Keep Calm and Moisturize On: The Connection Between Stress and Skin Health

It feels like you have an insurmountable to-do list. You’ve got to tackle the mountain of laundry residing on your bedroom floor, tidy up your house, cook dinner for your family, and make sure your kids get their homework done.  And to make matters worse, your skin looks like a disaster zone with new breakouts seeming to happen daily. 

When you look in the mirror, you can feel the anxiety rising, and you start daydreaming of spa treatments. You want to get your healthy, glowing skin back, but you don’t know where to start.  

What is your next step? 

We will explore the connection between stress and your skin, skin care treatments that can reduce the effects of stress on your skin, and ways you can manage your stress. 

Table of Contents

• How Does Stress Affect Skin Health?
• The Scientific Connection Between Stress and Skin Health
• Can You Reverse Skin Damage From Stress?
• 5 Skincare Treatments That Could Minimize the Negative Effects of Stress on Your Skin 
• Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics: Eliminating the Negative Effects of Stress on Skin Health Through Our Premier Aesthetic Programs

The body is designed to react and adapt to stress, and one way it reacts is by creating changes to the skin. Stress can cause the onset, intensify the symptoms, or cause a recurrence of many skin conditions.

Stress significantly impacts the skin because it can lead to changes in cortisol levels. Spikes in cortisol levels lead to more oil production, which equates to breakouts and flares of conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dips in cortisol levels can lead to drier, thinner skin and accelerate aging. 

Learning more about stress and skin health is possible with Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics. Our training school programs build your knowledge of esthetician techniques that can be beneficial when managing stress-induced skin issues. 

The skin is highly sensitive and often shows the body’s response to stress in an observable manner. The skin is an organ that is full of receptors and nerves that respond to both physical and emotional stimuli. 

Such stimuli trigger a response in the sensory nervous system, activating the “fight or flight” response. When this response is activated, it releases several hormones which lead to the ultimate release of a higher-than-normal amount of cortisol. 

The release of large amounts of cortisol results in increased oil production, leading to: 

• Clogged pores
• Acne
• Loss of collagen and elastin (wrinkles) 
• Redness, dryness, or sensitivity 
• Susceptibility to infection 
• Worsening existing skin conditions
• Breaking down of skin proteins (thinning) 
• Under-eye bags 
• Hair loss 
• Puffiness 
• Impaired wound healing 

Cortisol levels affect many parts of the body, but the effects on the skin are external indications that stress is taking its toll on your body. 

What Skin Conditions Might Be a Result of Stress?

Several skin conditions can emerge or worsen as a result of stress, including: 

• Eczema: Flare-ups of dry, itchy, inflamed skin
• Acne: Breakouts 
• Rosacea: Redness and visible blood vessels on the face
• Hives: Raised, red bumps or welts
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune disorder where skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches 
• Dermatitis: Rashes or sores and itchy inflammation 

While stress can cause short and long-term effects on your skin, the good news is that these effects can be treated and reversed. 

The fix may be a series of skincare treatments or a lifestyle change, such as altering your diet or increasing your exercise. 

Stress management is the key. Relaxation techniques, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and prioritizing self-care can help you reduce stress and promote your overall well-being. 

Focusing on reducing stress and avoiding the triggers can significantly change the outlook for your skin. 

Several aesthetic techniques have been proven to help reduce the effects of stress on your skin. 

#1: Customized Facials

Clear, healthy skin can be yours again with a facial. A facial is a non-invasive skin treatment to promote overall skin health. 

A simple facial can do wonders for your skin and your stress levels. However, a customized facial can be tailored to address your specific skin concerns and your skin type, maximizing the benefits both mentally and physically. 

During a facial massage, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, signaling your body to rest. In turn, your heart rate and cortisol levels are lowered, and blood circulation in your face increases. This reduces oil production, shrinks your pores, and helps balance the pH of your skin. Additionally, oxytocin is released, which fosters happiness and a sense of well-being, exactly what you need to combat stress. 

Not only are your body and mind calm, but skin issues such as dryness or breakouts will be addressed. 

Customized facials can include aromatherapy or detoxification and cleansing. During aromatherapy, essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are utilized to promote relaxation, regulate emotions, and reduce stress. Detoxification allows toxins to be removed from the skin, helping clear the pores and leaving the skin clean. 

Facials may also include facial steaming, which opens the pores and softens skin, or extraction of whiteheads/blackheads if needed. Serums may also be used depending on your needs. 

#2: Lymphatic Draining

Lymphatic draining massage is a technique utilized to relieve inflammation. During this process, the excess fluid (or lymph) is moved from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which in turn drain your body of harmful toxins. 

Facial lymphatic massage is used to increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in your face, giving your skin a glowing, clear complexion.

Lymphatic draining massage supports the healing of damaged skin, improves skin texture by helping make the skin smoother and more even, and strengthens the skin’s ability to absorb skin care products. 

Lymphatic draining massage not only improves the condition of your skin but also reduces stress. Like a facial, this massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages relaxation. 

