Written by Susan Wade, M.Ed., Director of Education, Viktoria DeAnn Peptides
Chronic stress is infiltrating our daily lives, like an unwelcome guest who refuses to leave. Even while stress has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, it is typically overlooked when skin problems emerge. Many people are unaware of the intimate connection between their digestive tract and the skin. This article will provide critical information concerning the unsuspected contributions of stress and the skin.
Stress mediators target the skin. According to a recent study, the skin is a complex stress-induced network, as evidenced by many skin illnesses. The authors, Pondeljak and Lugovic-Mihic found that corticosteroids and cortisol may stimulate the skin's response to stress affecting skin integrity, inflammation, and its healing ability. Corticosteroids are synthetic medications that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands naturally make (1).
Cortisol production is another physiological stress response. It is released simultaneously by the liver and adrenal glands. Keep in mind that when cortisol responds, it is a natural hormone that outweighs melatonin, estrogen, testosterone, and insulin production. When the brain recognizes excessive anxiety, stress, or chronic dangers, the body responds by shutting down anything that would impede it from overcoming the imminent threat.
High cortisol levels interfere with melatonin production. Melatonin shortage leads to sleep deprivation, which inhibits toxin removal, decreases cellular regeneration, and reduces the body's ability to create and repair itself.
Cortisol also raises blood sugar levels, which leads to skin abnormalities such as glycation. Glycation is an erroneous collagen manufacturing process that results in cross-linking fibers that cause wrinkles on the face. Glycation is the principal driver behind oxidative skin damage and misaligned collagen fiber synthesizing.
When there is stress, many biological reactions take place at the cellular level. When the cells do not acquire appropriate nutrients, oxygen, or hydration, they are unable to remove toxins. Each component shortens the cell's lifetime. Exercise also helps to keep cortisol levels balanced.
References
Pondeljak N, Lugović-Mihić L. Stress-induced Interaction of Skin Immune Cells, Hormones, and Neurotransmitters. Clin Ther. 2020 May;42(5):757-770. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.008. Epub 2020 Apr 7. PMID: 32276734.
Rinnerthaler M, Bischof J, Streubel MK, Trost A, Richter K. Oxidative stress in aging human skin. Biomolecules. 2015 Apr 21;5(2):545-89. doi: 10.3390/biom5020545. PMID: 25906193; PMCID: PMC4496685.