Your Basket is Empty
Save 1/3 On Gift Sets + Free Express Tracked Delivery On Orders Over £50
Ever noticed a breakout appearing just before an important event? Or perhaps your skin feels drier, itchier or more sensitive when life gets particularly busy?
You may not be imagining the connection. While stress isn't the sole cause of most skin concerns, research suggests that psychological stress can influence the way skin functions, including its barrier and inflammatory responses.
This relationship is often described as the brain–skin axis: the two-way communication between your brain, nervous system and skin.
So, what does stress actually have to do with your complexion? And what can you do when stress-related skin issues appear?
The brain–skin axis describes the connection between what's happening in your brain and what's happening in your skin.
When you experience psychological stress, your body's stress-response systems become more active. Hormones and other signalling molecules are involved in this response, which can influence processes within the skin. At the same time, skin concerns can affect your emotional wellbeing, creating a cycle where stress and skin problems may influence one another.
A review of research into the brain–skin connection explores how the nervous, hormonal and immune systems interact, while highlighting that some of the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
You don't need to understand all the biology to recognise the connection. Your skin is part of a much bigger picture, constantly responding to both your internal environment and the world around you.
Stress doesn't necessarily cause a particular skin condition. Genetics, hormones, environment, skincare and lifestyle can all play a part. However, stress can be a contributing factor or trigger for some people.
Stress-related breakouts are one of the most familiar skin concerns.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, stress can worsen acne in people who are already prone to breakouts. The body's stress response can influence oil production, potentially contributing to clogged pores and inflammation.
This could explain why a demanding week sometimes seems to leave its mark on your complexion.
Your skin barrier is your first line of defence between your body and the outside world. It helps retain moisture while providing protection against external irritants.
A review published in the British Journal of Dermatology examined 21 studies investigating psychological stress and skin barrier function. The researchers found evidence linking stress with reduced skin hydration and increased water loss through the skin.
So, if your skin feels unusually tight, dry or uncomfortable during a stressful period, stress may be one factor worth considering.
Stress can also be particularly noticeable if you already experience a skin condition.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that stress may make eczema itchier and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people. It can also aggravate itching associated with other skin conditions.
This doesn't mean stress causes eczema or psoriasis. Rather, it may be one of several factors involved in a flare-up.
The relationship can become a cycle: stressed skin feels uncomfortable, uncomfortable skin creates frustration, and that can add to your overall stress.
You've probably heard cortisol called the stress hormone.
Cortisol is one of the hormones involved in your body's response to stress. When you face something demanding, your body activates systems that help you respond to the situation.
Research into the brain–skin axis suggests that these stress-response pathways can also influence skin processes, including barrier function and inflammation.
However, it's important not to oversimplify this relationship. Cortisol isn't the explanation for every breakout, dry patch or change in your complexion.
Skin is complex. Hormones, genetics, environment, lifestyle and skincare can all interact, and individual responses to stress vary.
Sometimes, the answer may be less about one biological process and more about everything that happens when you're stressed.
You might sleep less, change your eating habits, exercise less or have less time for your usual skincare routine. You may also find yourself touching your face more often or reaching for products that aren't suited to your skin.
These small changes can add up.
That's why caring for stressed skin doesn't necessarily mean adding more products. Sometimes, the most helpful starting point is to return to the basics and give your skin a little consistency.
When your skin feels unsettled, resist the temptation to throw everything at it. A simple, consistent routine can be easier to maintain when life gets busy.
Keep cleansing gentle. Avoid repeatedly washing, scrubbing or exfoliating your skin in an attempt to fix a breakout. If your skin feels sensitive, a gentler approach may be more comfortable.
Prioritise hydration. If your skin feels dry or tight, use a moisturiser that suits your skin. Supporting the skin barrier is particularly important when your skin feels uncomfortable.
Keep using SPF. Daily sun protection remains an important part of your skincare routine, whatever your stress levels.
Don't constantly change your products. Introducing several new products at once can make it difficult to work out what's helping and what's irritating your skin. Give your routine some consistency where possible.
Look beyond skincare. Sleep, movement, relaxation and finding ways to manage everyday stress can all contribute to your overall wellbeing. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends stress-management approaches such as meditation and yoga alongside appropriate treatment for stress-affected skin conditions.
Your skincare routine is only one part of the picture, so be patient with yourself as well as your skin.
Another area receiving increasing attention in skincare research is the skin microbiome: the diverse community of microorganisms that live on the skin.
Researchers are continuing to explore how these microorganisms interact with the skin and how changes in the skin's microbial environment may relate to skin health. A review of psychosocial stress and skin health discusses emerging research into these connections, while highlighting that the mechanisms are still being investigated.
This is where nature and science meet particularly well.
At Natura Siberica, this thinking inspires the Lab by Natura Siberica Biome range, which features fermented extracts of northern cloudberry and wild raspberry alongside a postbiotic active.
The range brings together skincare innovation and ingredients inspired by the landscapes of the Far North. For a simple addition to your routine, the Lab by Natura Siberica Biome collection offers options to explore, including products focused on hydration.
The aim isn't to fight stressed skin with an increasingly complicated routine. It's about understanding what your skin needs, choosing suitable products and giving your routine time to work.
It's easy to focus on how stress affects the skin, but the relationship isn't one-directional.
When your skin is breaking out, itching or feeling uncomfortable, it can affect your confidence and wellbeing. Research into the brain–skin connection recognises this two-way relationship between psychological wellbeing and skin health.
That's one reason a skincare routine can be more than another task on your to-do list.
A few quiet minutes spent cleansing, applying serum or moisturising can become a familiar ritual at the beginning or end of your day. It won't make a stressful week disappear, but it can give you a moment to pause.
Skin problems caused by stress are rarely as simple as saying that stress alone causes bad skin. Your complexion is influenced by a combination of factors, and everyone's response to stress is different.
If your skin changes during a particularly demanding period, try not to panic or blame yourself. Simplify where you can, support your skin barrier, stay consistent with the basics and give yourself time.
If you're experiencing persistent, painful or unexplained skin problems, speak to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist rather than assuming stress is the cause.
Your skin is constantly adapting to the world around you. Sometimes, understanding that connection is the first step towards taking better care of it.
Stress can contribute to or worsen some skin problems, but it isn't usually the only factor involved. It may worsen acne and contribute to flare-ups of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Stress-related skin issues can include worsening acne, increased itching and flare-ups of existing inflammatory skin conditions. Psychological stress may also affect skin barrier function and hydration.
The brain–skin axis describes the two-way communication between the brain, nervous system and skin. Stress-response pathways can influence processes within the skin, while skin concerns can also affect psychological wellbeing.
Not by itself. Cortisol is involved in the body's stress response, but acne has several contributing factors, including genetics, hormones, oil production and inflammation. Stress may worsen acne in people who are already prone to breakouts.
Research suggests that psychological stress can affect skin barrier function, potentially contributing to reduced hydration and increased water loss. Individual responses vary, and stress is only one of several possible influences.
Keep your routine simple and consistent. Use gentle cleansing, moisturise regularly, wear daily SPF and avoid introducing lots of new products at once. Finding ways to manage stress and look after your overall wellbeing can also be helpful.
Skincare cannot remove the causes of stress, but a familiar routine can provide a small moment of self-care during a busy day. Choosing suitable, gentle products may also help you feel more comfortable when your skin is unsettled.
Sources & Further Reading
The following sources informed the educational content in this article:
