The Skin Nerd: How stress can impact your skin and what to do about it

Why destressing is important for your skin and methods that are proven to help

The Skin Nerd: When we’re experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety, a surge of a hormone called cortisol is sent throughout our body.

We have seen it everywhere since last March: Lockdown (and the global stress of a pandemic) is wreaking havoc on everyone’s skin. I have received message upon message from people across the country and across the world seeking advice on what to do for their flaky, irritated, dehydrated, or congested skin. I would be surprised if those with eczema or psoriasis haven’t struggled big time with flare-ups, and I have seen the effects on my own skin (yes, do not be surprised, I do get the occasional spot).

When we’re experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety, a surge of a hormone called cortisol is sent throughout our body. Cortisol, known as “the stress hormone”, is a bit misunderstood. In the short term, cortisol works to allow our body to handle what it perceives as a threat. It has our back and it is helping us out.