How Stress Affects Your Skin & Hair — And What You Can Do at Home
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Stress doesn’t just affect your mind — it often shows up on your skin and scalp before you even realise you’re overwhelmed. At DermAttract, we see so many patients who suddenly notice breakouts, shedding, dullness or a flare-up of existing conditions, and they’re surprised when the cause links back to stress.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of why stress affects skin and hair, and simple things you can start doing at home to support your wellbeing while keeping your complexion and scalp healthy.
How Stress Affects Your Skin
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol — the “stress hormone”. High cortisol can lead to:
1. Breakouts & congestion
Stress can trigger excess oil production, which clogs pores and leads to acne breakouts, particularly around the jawline and chin.
2. Dullness & dehydration
Cortisol disrupts the skin barrier, making skin lose moisture faster. You may notice rough patches, dullness, or makeup sitting unevenly.
3. Increased sensitivity or redness
Conditions like rosacea, eczema and dermatitis often flare when you’re stressed due to inflammation and compromised skin barrier function.
4. Premature ageing
Long-term stress increases free-radical damage, contributing to fine lines, uneven tone and a loss of firmness.
How Stress Affects Your Hair & Scalp
Stress can have a surprisingly big impact on the hair cycle:
1. Excess shedding
Acute or chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, where more hair shifts into the shedding phase. You may notice more hair in the shower or on your brush.
2. Slower growth
Stress reduces nutrients and blood flow to the follicles, which can make hair grow back finer or slower.
3. Scalp irritation
Flaking, itching, soreness or bumps can flare as the scalp becomes more reactive.
What You Can Do at Home to Support Healthy Skin & Hair
Here are some practical, easy habits that genuinely make a difference.
1. Create a simple, consistent skincare routine
A stressed complexion loves consistency. Try:
Morning
Gentle cleanser
Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C works beautifully)
Barrier-supporting moisturiser
SPF 30–50 daily
Evening
Gentle cleanse
Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or niacinamide)
Nourishing moisturiser
Tip: Avoid over-exfoliating when stressed — it will only worsen sensitivity.
2. Treat your scalp like your skin
Your scalp is skin — it needs love too.
Use a gentle exfoliating shampoo 1–2 times a week
Avoid hot water on the scalp
Try a scalp-massaging brush to improve blood flow
Use hydrating scalp serums if you experience dryness or irritation
Even 3 minutes of scalp massage a day can reduce tension and support healthy growth.
3. Support your body from the inside
The mind–skin–hair connection is strong.
Drink enough water (most people need more than they think)
Add stress-supporting nutrients: magnesium, zinc, omega-3s
Eat colourful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants
Prioritise protein — essential for hair structure
4. Improve stress through small, realistic lifestyle changes
You don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul. Start with simple habits:
10 minutes of walking daily
Deep breathing before bed
A consistent sleep routine
Short digital breaks throughout the day
Limiting caffeine if you feel jittery or inflamed
These tiny adjustments support hormonal balance, which reflects directly on your skin and hair.
5. Try mindfulness for your skin
A quick technique:
Warm your hands
Place them gently over your face
Take 3 slow breaths
This can help calm overactive nerves.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing:
sudden or persistent hair shedding
recurring acne or rosacea flares
scalp bumps, irritation or scarring
long-term dullness or dehydration
…it’s worth booking a doctor's appointment.
Final Thoughts
Stress affects everyone — but the way it shows up on your hair and skin can be managed with consistent, supportive habits. A few mindful tweaks to your routine can protect your complexion and scalp while helping you feel more centred.
If you need personalised advice, you’re always welcome to book an appointment at DermAttract, where we provide doctor-led, discreet aesthetic care with a holistic approach.
