How higher cortisol levels impact skin`s barrier function

Sanika Borade, a 24-year-old marketing executive, was grappling with frequent job changes when she acquired heightened stress levels. The erratic career transitions had taken a toll on her well-being, leading to a myriad of symptoms she initially failed to connect.

Among these symptoms were breakouts and dull skin, which the Mumbai-based woman had been struggling to curb for over a year. However, a pivotal consultation with her dermatologist brought to light the underlying cause: increased cortisol levels (the body`s response to stress) which had begun to disrupt her skin`s natural balance. What followed was a breakthrough moment that finally resolved her skin woes.

To uncover how stress impacts skin`s equilibrium, Midday, dialled up Malvika Jain, a skincare specialist and founder of Sereko, for her expert advice. Recognising the intricate interplay between stress levels and skin health, Jain shares with us a comprehensive approach to address both aspects to nurture skin health.

Does stress affect the skin’s well-being?

Stress has a significant impact on skin health through intricate physiological mechanisms, remarks Jain.

When stress hormones like cortisol surge in response to psychological stressors, they trigger a cascade of reactions in the body, including the skin. Increased cortisol levels disrupt the skin`s natural balance by increasing oil production, leading to acne flare-ups and exacerbating conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Moreover, stress compromises the skin`s barrier function, weakening its ability to defend against external aggressors like pollution and UV radiation, thus increasing susceptibility to skin damage and premature ageing.