Stress & the Skin

When we experience stress, our body produces more cortisol and adrenaline. Normally, cortisol levels are highest in the morning and lowest at night. However, stress disrupts this natural rhythm, leading to increased cortisol and adrenaline production throughout the day and night. This erratic hormone production can cause flare-ups of certain skin conditions.

Acne

As a result of the increased cortisol production, the sebaceous gland produces more sebum and this tends to cause acne to flare.

Stress often triggers a specific type of acne called acne excorie where one tends to pick or fiddle with the acne lesions, especially on the face.

Rosacea

Stress and anxiety are well-known triggers of Rosacea.

Eczema/Dermatitis

• Chronic stress has been shown to disrupt the epidermal barrier function and as a result, most types of eczema will get worse with acute and chronic stress.
• Acute and Chronic stress can lower one’s itch threshold and can lead to the unpleasant itch-scratch-itch cycle.
• In Seborrheic Dermatitis, there is an overgrowth of the yeast called Malassezia furfur on the scalp, face, and trunk. When we are stressed, our immune system weakens, allowing this yeast to multiply even more, leading to flare-ups of this skin condition.
• Stress can trigger a type of eczema called Lichen Simplex Chronicus (pickers nodules or scratch patch). It happens when we develop a habit of scratching a specific spot when feeling stressed or anxious. The common areas are the side of the neck, scalp, or leg.

Skin Ageing

Chronic stress can accelerate skin ageing resulting in more fine lines, wrinkles and sagging around the eyes.

Hair Loss

Acute and chronic stress can cause what we call Telogen Effluvium. In the acute form of Telogen Effluvium one will get sudden hair fall and in the chronic form, you will get hair fall over a longer period of time.

Treatment tips that can help with The Effects of Stress On Your Skin

Acne

Prescription

• Oral Tetracycline antibiotic
• Oral Isotretinoin

(Check with your medical professional)

Non-Prescription

• Use Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Azelaic Acid as a spot treatment only
• Avoid fiddling and picking as this will spread bacteria over the face and body, again worsening the acne
• Use more gentle cleansers, avoid toners and scrubs

Rosacea

• Avoid extremes of heat and cold environments, spicy foods, excessive alcohol and more active ingredients in skincare
• Use very mild cleansers such as Micellar Water and specific skincare products specially formulated for Rosacea-prone skin.

Eczema/Dermatitis

• Try to get out of the habit of scratching a particular spot when feeling stressed or anxious
• Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in activities you enjoy to reduce stress levels
• With all types of eczema or dermatitis only cleanse your skin with the mildest of products and with a pH as close to 5.5 as possible (the skin’s natural pH)
• Frequently use moisturisers to help restore the skin’s epidermal barrier function

Skin Ageing

• Use a powerful antioxidant in the morning
• Use retinol, growth factors and/or peptides at nighttime
• When people feel stressed, they often consume more alcohol which can contribute to skin ageing
• Excessive alcohol can lead to dehydration, which affects the skin’s appearance
• Consuming excessive refined sugar can lead to a process called glycation, where glucose binds to proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin. This can result in the skin developing a crepey appearance

Hair Loss

• Keep your scalp clean and healthy by regularly washing it with a gentle shampoo
• Avoid using harsh products or excessive heat styling, as they can damage the hair and scalp
• Consider using a conditioner or scalp treatment specifically formulated to promote hair growth
• Massaging the scalp can help stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles

Skincare ingredients that can help with the Effects of Stress On Your Skin

Acne

• Succinic Acid
• Witch Hazel
• Tea Tree Oil
• Salicylic Acid
• Azelaic Acid
• Zinc
• Benzoyl Peroxide

Rosacea

• Cucumber Extract
• Bisabolol
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Panthenol
• Centella Asiatica Extract
• Betulin
• Ceramides

Eczema/Dermatitis

• Ceramides
• Shea Butter
• Fatty Acids
• Panthenol
• Beta Glucan
• Centella Asiatica Extract

Early Ageing, Fine Lines

• Lactobionic Acid
• Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA)
• Retinol
• NeoGlucosamine
• Bisabolol
• Glycerin

Mature Ageing

• Glycolic Acid
• Ceramides
• Purslane
• Peptides
• Stem Cells
• Retinol

Skincare products that can help with the Effects of Stress On Your Skin

Acne

Choose a mild, non-abrasive cleanser specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• MartiDerm Acniover Purifying Gel
• Lamelle Clarity Active Cleanse

Targeted treatments are designed to combat the key factors that contribute to acne formation, such as excess oil production, clogged pores, bacterial growth, and inflammation. Dr Webster recommends:

• MartiDerm SHOTS Salicylic Imperfections
• PCA Skin Acne Gel
• Lamelle Clarity Clear Mask

Choose a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturiser to help keep the skin hydrated and control oiliness. Dr Webster recommends:

• Obagi CLENZIderm Therapeutic Moisturiser
• pHformula SPOT ON Moisture Balance

Rosacea

Rosacea-prone skin is highly sensitive and easily irritated. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel
• SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Targeted treatments for rosacea often contain ingredients that help reduce redness and inflammation. Dr Webster recommends:

• NeoStrata® Redness Neutralizing Serum
• ZO Skin Health Rozatrol

Treatment moisturisers specifically formulated for Rosacea. Dr Webster recommends:

• mesoestetic couperend cream
• MartiDerm Rosarepair Fluid Emulsion SPF30

Eczema/Dermatitis

Cleansers for these conditions often contain moisturising ingredients. Dr Webster recommends:

• Endocare Hydractive Micellar Solution
• Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème

Targeted treatments aim to provide relief from the symptoms of eczema/dermatitis, such as itching, redness, inflammation, dryness, and flaking. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask
• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective

Moisturisers are important for relieving discomfort and preventing further disrupted skin barrier function. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Serra Soothing Cream
• Avène Tolérance Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

Early Ageing, Fine Lines

Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to further dryness and potential exacerbation of fine lines. Dr Webster recommends:

• pHformula MD EXFO Cleanse
• Lamelle Dermaheal Foaming Cleanser

Targeted treatments work by stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and providing hydration to the skin, resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion. Dr Webster recommends:

• Exuviance Retinol Serum
• SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Well-hydrated skin appears plumper and more supple, which can reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance. Dr Webster recommends:

• Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream
• mesoestetic age element brightening cream

Mature Ageing

Cleansers for mature skin are typically formulated to be gentle and nourishing as the skin tends to be drier and more delicate. Dr Webster recommends:

• Dermaceutic Foamer 15
• ISDIN Isdinceutics Essential Cleanser

Targeted treatments can help firm and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of sagging or loose skin associated with ageing. Dr Webster recommends:

• ZO Skin Health Firming Serum Accelerated
• Obagi ELASTIderm® Advanced Filler Concentrate

Moisturisers for mature skin stimulate collagen synthesis, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the depth and visibility of wrinkles over time. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced
• Endocare Tensage Nourishing Cream