Someone recently asked: “I’m under so much stress and I noticed changes in my hair, skin and nails. Is there any connection?” The answer is a big, fat yes.

One reason for poor hair, skin and nail health is due to the over secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. When it’s over secreted, it will look to replenish itself by borrowing components from our estrogen stores. Estrogen is a hormone which keeps us youthful so when stores become depleted, we age faster. (You know how someone “looks like they’ve had a hard life?” That’s the physical effects of over secreted stress hormones).

Another reason for poor hair, skin and nail health from stress is because stress deteriorates the skin’s natural ability to protect against invasion. Pollution and toxins are harsh on the skin and alter the way the skin repairs and regenerates itself. Stress also decreases tone and elasticity of the skin creating a more aged look.

Increased cortisol can also slow down skin regeneration by slowing the rate of cell turnover, leaving skin dull. While this is happening, adrenaline, which is also released under stress, redirects blood away from the skin to where it’s more needed at the time. This is another reason why the skin can have a dull look.

Acne is also common during stress because there is a stimulation of the sebaceous glands under stress (ever hear someone complaining about a huge pimple right before an important event?)

So, if you’re stressed about your looks…that stress is also causing the problem! You may have heard my personal story about how stress was a HUGE factor causing poor health, illness, pain and disease. I completely healed myself and now I’m more fit, healthy and happy than I’ve ever been. If I can do it, so can you!

Have you noticed changes in your skin, hair and nails due to stress? Comment and share!