Does Stress affect Skin?

(And how our skin hates stress too!)

Have you ever noticed that your skin breaks out when you’re stressed?

Remember they told us that acne would go away after teenage years??

Recent studies show an increasing prevalence of adult acne with 35% of women in their 30’s + 26% of women in their 40’s experiencing breakouts. What is causing this increase?

Let’s name and shame the major offenders of the root of acne; androgen hormones such as testosterone and androstenedione.

Next question: What causes the release of these hormones?

You have guessed it-stress among many other potential factors, is one interesting drive. Even the perception of stressful situations can trigger the release of these hormones.

How are these hormones released?

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) increases during perceived stressful situations causing increased release of enzymes responsible for converting androgens like DHEA to testosterone.

More androgens = more pimples.

In addition, the adrenals also like to help out by pumping out lots of androgens.

Your testosterone may be at normal levels, but your androstenedione (which is an androgen produced primarily by the adrenals) may be high.

What can I do to reduce the production of androgens?

You guessed right again-try and manage your stress better.

Less stress response = clearer skin!