The effects of stress on the skin

It all starts from design. At the embryo level, the skin and the nervous system come from the same tissues. Hence the obvious link between our mental state and our possible skin problems.

stress, which is a defense mechanism in situations of danger, can quickly have a negative impact on our body. 

Prolonged or chronic stress causes chemical reactions, which ultimately harm the entire body.

When a person is stressed, the secretion of cortisol increases. This peak then triggers an inflammatory reaction causing sensitivity and redness, and an acceleration of skin aging. 

Cortisol is a hormone known to affect the immune system of the epidermis, induce allergic reactions, weaken its barrier function and its microbiome.

Under the influence of cortisol, all skin pathologies are over-expressed and the consequences are multiple:

1. Acne

Cortisol, also called the “stress hormone”, increases the sebum production. Excess sebum then blocks the pores, which leads to the appearance of blackheads or acne spots.

Depending on the person, stress pimples can appear on the skin of the face only, or also on the body, sparsely or in patches.

2. Dry, itchy skin 

Stress unbalances the skin barrier and weakens the hydrolipidic film which no longer fulfills its role as a shield. 

When the hydrolipidic film is altered, the water naturally contained in the epidermis evaporates more quickly.

Less protected against external aggressions, the skin is then dehydrated and dry, which can cause significant discomfort: tightness, itching, a burning sensation and irritation at the slightest friction.

3. Oxidative stress and skin aging 

Like tobacco, UV rays, pollution and many other environmental factors, psychological stress stimulates the action of free radicalsin the body and causes oxidative stress. 

This imbalance is the cause of cellular aging and therefore premature skin aging.

On the other hand, the stress response deploys an increase in glucocorticoids, which alter the production and degradation of collagen, proteoglycans and elastin, all the constituent elements of the skin.

Result:the skin loses elasticity and firmness, the formation of fine lines and wrinkles accelerates, the complexion becomes dull and pigment spots may appear.

4. Altered complexion 

Beyond cortisol, stress causes the release of many hormones such as adrenaline, oxytocin or vasopressin. Each causes chain reactions in the body and in the skin tissue.

Depending on the type of stress encountered, these hormones can cause cutaneous vasoconstriction, in other words the reduction in the diameter of blood vessels in the skin. This phenomenon affects microcirculation allowing skin cells to be nourished. As a result, the complexion fades, it becomes paler and tends towards gray.

The area around the eyes being very thin skin, the blood and lymph stagnating under the skin are therefore very visible: the dark circles are darker, more marked, and can even create pockets under the skin. the eyes.

In other cases, stress on the contrary causes vasodilation, which corresponds to the increase in the diameter of blood vessels in the skin. The face becomes redder, as a whole, or in patches.

To limit breakage and fight against the effects of stress on the skin, you need to adapt your beauty routine:

1. Care adapted to your skin 

To improve the appearance of your skin, you can adapt your topical skincare routine.

If you are prone to stress breakouts and a dull complexion, regular exfoliation will help you unclog pores, activate microcirculation and cell renewal. A purifying maskonce a week will help reduce excess sebum.

Hydrate your skin every day to allow it to regenerate and protect itself against dehydration and external aggressions. In case of itching and tightness, use a richer cream than usual.

Place your treatment in the refrigerator for an immediate decongestant effect.

2. A healthier lifestyle 

To reduce the action of stress on the skin, the ideal is to tackle the cause!

To relieve stress and anxiety, practicing sport, meditation and a healthy lifestyle are recommended.

Balance your diet as best as possible because it contributes to your physical and mental health. Certain foods such as green tea, chamomile, nuts or dark chocolate are recommended to reduce anxiety.

Also maintain a sufficient and regular sleep cycle. Lack of sleep has a strong impact on your mind. You will be more touchy, stressed, anxious and irritable if you don't get enough rest. Treat yourself to some time away from screens, emails and text messages!

3. Food supplements for targeted action 

Using anti-stress food supplements in your daily beauty routine is an effective way to combat the effects of stress on the skin. Enriched with micronutrients and phytotherapy, they allow targeted action at the heart of the cells to treat the skin from the inside.

To complete the routine for stressed skin, D-LAB has developed several supplements to improve daily stress management and soothe skin inflammation, thanks to active ingredients with adaptogenic, calming and soothing properties for comfortable skin.

• The Let Go Complex provides a high dose of antioxidant adaptogens to reduce stress and promote restful sleep. Formulated with extracts of eschscholtzia, sweet clover, lion's mane and eleutherococcus, it is ideal for de-stressing the skin on a daily basis.

• The Soothing Skin Complex combines 8 super-powerful active ingredients that work in synergy to reduce inflammation, calm redness and protect sensitive skin. Its formula contains Roman chamomile, SOD from Provence melon, and hemp oil.