Pollution, fatigue, emotional pressure: the skin also bears the consequences of stress. These imbalances can compromise its comfort and radiance. What can we do to restore its balance? Let’s take stock together.
How to care for stress-affected skin?
Summary
Published on February 17, 2026, updated on February 17, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 9 min of reading
Themes:
Stressed skin: what exactly are we talking about?
Stressed skin refers to a condition in which cutaneous homeostasis — that is, the balance required for proper skin function — is disrupted by external factors such as pollution, UV radiation or climate variations, but also by internal factors such as sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, an unbalanced diet or psychological stress. This situation triggers an acute neuroendocrine and immune response capable of temporarily impairing the skin barrier function as well as several essential mechanisms, including pigmentation, immune defense, tissue structural organization, or thermoregulation.
Skin functions affected by environmental stressors.
Source: PETERS E. M. J. & al. Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2021).
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Clinically, this functional disorganization can manifest as increased dryness, skin sensitivity, redness, itching, oilier areas, or even inflammatory flare-ups, as seen in cases of acne or rosacea. Psychological stress indeed activates local hormonal pathways and skin immune cells that sustain inflammation and slow down repair processes, promoting the exacerbation of certain dermatoses, such as the psoriasis or eczema. The skin thus appears both as a target and a relay of stress within a complex network involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and peripheral neuro-immune interactions, which explains the diversity of visible signs observed during acute or chronic exposure to stress.
What measures can be taken to soothe stressed skin?
Caring for stressed skin—and, as much as possible, preventing the onset of this cutaneous stress—first and foremost requires understanding the underlying biological mechanisms. When acutely exposed to various exposome factors (UV radiation, pollution, lack of sleep, psychological stress…), the skin can undergo multiple simultaneous alterations : weakening of the barrier function, inflammation, DNA damage, stimulation of the melanogenesis or even disruption of the production of sebum. Clinically, these imbalances manifest as a dryness or, conversely, an hyperseborrhea, a dull complexion, redness, increased sensitivity, itching, inflammatory flare-ups, or even pigmentary disorders.
Prevention relies on measures designed to limit the impact of these stressors.
Everything begins with sound photoprotective measures (the systematic use of a sunscreen, reducing UV exposure—especially in summer and during the hottest hours—and wearing protective clothing...). Meanwhile, a balanced lifestyle—adequate sleep, a varied diet, regular exercise, and stress management—directly supports skin homeostasis. Finally, strengthening the skin’s biological defenses requires care that supports the skin barrier and shields it from environmental stressors: active antioxidants, moisturizers, and regular exfoliation help preserve the functional integrity of the epidermis.
When the skin is already stressed, the skincare routine should be adjusted based on the observed signs. Dry, uncomfortable skin will primarily require hydrating and relipidating formulations rich in occlusive agents, aimed at restoring the skin barrier, whereas skin prone to redness or itching will benefit more from soothing and anti-inflammatory actives, such as Centella asiatica or azelaic acid. In the presence of blemishes, keratolytic active ingredients, such as glycolic acid, antibacterial agents such as zinc PCA, and mattifying agents such as bamboo extract, would be beneficial.
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This personalized approach can be synthesized in the summary table below, presenting the key effects of stress factors on the skin and the corresponding adaptive responses.
| Stress factor | Affected skin function | Biological mechanisms | Clinical manifestations | Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar radiation | Skin barrier, pigmentation, structure | Increased water loss, dysregulation of melanogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen degradation | Dryness, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, photosensitivity | Daily photoprotection, antioxidants |
| Pollution | Skin barrier, pigmentation | Sebum peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, microbiome alteration | Dry or sensitive skin, imperfections, spots | Mild cleansing, antioxidants, hydration |
| Climate variability | Skin barrier structure | Increased water loss, altered sebum, inflammation | Dryness, pruritus, and flare-ups of eczema or rosacea | Lipid-replenishing and hydrating treatments, protection against cold or wind |
| Stress | Skin barrier, immunity | Tight junction dysfunction, inflammation, immunosuppression, elevated cortisone levels | Redness, itching, acne flare-ups, psoriasis, eczema, hair loss | Stress management, physical activity, and soothing restorative therapies |
| Sleep deprivation | Skin barrier | Increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired wound healing | Dull complexion, dryness, inflammatory flare-ups | Sleep hygiene, hydrating and antioxidant skincare routine |
| Unbalanced diet | Skin barrier, immunity | Alteration of skin lipids, inflammation, and a modified microbiome | Acne, dry or oily skin | Balanced diet, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants |
| Hormonal fluctuations | Sebum, structure, immunity | Hormonal stimulation of sebum production, inflammation | Acne, alopecia, dryness, or hyperseborrhea | Customized skincare routine based on skin type, with medical follow-up when necessary |
| Medications, irritating procedures, repeated washings | Skin barrier, microbiome | Irritation, inflammation, microbial imbalance, increased water loss | Dryness, redness, sensitivity, imperfections | Mild cleansers, barrier creams, and spacing out exposure to irritants |
The primary skin stressors, their effects, and the measures to be taken.
Adapted from: Peters E.M.J. et al. Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2021).
Sources
IKEMI Y. & al. Psychosomatic aspects of skin diseases from the standpoint of immunology. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (1982).
CHROUSOS G. P. & al. Stress-related skin disorders. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (2016).
LUGOVIC-MIHIC L. & al. Stress-induced interaction of skin immune cells, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Clinical Therapeutics (2020).
PETERS E. M. J. & al. Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2021).
KATTA R. & al. Stress and skin: An overview of mind body therapies as a treatment strategy in dermatology. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2021).
SU J. & al. Role of stress in skin diseases: A neuroendocrine-immune interaction view. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity (2024).
