Did you know that even on a good day stress shows on your skin? Cortisol, the hormone your body produces in response to stress, has a number of detrimental effects on your body and skin and has been aptly named the “death hormone.” Skin irritation, wrinkles and loss of collagen are just a few of the effects that cortisol has on your skin. Since cortisol increases over time (older people have more than younger), it goes hand in hand with normal aging and can speed up your aging process.
Your body produces cortisol in response to stress as it helps your body functions to remain stable under acute stress. There is nothing wrong with cortisol when it functions like it should, since it should peak and then dissipate quickly. However, the problem comes when your cortisol level stays heightened. Prolonged periods of stress can keep your body producing cortisol far longer than it should. When this happens, it will destroy your immune system, shrink your brain cells, decrease muscle mass and damage your skin.
Cortisol can cause acne or aggravate existing acne by triggering the production of sebum. Sebum is the oil that your skin naturally produces which can build up and clog your pores, causing breakouts. Cortisol kicks sebum production into overdrive which will cause breakouts.
Psoriasis, eczema and rosacea are all affected by cortisol. If you have any of these skin conditions, you know that being stressed will make them worse. Heightened levels of cortisol cause these issues to flare up.
Younger people have the same amount of cortisol as older people, but studies show that cortisol levels do not stay elevated as long in younger people as they do in older. Cortisol causes skin to thin which makes blood vessels more prominent. Loss of collagen also causes sagging skin and wrinkles.
The best thing you can do is, of course, reduce your stress levels. However, if you can’t reduce your stress level there are still some things you can do to support your skin.
Keep your skin hydrated from inside and out by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer appropriate for your skin. Get enough sleep so your skin has time to regenerate and heal itself overnight. Finding a proper skin regimen is key to support your skin through stressful times. Never forget sunblock since sun exposure also speeds the aging process. You can also use skin treatments like chemical peels, microneedling or facials to reverse any existing damage from stress that you already have.
Feel free to speak to your licensed esthetician in Petaluma, CA about your personal skin concerns.