Whilst stress can be caused by a variety of factors, a recent study has revealed that money issues are the top contributing factor, with a whopping 35% of Brits saying this was their biggest stressor last year.
What many people may not realise is that the mind and body work in tandem. Therefore, when you feel intense emotions, they often manifest themselves physically.
Whilst excitement and many other positive emotions may display themselves as a butterfly sensation in your stomach, unfortunately, acute, or chronic stress can be detrimental to the health of your skin and hair.
In fact, a recent survey by the UK’s largest independent supplier to hair and beauty professionals, Capital Hair and Beauty revealed nearly half (42%) of the entire nation believe stress has had a negative impact on their skin and hair health!
The UK’s top stress factors:
- Money issues (35%)
- Family life (32%)
- Work issues (26%)
- Relationship problems (19%)
- World events, such as news stories (17%).
How is stress showing itself physically?
The survey revealed last year, Brits admitted to maintaining a constant battle against their hair and skin issues, with dry skin topping the list, effecting a whopping 3 in 10 people.
The most common hair and skin conditions Brits struggled with in the last year:
Dry skin (29%)
Hair thinning and loss (22%)
Acne and breakouts (19%)
Inflammation (12%)
Eczema (11%)
Are there any other main stressors?
Yes, in fact, 32% of Brits believe their family life was a majority reason for their increased stress levels in 2023.
Many other Brits attributed their high stress to their nine to five, with over a quarter (26%) saying work life increased their stress levels last year.
Who is suffering from money stress the most?
45-54-year-olds, also known as Gen X, were revealed to be the most stressed, with 30% saying their stress levels were high last year. As research suggests, over a quarter (27%) of this age group showed physical signs of stress, with hair loss and thinning concerningly common.
As the second most common hair and skin condition, hair loss can often be a result of stress. What happens is after enduring a stressful experience the anagen phase of the hair follicle is cut short, pushing more hairs into the telogen phase, according to Lloyds Online Pharmacy. When this happens, it triggers stress-induced hair loss, something many of Gen X are struggling with
According to the survey, it’s not just the Gen X-errs who are struggling with stress. The survey revealed adult Gen Z’s are also suffering from stress. In fact, half (50%) of 18-25-year-olds said they had moderate stress levels over the course of 2023.
Why are Gen Z struggling with financial related stress?
Whilst there are many considerations to bear in mind when determining why this generation are struggling with financial stress, a likely factor is the turbulence of the current job market. According to Forbes & EY’s Generational Dynamic Study, as a result of mass layoffs in late 2022 through to 2023, there is a feeling of distrust towards employers. This feeling of job insecurity is a primary source of stress for Gen Z’s, resulting in many feeling the pressure of keeping their employer happy.
Another consideration to keep in mind the struggles of mental health. Nearly half (42%) of Gen Z have a diagnosed health condition, according to Harmony Hit. This research determined anxiety as the most diagnosed mental health condition, with a whopping 90% struggling with this.
However, it was the lucky boomers revealed to be the least stressed last year, with 40% of over 65’s saying they had low stress levels. Even better, half (50%) of this age group say they didn’t suffer with any of the common hair or skin conditions!
Where in the UK is suffering from stressed related hair and skin conditions?
The top cities suffering from hair or skin issues because of stress are:
Nottingham (53%)
Cardiff (52%)
Leeds (49%)
Newcastle (47%)
London (45%)
Dry skin was found to be the most problematic for Geordies, with 38% saying they struggle with this and a further 17% saying Eczema was their top concern.
Those from Leeds found that hair loss and thinning was the most commonly reported concern, with 26% admitting to suffering from this.
Bring in the experts!
Rebecca Elsdon, advanced skin specialist, says managing stress is key to avoiding hair and skin problems…
“In our busy lives, stress is a common factor that really affects our skin. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol directly impacts our sebaceous glands, making them produce more oil, and it also affects our immune system, making our skin more reactive and sensitive.
“Stress-induced internal inflammation can worsen conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.
For instance, eczema sufferers may experience intensified flare-ups, characterised by redness and itching. Acne, too, is often exacerbated, with stress triggering hormonal fluctuations that contribute to breakouts.
“Beyond the visible effects, stress significantly hampers the skin’s ability to heal itself. Wound healing slows down, making the skin more prone to irritations and delaying recovery from existing conditions.
“To tackle these issues, managing stress through techniques and using the right skincare can help alleviate symptoms. Managing stress not only helps in preventing flare-ups but also aids in the overall improvement of skin conditions.”
Help I’m stressed! how do I deal with stress related hair or skin troubles?
Karen Hicks, Marketing Manager at Capital Hair and Beauty says:
“Feeling like your stress is causing havoc on your skin? You’re not alone. While we can’t cut out stress completely, we can learn to manage it and in turn, minimise its impact. Buckle up, because we’re about to equip you with some pro tips!”
“1. Conquer External Pressures: Is work weighing you down? Chat with your boss about lightening the load. Financial woes got you worried? Seek advice from a professional to assess your options. Remember, there’s no shame in getting help!
“2. Dedicate Time for Yourself: Make “me time” non-negotiable. Practice saying “no” and prioritize your needs. Therapy or counselling can also serve as valuable tools for building emotional resilience. Don’t forget to set time aside for stress-busting techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
Managing Your Skin Problems:
“1. Adopt Healthy Habits: Sticking to a healthy, well-rounded diet can work wonders for your skin. And incorporating regular exercise into your routine can also yield positive results. How about giving a new fitness class a shot?
“2. Find the Treatment That Works for You: Be patient! Different treatments work for different people. Talk to your doctor and experiment until you find what’s best for your skin.
“3. Lean on Those Close to You: Don’t bottle up your feelings – share your struggles with friends and family. Connecting with others who understand can be incredibly beneficial.
Remember, you’re not alone in this! By managing stress and taking proactive steps to reduce its impact, you can regain control and feel confident in your skin – both inside and out.”
