How stress affects your skin health

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which impacts your skin barrier, sebum levels, and sensitivity. Learn how to break the cycle.

The mind-skin connection is powerful. When you experience stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, releasing hormones like cortisol. This hormonal cascade has direct, tangible impacts on the health, texture, and resilience of your skin.

The Cortisol Effect

Cortisol signals your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil), which can lead to clogged pores and inflammatory acne breakouts. Additionally, stress weakens the skin's barrier function, making it harder to retain moisture and defend against external irritants.