Whether it’s glowing skin or a wrinkle-free smile, inner peace can create outer beauty. So, what happens when the stresses of life are clouding your mind?

From a knot in the pit of your stomach to sweaty palms and trouble sleeping – the effects of stress are universal. Given enough time, symptoms of stress left untreated can make their way from below the skin and show themselves on its surface. 

But how?

Acne

When troubles strike, our bodies react.  If put into a stressful situation, the body is more likely to put cortisol production into overdrive, causing a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus to over-produce a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). 

The increased levels of CRH are thought to stimulate the sebaceous glands found around your hair follicles to release excessive oils and, in turn, cause pores to clog and pimples to form.

Bags Under Eyes

Although a common sign of aging or dehydration, bags beneath the eyes can also begin to form due to unchecked stress. These features typically develop due to the weakening of the eye muscles over time and a decreased elasticity in the skin surrounding them. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation-induced stress is a likely culprit in the formation of eye bags.

Dry Skin

As the outer layer of your skin, the stratum corneum acts as a protective barrier for your body, safeguarding you from bacteria and illness while also housing important proteins that keep your skin cells healthy and hydrated. When stress is left unmanaged, that protective barrier can crack, weakening your skin’s ability to retain water and causing it to become dry and itchy. 

Inflammation

When your body experiences stress, it responds with a series of fight or flight reactions to “protect” you. When that stress is passed, your body resets, reverting to homeostasis. 

However, if left unchecked for too long, your body can become confused, believing the threat is ever-present and leading to a state called allostasis. In an allostatic state, the reactions caused by stress continue and make other bodily functions more difficult to properly regulate, leading to inflammation issues like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and more.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Happiness, sadness, anxiety and more can all find their way from your heart to your skin. Increased stress levels can change the proteins in your skin, reducing its elasticity and making it more prone to wrinkles. Repeated signs of strong emotion, such as a regularly furrowed brow, can make themselves a permanent feature on your face. 

Combat the effects of stress

The ways we show stress may differ, but we all experience it at some point in our lives. Stress can be unavoidable, and while avoidance can be key, learning how to manage it is even more essential. There are countless ways to reduce stress, from breathing exercises and meditation techniques to a peaceful walk in nature.

And when the effects of stress begin on your skin, Charleston Dermatology is here to support you! Our team of board-certified dermatologists can administer Botox treatments and other cosmetic services that can help you combat the signs of stress. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team, or visit our website to explore our list of services.