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Understanding Stress and Skin: How Stress, the Vagus Nerve and Oxytocin Shape Ageing, Resilience and Radiance
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Dr Tiina Meder
Founder and CEO of Meder by Dr Tiina Meder (founded in 2009), dermatologist and cosmetic safety expert, an experienced lecturer and speaker on the topic of dermatology and skin care, sharing her expertise around the world in Japan, Taiwan, IMCAS Europe and China, FACE, CCR, APAN (Australia, New Zealand), LNE (France, Poland, Ukraine) and Microbiome Connection (USA) to name but a few. Across her career she has had more than 50 articles published.
Stress is a constant in modern life, but its effects on your skin run deeper than you might think.
Stress isn’t just emotional; it’s the body’s universal response to any demand-emotional, physical, or environmental. Whether it’s lack of sleep, infection, or psychological strain, our bodies react with a cascade of hormones. This response, known as the General Adaptation Syndrome, unfolds in three phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
Research shows that stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, flooding the skin with cortisol and other stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones break down collagen and elastin, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Stress also increases inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging skin cells and accelerating visible ageing. It can even shorten telomeres-the protective caps on our DNA-further speeding up the ageing process.
Stress doesn’t just affect the skin’s structure; it also alters the skin microbiome. Studies reveal that chronic stress reduces microbial diversity and increases the prevalence of acid-loving and anaerobic bacteria, leading to increased redness, blemishes, and sensitivity.
The vagus nerve is a vital part of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for calming the body after stress. When activated, it helps shift us out of fight or flight and into rest and digest — a state where the body and skin can heal and recover.
Oxytocin, often called the love hormone, does more than boost mood-it plays a direct role in skin health and ageing.
Further reading: Sensitive Skin and How to Care for It
Podcast episode: How Stress Affects Skin and How We Can Manage the Skin Reaction
When we talk about stress, it’s easy to focus solely on its negative effects. However, not all stress is harmful. In fact, a certain amount of stress-known as eustress-can be beneficial for both body and skin.
Eustress comes from the Greek prefix “eu-,” meaning “good.” It describes the kind of stress that motivates, energises, and helps us adapt positively to new challenges. Think of the excitement before a big event, the motivation to start a new project, or the invigorating effects of a brisk walk or workout. This type of stress triggers adaptive responses that can actually strengthen our skin’s resilience and vitality.
While eustress is beneficial, chronic or excessive stress (distress) can tip the scales and harm your skin. The goal is to find a healthy balance-embracing positive challenges while supporting your body’s ability to rest, recover, and rejuvenate.
Stress is a fact of life, but its impact on your skin can be managed. By understanding the vital roles of the vagus nerve and oxytocin-and adopting science-backed strategies for resilience-you can maintain a radiant, youthful complexion even in challenging times. Skincare is self-care, and every step you take to manage stress is a step towards healthier, happier skin.