How Stress is Impacting Skin Inflammation Now

Feeling stressed? Your skin might feel it too. Stress doesn’t just weigh on our mind—it takes a serious toll on our skin. From stubborn breakouts to dryness and redness, stress-induced inflammation can disrupt complexion in more ways than one. That’s why we’re talking with Desiree Stordahl, Paula’s Choice Senior Research and Education Manager, to uncover the connection between stress and skin inflammation, and how to calm irritated skin for good.

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How Stress Triggers Skin Inflammation

“Psychological stress can signal an increase in inflammatory substances in the skin while decreasing the calming peptides that the brain would normally release. This can make skin look older by weakening its support structure,” says Desiree Stordahl.

Stress doesn’t just impact how you feel—it takes a visible toll on the complexion. Here’s how:

Accelerated Aging: Lack of sleep from stress accelerates aging signs like fine lines, uneven skin tone, and reduced elasticity.

Increased Inflammation: Stress triggers the release of inflammatory substances, worsening conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Weakened Skin Barrier: Stress compromises your skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.

Slower Healing: Chronic stress means breakouts and skin irritations take longer to heal, increasing the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

How Stressed Skin Reveals Itself

The symptoms of stressed skin can vary, but common signs include:

Signs of Aging: Sleep deprivation linked to stress can cause premature aging, including fine lines and reduced skin elasticity.

Persistent Breakouts: Stress-induced acne is often more severe and slower to heal, leading to longer-lasting blemishes and potential scarring.

Dry, Flaky Skin: A weakened skin barrier can make dryness and flakiness more noticeable.

Increased Redness and Sensitivity: Stressed skin can become more reactive, resulting in redness and irritation.

Paula’s Choice Tips for Calming Stressed Skin

Desiree Stordahl emphasizes the importance of treating stressed skin gently and choosing the right products to restore balance.

Eliminate Fragranced Products
- Fragrant ingredients, whether natural or synthetic, can disrupt the skin barrier and worsen inflammation. Opt for fragrance-free formulas.
Target Specific Skin Concerns
- For Breakouts: Use a non-drying cleanser, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Paula’s Choice Skincare CLEAR Kit is a great option.
- For Inflamed, Reddened Skin: Look for products with omega fatty acids from plant oils like flax, chia, and hemp, such as the Omega+ Complex Serum. Other beneficial ingredients include curcuminoids from turmeric, calming plants like green tea and willow herb, and algae extracts.
- For Dry Skin: Opt for concentrated hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Recommendations from Paula’s Choice include the Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer.
- Boost Moisture: Mix a fragrance-free facial oil like Moisture Renewal Oil Booster with your nighttime moisturizer to replenish antioxidants and enhance hydration.
Adopt Calming Practices
- Incorporate stress-relief techniques like yoga, meditation, and regular sleep patterns to lower cortisol levels and support skin health.
Protect with SPF
- Sun exposure can worsen inflammation. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect stressed skin.