5 signs your skin is just as stressed out as you are

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If your complexion is looking dry, red, or otherwise irritated, you may be encountering a form of stress in disguise.?

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“The skin represents the largest organ of the body, and is prone to the same effects of stress that other organ systems are,” says dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. When you’re feeling agitated and anxious, your skin may mirror your feelings.?

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Addressing your skin’s stress is a task that requires both inner work and outer work. Below, our experts share the signs that your complexion is stressed.?

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Signs of stressed skin

The main culprit of stressed skin is a hormone called cortisol, says dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. While the cortisol response is a vital survival response for the body, unnecessary increases in cortisol due to work stressors, loss of sleep, or personal issues can cause a negative domino effect on your body.

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1. Acne/oily skin

“Among many functions, cortisol increases oil production from sebaceous glands, which worsens acne,” says Murphy-Rose. If you’re noticing more whiteheads and blackheads during challenging workweeks, know that stress may be the reason.?

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2. Accelerated signs of aging

Stress may also make the skin look older than your biological age. “Prolonged stress signals may contribute to premature aging of the skin in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity,” says Camp.?

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3. Redness, flakiness, hives, and itching?

With a deadline approaching, you may also look in the mirror and notice redness or flakiness. “Redness occurs when superficial vessels in the dermis dilate and impart a pink or red hue to the skin,” says Camp. He and Murphy-Rose agree that this is another case of your body projecting its feelings onto your skin.?

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4. Increased rosacea or psoriasis flare-ups

Those with rosacea or psoriasis may find that their symptoms worsen during periods of intense pressure. “High cortisol levels cause immune system dysregulation, triggering inflammatory responses in the skin that worsen psoriasis and eczema, among many other conditions. Increased inflammation brings about redness, flakiness, and itching,” Murphy-Rose says.?

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5. Cold sores?

Cold sores, painful blisters that appear on the lips and mouth, tend to manifest in tumultuous times as well.?

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Long story short: Your body has many ways of telling you that you need to slow down and decompress.?

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