Stress can be very harmful to the body in many ways. A human body is a complex structure and chronic stress if left untreated can lead to numerous issues. You may be aware of stress affecting different organs in different ways, internally. But do you know it can have a negative impact on your skin as well? A dermatologist says that stress could be anything that's making you overthink, anxious, or unhappy.
The effect on your skin
The doctor explained that stress can cause hyperpigmentation, early aging, patchy and uneven skin tone, dry skin, acne, and dark circles, especially when you don't sleep well. You may experience itching and different allergic reactions, she said. Sometimes "nerve endings in the skin release mediators that cause itching when you are stressed".
She said stress sends signals to the hypothalamus, a small region present in the brain. "Hypothalamus will then release the Corticotropin-releasing hormone. This hormone will send signals to the pituitary gland located in the brain to release another hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)," she said. "These will then go down to the kidneys to the adrenal glands and these adrenal glands will release cortisol hormone," the doctor said.
She said that cortisol hormone, when created in excess, can send signals to your kidneys and even ovaries. This could give rise to the increase of male hormones in women. Some hormones can also lead to a lot of inflammation, causing the skin to get dry and flaky. Stress can also lead to the release of hormones that can lead to dark patches on the skin and hyperpigmentation.
