The Crazy Connection Between Stress & Collagen Levels + Tips From A Top Derm

The stress-skin connection is very much real. Ever notice a string of blemishes after a particularly pressing workweek? Hi, stress acne, you are most unwelcome. Although, pimples and rashes aren't the only stress-induced skin woes; in fact, stress can affect your body's natural collagen levels, which can lead to a smattering of skin concerns over time (namely, wrinkles, dryness, and crepiness). 

When you feel stress, your body kicks up cortisol—this is generally a good thing, as cortisol plays a huge part in your body's innate "fight-or-flight" response. Pretty helpful in case you need an upshot of adrenaline to run from a tiger, sure, but it also ramps up in response to modern, everyday stressors. That chronic cortisol production becomes a problem, as your body remains constantly in this "fight-or-flight" mode. 

So, back to skin health: As board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., shares on the mindbodygreen podcast, too much cortisol can dial down your skin's production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and lipids to harbor energy for that fight-or-flight response. If your cortisol is constantly kicked up, that production only decreases further. Herein lies the issue: "When you're not having enough collagen and hyaluronic acid, that's going to make the skin less plump, less firm," Bowe says. 

Over time, this can even lead to thinning of the dermal layer of the skin. "The skin can actually get thinner," says Bowe. "It impairs wound healing. So that has tremendous consequences on the health of the skin." And that chronic stress we mentioned? That can actually lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can further deplete collagen levels and contribute to premature aging.

First things first: Managing stress is key. It's easier said than done—this I know—but finding ways to cope with stress will pay off in the long run. What works for you might not look identical to a friend or family member (some love exercise or yoga; others find herbs and teas more stress-soothing), but do your best to discover what helps you dial down that "fight-or-flight" response. 

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements can support your skin cells' fibroblasts (aka, the parts of the skin cell that produce collagen and elastin), and studies have shown they can promote collagen and elastin production1, as well as healthy moisture levels, and smooth fine lines.*