There are several negative effects of cortisol on the skin that can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Stress represents a very harmful factor for health.
The effects of cortisol on the skin can be negative when the substance is found in excess. Let us remember that it is the dreaded stress hormone. It is naturally present in the body, but in increased amounts it unleashes problems.
Stress has a negative impact on overall health. Some of its repercussions include headaches, insomnia, fatigue and irritability. Signs also appear on the skin, as we will see below.
The body produces an increased amount of cortisol when faced with a threatening situation. This hormone causes the brain to become alert and the body to prepare itself for attack or flight. In principle, therefore, it is a substance that aids survival.
However, if this feeling of threat becomes too continuous or appears in the face of unwarranted stimuli, the body produces more cortisol than necessary. The excess causes multiple changes in the organism, most of them negative.
The human dermis does not escape the impact. The effect of cortisol on the skin favors the development of various skin problems and even dermatological diseases. Other hormones that can be harmful, such as adrenaline and histamine, usually also increase in levels.
The negative effects of cortisol on the skin
The negative effects of cortisol on the skin occur because this hormone has the ability to accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Both of these substances are essential for skin health. Their deterioration causes various problems.
Wrinkles
Deterioration in the production of collagen and elastin leads to the formation of wrinkles. Likewise, stress causes greater rigidity in the muscles of the face. This, in turn, accentuates expression lines. Cortisol in the skin also reduces the skin’s ability to absorb water. All together it is a harmful combination.
Acne
Stress unbalances the skin microbiota, i.e. the microorganisms that naturally inhabit the skin. When this happens, excess oil is produced, pores become clogged and annoying pimples appear.
Dullness
Excess cortisol, caused by stress, hinders cell renewal. As a result, the accumulation of dead cells and toxins increases. This leads to dull, lackluster and dull skin.
Sensitive skin
The skin is weakened by the action of cortisol. This is also due to the imbalance of the skin’s microbiota, which is severely impacted. As a result, the skin may start to overreact to substances or stimuli that did not cause any difficulty before.
Tightness
Cortisol also causes a tightening effect on the skin. This is most noticeable after washing the face.
The skin looks tight, but not toned. This appearance is because the hormone reduces the skin’s ability to retain water.
Excoriations
Excoriations are skin irritations caused by rubbing against the skin or another surface. One of the effects of cortisol on the skin is to produce itching. This leads to the formation of these scratching lesions.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a dermatological disease that is usually activated when a person suffers episodes of stress. Scaling and reddening of the skin appears, especially on the scalp.
Atopic dermatitis
Many do not know that cortisol in the skin also promotes atopic dermatitis. Prolonged states of stress often activate the symptoms, although it is not the only factor.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes the life cycle of the cells to accelerate. This causes them to die prematurely and accumulate on the skin surface, forming red patches and scales.
Under these conditions, there is intense itching and pain. Stressful states favor episodes of symptom activation.
Hair loss
One of the problems caused by cortisol in the skin is hair loss. This condition is known as alopecia and sometimes becomes so aggressive that it can lead to total baldness. However, the hair manages to recover when a state of greater tranquility is reached.
How to counteract the effects of cortisol on the skin?
The most important thing to avoid the negative effects of cortisol on the skin is to learn how to manage stress. There are several ways to do this, such as the following:
- Physical activity: exercise has very positive effects on mood.
- Meditation: meditation practices are often very effective in reducing stress and achieving greater mental balance.
- Healthy social life: positive contact with other people is a great way to balance emotions.
- Sleep hygiene: eliminate screens in the bedroom, have a regular bedtime.
In addition, some basic dermatological care habits should be maintained:
- Cleanse the skin daily, in the morning and at night.
- Exfoliate the skin once a week.
- Always use sunscreen.
- Moisturize every day.
It should not be forgotten that the impact of an elevated level of this hormone also affects other organs and systems of the body. Therefore, it is essential to manage emotions.
