The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It protects the body from external environmental influences. However, emotional sensations also affect the condition of the skin, which is why it is called the mirror of the soul.
Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or threats and serves as a protective mechanism against danger. A stress response releases hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which affect our immune system, nervous system, and hormonal balance.
It's scientifically proven that there's a correlation between skin and stress. On the one hand, skin diseases can trigger psychological stress, as those affected experience feelings such as shame or discomfort. On the other hand, psychological stress can lead to behaviors (lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, reduced self-care) that trigger skin diseases.
Despite scientific evidence, the impact of stress on the skin is fraught with myths. The following section aims to dispel these myths.
Stress accelerates the skin aging process
Fact! The release of cortisol accelerates the breakdown of collagen, a protein in our skin that is responsible for skin elasticity. When collagen is lost, fine lines and wrinkles form on the face.
Stress leads to impurities and pimples
Fact! Cortisol stimulates sebum production. It also weakens the body's defenses against bacteria, causing inflammation to penetrate the skin more quickly.
Skin diseases are caused by stress
Myth! Stress is not the cause of skin diseases. It can only exacerbate the symptoms of existing skin diseases or trigger their onset.
Stress increases the risk of skin cancer
Fact! Stress causes an increased release of free radicals in the body. This creates an imbalance between free radicals and radical scavengers. The increased free radicals attack cellular components in the body, weakening the cells and making them more susceptible to tumor growth.
Touch reduces stress
Fact! Social touch, perceived through the skin, lowers stress hormones in our bodies and slows our heart rate.
Sources:
International Journal of Molecular Science – AP Collagen Peptides Prevent Cortisol-Induced Decrease of Collagen Type I in Human Dermal Fibroblasts, 2021
Thieme – The Adrenal Glands, Small Organs with a Big Impact, 2022
Free University of Berlin – Skin and psyche: a stressful relationship, 2020
BJD – Oxidative Stress in malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, 2003
Health Psycological Review – Affective touch and regulation of stress responses, 2022
