How does stress affect the skin?

We all know that chronic stress harms overall health. In addition, these stressors of daily life also tend to act as triggers for some skin pathologies.

STRESS AND THE SKIN: WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?

The skin and the nervous system are closely linked. Chronic stress causes the body to release chemicals, called neurotransmitters, that affect various organs in the body, including the skin. This causes a series of reactions in the dermis that cause the skin's barrier function to be altered, making it less impermeable. At the same time, the skin becomes more prone to inflammation and as the immune system is weakened by stress, the body cannot respond properly to inflammation.

STRESS AND SKIN DISEASES

Here we present some dermatological conditions linked to stress:

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis is a disease that affects the skin causing intense and severe itching. The lesions that occur are called eczema and can appear on the body and face. Irritant substances, such as soaps, the weather, sweat, and some clothing items such as wool, contribute to worsening atopic dermatitis. Stress has also been associated with its development in 70% of cases.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic inflammatory disease, considered not only a skin disease but a systemic disease. Stress alone cannot cause psoriasis, however, in many cases psoriasis appears after a stressful event. It has been shown that chronic stress can cause psoriasis flares and increase the risk of relapses. In addition, the disease itself causes stress, since the skin lesions caused by the disease can damage self-esteem and make interpersonal communication difficult, leading to anxiety and even depression.

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Most of the time, outbreaks are triggered after life events with a component of anxiety or stress (for example, before a final exam, in a divorce, illness of a family member...)

ALOPECIA AREATA

In addition to the importance of genetic predisposition in alopecia, we cannot forget the role of emotional variables in the development of this disease. A study of patients with alopecia areata showed that around 20% experienced more stress before the development and/or exacerbation of said disease.

ACNE

There are different factors that favor the formation of acne. Hormonal factors are decisive, but anxiety and mood are other notable factors in the appearance of this skin condition.

OTHER SKIN ALTERATIONS LINKED TO STRESS

WORSENESS OF WRINKLES

As indicated by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) , stress favors inflammation of the skin, leading to greater irritation and fragility to the sun and other aggressors and, over time, to the loss of collagen. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines or a worsening of the symptoms of aging. As we have seen, the stressors of daily life often act as triggers for some skin pathologies. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, controlling excess sun exposure, following a balanced diet and using dietary supplements that help you cope with stress and avoid aging, can help you maintain healthy skin.