in my life. What I DO have control over, to some extent, is my body and the products I put on my skin. My nighttime routine is really relaxing and is the best stress relief that I have.
Comment by j echo | June 16, 2008
I definitely agree that stress takes a toll on your skin. I’ve always relied on working out regularly and sleeping early to keep me more bright and spritely during the day. Diet also affects my mood, so sticking to healthy foods including fruits and lots of veggies helps:)
Comment by naom | June 16, 2008
I also wanted to ask you if you’ve tried Philosophy’s Booster C Powder. It’s supposedly a stable form of vitamin c that you can mix with any moisturizer/treatment. Is this an effective form of Vitamin C?
Comment by naom | June 16, 2008
I agree completely with this. My skin is always duller and more prone to breakouts when I’m under a lot of stress. I also ditto J Echo– in my line of work stress is pretty much a constant, which is why my evening bath and high quality products are so important for relaxation.
Comment by Christine | June 17, 2008
According to Dr. Fulton in Acne RX our body is always under stress! Stress = behavior not common for our body. Even laughing, walking, drinking coke,…is a form of stress for your body and muscles. The difference is the amount of stress. Being angry creates much more stress to your body then laughing for example (other brainparts are activited aswell!)
Comment by Ruben | June 18, 2008
yes, we are always under ’stress’ but there is a balance you need to keep. Being stressed about skin issues (like someone said above) is a major problem, too. I am interested in the Vit C booster powder, too. Vit C doesn’t seem very stable but I wonder if adding a bit of powder each morning to my moisutrizer would be effective ?
Comment by sofi76 | June 18, 2008
Nicki-
Is it possible to reverse the damage that stress does to your skin completely? Will changing your lifestyle restore your skin to its original youthful state? I.e. the thinning of your skin– is it possible to thicken it?
i know that a lot of japanese skin care labels sell collagen supplements for example and many women seem to swear by them. Does consuming collagen thicken your skin?
Comment by naom | June 18, 2008