Stress may be "the triggering factor" for skin disorders.

 Stress may be "the triggering factor" for skin disorders

There are numerous ways in which mental health can affect physical health, but did you know that

 stress can also alter how our skin looks and feels? Dermatologists believe this to be accurate.

Dr. Afton Cobb, a dermatologist, says she frequently meets patients who report that "the triggering factor that made their skin condition worse was stress in their lives."

"It's amazing how much stress affects obviously our entire body but especially our skin," she continues.

How does this happen? It has to do with hormones.

"When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones that have a tremendous impact on your entire body, including your skin," explains dermatologist Dr. Samer Jaber of Washington Square Dermatology in New York.

Cortisol, he explains, is one of the most important hormones released, which stimulates oil gland production and can lead to clogged pores and aggravating acne.

Stress can also impair your skin's barrier.
"When the skin barrier is affected, it can result in dry skin and flares of eczema or psoriasis," he says.

According to Cobb, studies have shown that atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) might worsen with stress. It's a persistent ailment characterized by itchy, dry, red areas on the skin.

Stress hormones can also affect how our skin ages by breaking down collagen and elastin, resulting in diminished skin suppleness.

"This can cause more fine lines and wrinkles and accelerate skin aging," Jaber explains.

Does stress cause hair loss?

Chronic or severe stress can have an affect on both your skin and your hair.

"Stress can trigger autoimmune patches of hair loss called alopecia areata and cause diffuse hair shedding called telogen effluvium," Jaber explains. "

There was also a study in mice that showed chronic stress may accelerate the greying of hair."
According to Cobb, scalp itch can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, or despair.

How to avoid stress-related skin problems.

According to Jaber, the best strategy to prevent stress-related skin damage is to start with a simple, consistent skin care program.

"Be consistent," he recommends. "Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, use a sunscreen regularly and make sure to keep your skin moisturized."

The next stage is to manage stress to improve skin conditions.

"You can't always remove this stress in your life, but you can certainly influence how you respond to it," Cobb asserts. "

With my patients, we will sometimes talk about having them reach out to a therapist, trying to make sure they have a good support group, trying to remove the stressful etiology, if possible."

This can help prevent a loop of stress-induced skin concerns, such as acne flares, which, for stressed or worried people, can lead to skin picking, exacerbating the problem.

"A lot of people experience that, it's normal," she states.

Lifestyle adjustments can also assist to relieve stress and enhance general health, including skin health.
"Adequate sleep, regular exercise and good nutrition, meditation, and spending time with friends or loved ones can also help stress," Jaber says. "

Don't hesitate to seek professional treatment by a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, if needed."