Your body has a built-in stress response to help you handle challenging situations. If you experience ongoing stress, though, you may notice changes in your skin. At Berman Skin Institute (BSI), we can support you with tailored guidance and medical dermatology treatments.
Stress and Skin Conditions
Stress can trigger rashes in some people, causing itchy, sometimes painful hives on the skin. More commonly, stress can worsen existing skin problems. Your skin and nervous system are closely connected, so stress-related signals can affect inflammation, immune function and healing.
While the link between itching and stress isn’t well understood yet, research shows that itching and stress can feed into each other. Stress may make itching feel worse, and scratching or picking can irritate the skin even more.
Stress may affect several skin conditions, including:
- Acne: Stress does not cause acne, but it can make it worse by increasing inflammation and affecting hormones that boost oil production, leading to clogged pores.
- Rosacea: By increasing inflammation and dilating blood vessels, stress can contribute to redness and flare-ups in people who have rosacea.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Stress can make eczema itchier, and because it affects your body’s ability to heal, flare-ups can last longer.
- Psoriasis: For some people, stress may trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Stress about flare-ups may also make symptoms feel harder to manage.
How to Manage Stress-Related Skin Conditions
While you may not be able to remove every source of stress, these habits can help support your skin and overall health:
- Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques: Yoga, meditation and controlled breathing can help you focus on the present and ease anxiety.
- Take care of your body: Consistent sleep, hydration, balanced meals and a gentle skin care routine can support your overall health and skin barrier.
- Support your mental health: When stress seems to affect your skin, therapy, journaling and gratitude practices may be a helpful part of your overall care plan.
- Become aware of habits: Pay attention to what you do when you’re stressed. Habits such as drinking, smoking, scratching, picking at your skin, pulling your hair and overeating may also affect your skin.
Talk to a Dermatology Provider About Stress and Your Skin
If stress seems to be affecting your skin, the team at BSI can help you understand what’s happening and explore treatment options. Schedule an appointment today to discuss care for skin concerns that may be related to stress.
