Stress is often dismissed as a mental or emotional state, but its impact on the body—particularly the skin—is profound. When we experience stress, the body releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which triggers inflammation, weakens the skin barrier, and accelerates premature ageing. Studies show that chronic stress can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis (Kim et al., 2019).
Cortisol influences sebum production, making the skin more prone to breakouts and irritation. Furthermore, stress impairs the skin’s ability to repair itself by reducing collagen production, which can lead to a loss of elasticity and increased sensitivity (Zouboulis et al., 2014). As the skin is deeply connected to the nervous system via the gut-skin axis and neuroendocrine pathways, nurturing the nervous system can be a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy complexion.
