Happy Mind, Happy Skin.
Clear, evidence-based skincare guidance for real life and real skin.
Understanding the Link Between Stress and Skin Health
Our skin often reflects how we feel inside. Stress and emotional overwhelm can show up as breakouts, redness, or dullness - while moments of calm and joy can visibly support skin health.
How This Can Present on Skin
• Stress Hormones: Cortisol, released during stress, increases oil production, which can trigger breakouts and inflammation.
• Skin Barrier Impact: Prolonged stress weakens the skin barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and slower healing.
• Inflammation Connection: Stress promotes internal inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Tips for Managing Stress to Support Skin Health
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
• Mindfulness, meditation, gentle yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and support a healthier skin barrier.
Spend Time in Nature:
• Spending time in natural light improves mood and reduces stress, while sunlight helps the skin produce Vitamin D.
• Exercise releases endorphins (your body’s natural happiness boosters) and improves blood flow, giving your skin a healthy glow.
• Sleep allows your body and skin to repair and rejuvenate. Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted rest.
• Whether it’s a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or listening to music, find what makes you smile and do more of it.
Practice Gratitude:
• Journaling or reflecting on things you’re thankful for can improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels.
Need Extra Support?
If stress feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Reach out to a counsellor, therapist, or GP for support. A qualified skin therapist - such as a corneotherapist trained in skin barrier care - can also help you build skin resilience with tailored advice that supports both skin and self-care.
Trusted Sources:
NHS: 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing
Looking for practical ways to support your mental health? Start with the NHS’s evidence-based 5 steps to mental wellbeing — small changes that can make a big difference to how you feel and how your skin responds.
Mind https://www.mind.org.uk
Mind is a leading mental health charity in the UK, offering information, support, and advocacy to ensure no one faces a mental health problem alone.
Rethink Mental Illness https://www.rethink.org
This organisation provides expert advice, information, and services to individuals affected by mental illness, aiming to improve lives and challenge attitudes towards mental health.
Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Dedicated to preventing mental health problems, the Mental Health Foundation focuses on research, policy, and practical solutions to promote mental well-being across the UK.
Mental Health UK https://mentalhealth-uk.org
Operating across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Mental Health UK supports people affected by mental health problems through local services and resources.
YoungMinds https://www.youngminds.org.uk
A charity focused on the mental health of children and young people, YoungMinds provides resources, support, and advocacy to ensure young individuals receive the help they need.
Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org
Samaritans offers confidential support for individuals in distress or at risk of suicide, providing a 24/7 helpline and other resources to promote mental well-being.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) https://www.thecalmzone.net
CALM focuses on preventing male suicide in the UK by offering support services, promoting cultural change, and campaigning for better mental health resources.
Anxiety UK https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
This national charity provides support and resources for individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, and anxiety-based depression, including access to therapy services.
SANE https://www.sane.org.uk
SANE offers emotional support, information, and guidance for people affected by mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Version: [March / 2025]
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.
