Stress Related Skin Conditions

Do you live a busy lifestyle, working a fast-paced job and have no time to relax? Noticed you are feeling tired, short on time and dealing with chronic under eye bags, hair loss or rash flare ups? You might be thinking, can stress cause skin problems? The answer is yes - the stress and skin connection is real. When the mind and/or body is in an anxious or distressed state, the brain releases stress hormones, Cortisol and Adrenaline, in order to fight against perceived threats. These sudden chemical and hormonal changes can suppress the immune system and result in increased inflammation, oil production, skin sensitivity and trigger inflammatory skin conditions. So that skin rash that always pops up here and there, or your eczema that never goes away can actually be as a result of stress.

Now people might tell you to just stress less - which is much easier said than done, but if you follow our guide on how to treat stress-related skin conditions then you’ll find how skincare products are a much more convenient and easily achievable solution to alleviating symptoms. 

Types of Stress-Related Skin Conditions

Stress has a powerful effect on our minds and bodies. From triggering autoimmune disease flare-ups and stress skin rashes to acne, our skin has receptors for stress hormones meaning their activation can lead to many changes. Can stress cause itchy skin? Yes, even in the slightest - small rashes with no other known cause are most likely skin conditions caused by stress and anxiety. 

Here is a list of the most common conditions experienced as a result of stress, as well as the stress related skin condition symptoms and treatments to help you identify whether stress is wreaking havoc on your body and skin health.

1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Atopic Dermatitis, also known as Eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition which is largely triggered by stress.

Symptoms: Dry, itchy, inflamed skin with red patches; can crack or bleed. Typically appears on the arms and behind the knees, but can appear anywhere on the skin. 

Treatments: Regular moisturising (non-irritant and fragrance-free products), topical corticosteroids, oatmeal baths, antihistamines for itching.

Product Recommendation: The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M Body Balm is designed for sensitive, dry skin and eczema. A fragrance and paraben-free intensely hydrating and soothing body balm that reduces dryness and alleviates uncomfortable symptoms of itching, irritation and dryness. 

2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation. Autoimmune diseases are at risk of stressful conditions as this results in the immune system going into overdrive, resulting in symptom flare-ups.

Symptoms: Build up of skin cells forming red, scaly patches on the skin, often on elbows, knees, scalp and causes an itching or burning sensation. Symptoms can also be systemic with joint pain or nail dents.

Treatments: Prescription topical treatments (steroids, vitamin D analogs), phototherapy, immune system suppressants and stress management (yoga, meditation).
Product Recommendation: The Skinstitut Repair Balm repairs skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis by providing instant relief to severely dry or stressed skin. With Ceramides and Shea Butter, the skin is left instantly soothed, calm and hydrated.

3. Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin that is as a result of clogged hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells.

Symptoms: Red and tender bumps - whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cystic breakouts, often worsened by hormonal imbalances due to stress.
Treatments: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics. Diet changes such as reducing sugar and processed food intake. Using non-comedogenic skincare that won’t clog pores.
Product Recommendation: The best correcting treatment for acne is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) M Moisturiser. A non-comedogenic and oil-free formula that improves blemishes, blackheads and post-acne scars by exfoliating dead skin and reducing redness. Browse more skincare for acne and blemishes.

4. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is commonly caused by inflammation. It can sometimes be confused with acne. You may be wondering, how do I know if I have Rosacea? Read below if you experience these stress-related skin condition symptoms.

Symptoms: Persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, swollen red bumps, sensitivity to triggers (heat, stress, alcohol). Most commonly affects women with fair skin and is often found on the central face - nose, cheeks and forehead.
Treatments: Avoiding triggers, topical or oral antibiotics, laser treatments, gentle skincare products.
Product Recommendation: The SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer is great to treat redness and Rosacea as it combats environmental triggers, reduces inflammation and protects the skin barrier. A correcting non-comedogenic formula that is free from fragrance, parabens and harsh chemicals to be suitable for even the most sensitive skins. Browse more skincare for redness.

5. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives, also known as Urticaria, is a skin rash that can occur for various reasons, one of which is stress.

Symptoms: Raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts that appear suddenly, sometimes accompanied by swelling.
Treatments: Antihistamines, oral or topical steroids, avoiding known stressors/allergens, cool compresses, wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Product Recommendation: The Mesoestetic Anti-Stress Mask intensively soothes and relieves inflammation, redness and swelling - all common symptoms of Hives. A sensitive skin treatment that reduces stress flare-ups in the skin.

6. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis, a form of Eczema, is a skin condition that can be initiated or worsened by stress.

Symptoms: Red, flaky, dry and itchy patches on the scalp, face, and other oily areas of the body.
Treatments: Medicated shampoos (ketoconazole, selenium sulfide), gentle cleansing, antifungal or corticosteroid creams, stress reduction.
Product Recommendation: The Pure Fiji Dilo Rescue Bath Therapy is an excellent treatment for forms of Dermatitis as it balances dry and sensitive skin. With soothing coconut oil, this natural ingredient reduces inflammation and rescues the skin from stress-related skin conditions.

7. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Induced Hair Loss)

Telogen Effluvium is the rapid onset of hair loss caused by stress or changes to your body.

Symptoms: Sudden hair thinning or excessive shedding, often triggered by major stress or trauma.
Treatments: Addressing underlying stress, biotin supplements, gentle hair care, minoxidil for severe cases.
Product Recommendation: The TYPEBEA G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum is a fast-acting hair treatment that increases hair thickness, prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. Peptides and powerful actives help to fortify the hair follicle for stronger strands at the roots.

8. Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis is a facial skin condition that can be as a result of stress, causing a stress skin rash. 

Symptoms: Red, bumpy, pus-filled, peeling rash around the mouth and nose, often mistaken for acne.
Treatments: Avoiding steroid creams, using fragrance-free skincare, topical or oral antibiotics if severe.
Product Recommendation: The Dermalogica Barrier Repair is highly recommended for sensitive and reactive skin as it works below the skin’s surface to interrupt any inflammatory triggers while minimising discomfort, burning and itching. An effective Perioral Dermatitis treatment that shields the skin against environmental and internal triggers that cause skin stress.

9. Cold Urticaria

Cold Urticaria is a skin reaction that occurs with cold temperature exposure and stress

Symptoms: Skin reaction similar to hives (redness, swelling, itchy welts).
Treatments: Antihistamines, allergy medication such as Omalizumab (Xolair), avoiding cold exposure, wearing protective clothing.
Product Recommendation: The Skinstitut Repair Balm instantly soothes, nourishes and protects stressed and fragile skin. This treatment is ideal for skins prone to inflammatory conditions such as Cold Urticaria as it deeply comforts the skin with essential lipids and vitamins. 

10. Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a neurological skin disorder that can be triggered by stress and anxiety.

Symptoms: Thickened, discoloured and itchy patches of skin caused by repeated scratching due to stress. Can often lead to open sores that bleed.
Treatments: Anti-itch creams, topical corticosteroids, stress management, trimming nails, wearing loose clothing and gloves at night to prevent scratching.
Product Recommendation: An effective topical treatment is the USPA Sensitive Rescue Serum that protects and comforts stressed skin. Using aloe vera, this gentle, anti-inflammatory formula calms stress-related skin conditions. For stress management, the Vida Glow De-Stress Supplements are an ingestible way to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety that ultimately results in the prevention of stress-related skin condition flare ups.

Skincare Products For Stress

Not only does stress cause the skin conditions as mentioned above, but it can also accelerate skin ageing. As your skin ages, cells divide and telomeres naturally shorten. Chronic stress accelerates telomere shortening which inhibits cell proliferation and causes a rapid onset of premature aging. However, with the right stress related skin condition treatments for ageing skin, you can achieve a brighter, more youthful complexion and reverse signs of stress in the skin. The Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery range is specifically designed to treat and prevent stressed skin, making it a staple in the routines of those with busy lifestyles.

Moisturisers

Say goodbye to dull, stressed out skin with the Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Cream that delivers a refreshed and healthier-looking complexion. This daily moisturiser utilises a multivitamin complex with Niacinamide and Peptides to treat fine lines and wrinkles by lifting and firming tired skin while neutralising free radicals and strengthening the skin’s barrier. The perfect anti-ageing skincare solution to slow down the ageing process of those who can’t rid themselves of the stress in their lives. 

Treatments

The Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque is an intensive skin care face mask enriched with vitamins and botanical extracts to calm environmentally stressed skin. With the use of Vitamin A and antioxidant Vitamin C, this treatment increases skin elasticity, moisture content and promotes collagen synthesis to restore youth in the skin.