How Stress Affects Your Hair and Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Solutions
How Stress Affects Your Hair and Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Solutions
Stress is just part of our lives. Every day students, freelancers, bloggers, workers, and business owners deal with stress. But chronic stress can have serious effects on your body in many ways that you may not even realize are related to stress.
An example of a visible impact of stress is what happens to your hair and skin; many people report having sudden hair loss or experiencing an increase in acne, dull or lifeless skin, premature wrinkles or dark circles under their eyes when they go through particularly stressful phases of their lives.
The questions arise though, how can this happen?
Also, in this comprehensive guide, you’ll find out the following…
- How does stress impact your hair growth processes;
- How does it impact your skin processes;
- Scientific understanding of cortisol and other associated hormones;
- Signs and symptoms of stress-related skin and hair problems;
- Natural remedies to undo the effects of stress on both your hair and skin;
- Lifestyle habits that contribute to having skin that glows and promotes healthy hair.
1. What is Stress (very basic definition)?
Stress is your body’s reaction when faced with pressure or perceived danger. When under stress, the brain communicates with the other parts of your body via hormones like:
- Cortisol
- Adrenalin
- Norepinephrine
The release of these hormones (cortisol, for example) helps to deal with the aforementioned danger or pressure (this process is generally known as the fight or flight response). However, if you experience chronic or ongoing stress this will lead to excessive levels of cortisol and other associated hormones in your body damaging all your organs (Body/Hair/Skin)/ brain functions.
2. The Effect of Stress on Hair
Hair is very sensitive to hormones, nutrition and blood flow. Stress has a negative impact on all three of these elements.
2.1 How Stress Causes Hair Loss
One of the most common problems caused by stress is Telogen Effluvium or hair loss due to stress-related events.
What's happening?
Hair grows in cycles:
- Growth phase
- Transition phase
- Resting phase
- Shedding phase
When you’re under stress, your hair will start entering the resting phase more rapidly leading to excessive hair shedding.
Symptoms:
- Sudden increase in hair shedding when brushing or washing
- Thinning hair
- Hair falling out from all the different parts of your scalp
Typically this will occur about two to three months after a major source of stress.
2.2 How Stress Can Lead to Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
Long-term or chronic stress can confuse your immune system and cause it to attack hair follicles.
This can result in:
- Round bald spots on scalp
- Sudden patches of hair loss
- This is known as alopecia areata.
2.3 How Stress Slows the Growth of Hair
Stress causes reduced blood flow to the scalp. For hair follicles to grow they need oxygen and nutrients through the circulatory system.
When there is a decrease in blood flow to the scalp, there will be:
- A slower rate of hair growth
- Weak and thin hair
- Less new hair being produced
2.4 How Stress Causes Hair to Go Gray Prematurely
Stress can increase oxidative stress levels in the body and result in harming the pigmentation cells (melanocytes) of the hair. These cells are responsible for producing the colour of your hair.
When these cells become damaged, as a result of excessive oxidative stress:
- The colour of your hair changes prematurely to grey or white
- our hair loses its natural shine
2.5 Stress Causes Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
- Dandruff;
- Itching;
- Inflammation of the scalp;
- Breakage of hair;
3.1 Stress Causes Acne and Pimples
3.2 Stress Causes Faster Aging of Skin
- An increase in wrinkles;
- An increase in fine lines;
- An increase in sagging of skin;
- A decrease in the elasticity of the skin;
3.3 Stress Causes Dry and Dull Skin
- Skin that appears pale or dull;
- The development of dry patches of skin;
- A rough texture;
- The development of uneven skin tones.
3.4 Stress Causes Dark Circles and Puffiness Under the Eyes
- Dark circle (under) the eye;
- Puffy eyes;
- Having a tired appearance;
3.5 Stress Triggers Other Skin Conditions
- Eczema;
- Psoriasis;ro
- Rosaceae;
- Hives;
- Dermatitis;
4. The Relationship Between Stress, Hair, and Skin (Hormones Explained)
4.1 Cortisol, the stress hormone, is secreted by the adrenal glands.
- Damages the hair follicles
- Increases the production of oil on the skin
- Breaks down collagen
- Weakens the immune system
4.2 Less blood means less nutrient delivery, hence poor skin and hair.
- Skin cells
- Hair follicles
- Accelerate body aging.
5. Stress-related Hair & Skin Problems
- Hair falling out suddenly
- Thin hair
- Missing patches of hair
- Gray hair at an early age
- Acne during times of elevated stress
- Sudden onset of wrinkles
- Dull skin
- Itchy skin/rashes
- Dark circles under the eyes
6. Natural Methods to Reduce Stress for Healthy Hair and Skin
6.1 Exercise on a Daily Basis
- Walking
- Yoga
- Running
- Stretching
6.2 Improve Your Quality of Sleep
- Sleep 7-9 hours
- Do not use a phone before going to sleep
- Sleep in complete darkness
6.3 Eat Foods That Reduce Stress
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Nuts and Seeds
- Fish (ocean fish/omega-3)
- Eggs
- Whole Grains
- Water
- Junk food
- Sweets
- Excessive caffeine
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