Is your skin freaking out? Stress could be behind it. Elevated levels of cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone) cause increased sebum production, reduced production of beneficial oils that protect the skin, and decreased production of collagen. This can lead to symptoms like acne, dry skin, and premature aging. Read on to learn more about how cortisol affects your skin and what to do about it.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It’s produced and released by your two adrenal glands, which sit on top of each kidney. In small amounts, cortisol is important for your health, but too much of it can harm your body. When you’re stressed, increased cortisol is released into the bloodstream. If you have a healthy stress response, this rise in hormones is temporary and the effect on your skin is minimal. However, if there’s a single event that’s majorly stressful or we experience repeated exposure to stress, cortisol stays active for too long and wreaks havoc on the skin.
Cortisol triggers oil production, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts and acne. Chronic stress also leads to inflammation, which not only prevents acne from healing, but can also result in super dry, irritated skin. Stress also speeds up the aging process. Chronic exposure to cortisol inhibits the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which help keep the skin plump and youthful. This reduces the skin’s elasticity and contributes to the formation of wrinkles. It also makes the skin thinner.
12 Signs You Have High Cortisol
- Weight gain, mostly in your midsection and upper back
- Weight gain and rounding of the face
- Acne breakouts
- Thinning skin
- Dry skin
- Flushed face
- Easy bruising and slowed healing
- Muscle weakness
- Severe fatigue
- Irritability
- High blood pressure
- More headaches
How Cortisol Affects Your Skin (& What To Do)
1. Acne Flare Ups
Fluctuating levels of cortisol in the body make your skin more sensitive and reactive. In times of high stress, your cortisol levels rise and trigger your oil glands to produce more oil, which triggers acne flare ups. Breakouts that are caused or worsened by stress typically appear in the oiliest parts of the face, such as the T-zone.
What To Do:
- Use a topical spot treatment with salicylic acid to help shrink blemishes, reduce redness, and soothe the skin.
- Wear pimple patches to prevent popping and picking and help banish blemishes overnight. They’re especially useful if you have large, cystic acne that’s below the skin.
- If your breakout consists of large, painful cysts, consider visiting a dermatologist for cortisone injections to help with tenderness and redness.
- Use a retinol serum such as the Versed Gentle Retinol Serum to promote cellular turnover and reduce oil production. This one is formulated for first-time retinol users, so it’s gentler on the skin and shouldn’t cause dryness or irritation.
- Work on managing your stress with tools like deep breathing, exercise, meditation, positive self-talk, acupuncture, or getting outside into nature. The key is finding what works best for you and sticking to it. Also make sure to prioritize a regular sleep schedule.
2. Dry, Irritated Skin
Dry, itchy skin can be triggered by stress. During times of stress, cortisol slows down the production of beneficial oils, so the skin becomes dry and irritated. Those healthy oils act as a layer of protection and without adequate lipids to seal in hydration, the skin experiences water loss. Inflammatory immune responses can also cause general dryness and itchiness as inflamed skin loses the ability to retain water.
What To Do:
- Remove ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol from your skincare routine. They’re super drying and deplete normal, healthy barrier function.
- Look for a lightweight moisturizer that’s packed with hydrating ingredients. The e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Face Cream contains hyaluronic acid, niaminicide, squalane, and vitamin B. These ingredients will help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and protect it from environmental damage.
- Shower in lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can inflame your skin and pull moisture out.
- Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to keep moisture circulating indoors. This can make it easier for your skin to retain its natural moisture.
- Drink lots of water and eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, mushrooms, and beets.
- Use a richer moisturizer at night such as the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. It calms and soothes irritated skin and provides deep hydration for a dry, distressed complexion.
3. Premature Aging
The more chronically stressed you are, the faster your skin will age. Cortisol breaks down collagen, a protein that keeps your skin elastic and youthful. As cortisol levels increase, collagen levels decrease, forming fine lines and wrinkles and thinning the skin. Stress can also cause other signs of aging, such as pigmentation (age spots) and under-eye circles.
What To Do:
- Wear sunscreen everyday, even when it’s gloomy outside. UV rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, increasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. SPF helps shield your skin from these harmful rays, plus protects against dark spots.
- Add a retinol such as the Arvesa Retinol Cream into your routine. It’s one of the best anti-aging skincare ingredients and can completely transform your skin. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates collagen and elastin production, urging cell turnover for younger, brighter looking skin.
- Ceramides offer amazing protection against anti-aging. They form a protective layer, helping to prevent moisture loss and damage from environmental stressors. A product like the Beekman 1802 Milk Drops Ceramide Serum is an excellent choice.
- Add the Naturium Vitamin C Serum into your skincare routine. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants to reduce signs of aging. It stimulates collagen, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and also brightens skin, reducing dark spots for a more even complexion.
If you’re dealing with skin issues due to high stress levels, we hope these tips and products help!
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