Excess stress can have a negative effect on all the muscles and organs in our bodies. This blog focuses on how stress effects our largest organ, our skin, and how too much stress can make the skin dry, appear dull and sallow, break out, wrinkle and sag. There are no quick fixes that can help us when the skin becomes flabby, or saggy.  However, we can have healthier and better-looking skin, if we can address the underlying stress that is a major cause of skin problems.

Stress attacks collagen, one of the main factors in damaging our skin. Collagen is the most abundant component of the extra-cellular matrix of our skin tissue. The ECM as defined by Wikipedia, is the “three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen, enzymes and glycoproteins, that provide structural and biochemical support of surrounding cells.” It maintains the elasticity, rigidity and integrity of the skin.

The quantity and integrity of collagen can be impaired not only by stress, but also by aging and autoimmune disease. More specifically, collagen is degraded by what is called a glucocorticoid (GC)-mediated process, and the most important human glucocorticoid is cortisol. Put simply, stress triggers the body’s fight or flight response, which increases production of the hormone cortisol, and cortisol interferes with collagen production and integrity, which in turn affects the skin. GC’s also cause loss of muscle tissue, or muscle atrophy, contributing to skin sagging.

The body’s stress response can be very beneficial when a person is facing an emergency situation. Stress hormones are carried by the blood to organs and muscles, providing the blood flow needed for a defensive response.  Muscles also tighten to prepare for movement that in these critical situations. However, persistent stress leads to hyperstimulation of the muscles, causing them to start to break down.

For dull skin caused by overproduction of cortisol, exfoliating and drinking more water is sometimes recommended. Adequate water intake can increase the skin’s elasticity; exfoliation and massage improve circulation that leads to better-looking skin, and massage also alleviates the stress that can cause skin problems. Keep in mind, the water should be free of toxins, either distilled or filtered with reverse osmosis. What’s more important is to control your stress, whether it’s physical or emotional. Do you realize insomnia is stress on your body, and mind?

A healthy diet is a must, particularly during times of stress. Be sure to eliminate sugars, especially the worst forms like corn syrup, and increase intake of leafy greens, lentils fruits and high protein grains. Don’t forget to include the healthy fats found in avocado, coconut and olive oil.

CheatSheet.com suggests adding adequate sources of protein and amino acids, “such as grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, wild fish, eggs, nuts and bone broth.” And remember to include a wide range of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Eating foods that increase collagen production and using topical beauty products containing vitamin C and skipping the retinoids is an additional tip from Beauty Gypsy.com.

Dryness is another adverse effect of stress due to collagen loss and a low lipid barrier. CS adds hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E to its list. There are numerous sources on how to make your own healthy mask.

There isn’t a quick fix for sagging skin and muscle loss. By learning other ways to manage or alleviate sources of stress in our lives, we can inhibit its unwanted health effects.  

Because a main source of stress is emotions, it is best to try to keep them under control. Managing stress should also involve taking care of the body. The importance of exercise in reducing the stress that leads to skin and other problems cannot be overemphasized. Exercise reduces levels of the stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and stimulates the production of endorphins, which are mood elevators and natural painkillers.

Be sure to check out my ebooks on ways to manage and alleviate stress and its effect on your skin: What To do About Your Skin’s Stress Reactions and What You Tell Yourself .