Is Your Skin Reflecting Your Stress Levels?
The correlation between the skin and stress has been well-known for the last two decades. But how can you tell if your skin issues are from too much stress? Here are a few common signs that cortisol levels are compromising your skin's health: (1) Irritated skin and inflammation. Stress can damage the skin's protective abilities and make it harder to stay regulated and balanced. This can lead to inflammation-related skin conditions such as hives, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema. (2) More breakouts. High cortisol levels are associated with acne, as it can cause an imbalance in hormones and chemicals that increase oil production. (3) Sensitive skin and delayed wound healing. Stress can break down dermal proteins, making the skin thin and more sensitive. Additionally, severe stress can slow down the skin's ability to repair itself.