The benefits of lymphatic draining massage include: 

• Reduction of cortisol levels
• Reduction of oil production
• Flushing out harmful toxins residing in your skin 
• Increase in the amount of endorphins that are released

Boosting your sense of contentment and well-being  

#3: LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive skin treatment. Two common types of LED light therapy are used for skin treatment; one uses red light wavelengths and the other uses blue. Both are readily absorbed into the skin, and neither has harmful ultraviolet light. 

Red light is used for the treatment of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. When the red light is absorbed, cells that produce collagen proteins are activated, which makes skin appear smoother and lessens the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Blue light is used for targeting the deeper layers of skin, specifically the glands that produce oil. When the blue light is absorbed, the glands produce less oil, and the face becomes drier. This reduces the amount and severity of acne outbreaks. 

LED light therapy reduces stress in that it promotes the production of serotonin in the body. Serotonin creates feelings of well-being and happiness and reduces depression and anxiety. Improving your mental health equates to less stress and healthier skin.

#4: Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are skin treatments that involve applying a chemical solution to the top layers of skin to remove them. The purpose of the treatment is to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration, sun damage, and acne scars. 

Chemical peels can be done at different depths, ranging from light or medium to deep. Light chemical peels can be repeated more frequently and remove just the outer layer of skin. Medium chemical peels remove the upper and middle layers of the skin. 

For more dramatic effects, deeper peels are needed, but they can take longer to recover from. Deep chemical peels are mainly used for deep scars and wrinkles or precancerous growths. 

The benefits of chemical peels include: 

• Stimulating new collagen to produce healthy skin cells
• Reducing discoloration
• Smoothing wrinkles 
• Increasing hydration
• Allowing skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skin

Chemical peels can indirectly help reduce stress. They address skin concerns, which can boost self-confidence and contribute to the healing of emotional distress caused by skin appearance. Getting a chemical peel can be a relaxing moment of pampering, depending on the environment it is done in, and is a form of self-care. It can also trigger the release of endorphins, which enhance the mood.  

#5: Microdermabrasion 

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive technique that is used to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. A handheld device containing crystals or a diamond-tipped wand is used to scrape the skin and remove dead skin cells. It can also be used to remove impurities from the skin. 

The purpose of microdermabrasion is largely to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin, which reduces the appearance of blemishes, such as wrinkles and acne scars. It can also be used to address uneven skin tones and hyperpigmentation (darkening of patches of skin due to overproduction of melanin). 

Benefits of microdermabrasion include: 

• Smoother skin 
• Fading of acne scars
• Reducing discoloration 
• Reducing pore size 
• A youthful complexion 

Like chemical peels, the stress reduction is indirect and psychological rather than physical. Microdermabrasion leads to improved skin appearance, which results in higher self-esteem and confidence. This, in turn, promotes a positive well-being. The technique often takes place in a relaxing, spa-like environment, which can reduce stress.

Other Options for Minimizing Stress and Improving Skin Health

Your skin will thank you for getting control of your stress. Methods for reducing stress and indirectly improving skin health include: 

• Physical activity: Mood-boosting endorphins are released during exercise. 
• Meditation: Meditation reduces anxiety and calms the mind.
• A healthy, balanced diet: Getting appropriate nutrients allows your body and mind to cope with stress more effectively.
• Adequate sleep: An appropriate amount of sleep reduces anxiety and stress.
• Deep breathing: This technique helps calm the nervous system.
• Yoga: Yoga is a combination of posturing, breathing, and meditation techniques that promote relaxation.
• Connecting with others: Building a support network or community means that you don’t have to struggle alone, and the ability to share your experiences and feelings means that you are less overwhelmed with stress.  
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol: Drinking less can improve anxiety and stress levels. 
• Spending time in nature: Going for a walk or spending time outdoors promotes relaxation and lowers cortisol levels. 
• Pursuing a hobby: This can improve your mood, reduce anxiety by giving you something else to focus on, and break up your normal routine.  
• Listening to music: Music can release dopamine and endorphins while reducing cortisol, which can decrease stress levels.
• Breaking tasks down into manageable steps: This lets you feel less overwhelmed and feel a sense of accomplishment as each task is completed, rather than being overwhelmed by a huge task. 
• Practice mindfulness: This technique allows you to be more aware of negative thoughts so that you can break the pattern and change them.
• Learn time management and organizational skills: Rather than waiting until the last minute to do things or feeling overwhelmed with clutter, time management and organizational skills can reduce anxiety and stress. 
• Seek professional help: A professional can help you learn methods of coping with stress and anxiety so that you don’t have to do it completely on your own. They can offer support along the way.  

If you are interested in working in the skincare industry or desire a career in medical esthetics, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics offers the most advanced esthetician school in the Portland area. 

We boast highly qualified instructors with Master Educator Certification and state-of-the-art equipment for hands-on experience to learn the most up-to-date information in the industry. 

With the highest pass rate for licensing exams, whether you desire a standard or advanced aesthetician license, we can help you achieve your goals and dreams. We aim to create leaders in the industry through our inclusive, comprehensive education. 

We also offer programs in nutrition for estheticians, continuing education, phlebotomy, and a Spanish-hybrid esthetics program.

Take the next step toward your career by contacting an admissions advocate and scheduling a tour today.