Stress and anxiety aren’t just mental health concerns—they can show up on your skin, hair, and overall appearance. According to dermatologists, high-stress levels can significantly impact your skin barrier and accelerate the aging process. Here’s what experts say about how emotional stress affects your skin and what you can do to prevent damage.
How Stress Triggers Skin Breakouts
When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in your skin. Excess oil clogs pores, leading to acne breakouts. Dermatologists note that stress-induced breakouts are common in the area around the jawline and chin.
Hair Loss and Thinning Due to Anxiety
Emotional stress can cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase, leading to excessive shedding—a condition known as telogen effluvium. Anxiety also causes scalp inflammation, making hair weaker and prone to breakage.
Why Stress Accelerates Skin Ageing
Chronic stress increases free radicals in your body, breaking down collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Over time, this leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
How to Protect Your Skin and Hair
Dermatologists recommend practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can also help combat the effects of stress on your skin. Using gentle skincare products and maintaining a proper sleep schedule are equally important for skin repair and rejuvenation.
Stress and anxiety don’t just harm your mental well-being—they also leave visible marks on your skin and hair. By managing stress and following a dermatologist-approved skincare routine, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin even during challenging times.
