Published on: Sep 24, 2025
Skin health is not only influenced by external factors such as sunlight and pollution, but also by a person’s psychological condition. This was explained by dr. Widya Khairunnisa Sarkowi, MSc, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of IPB University, while highlighting the results of several recent studies on the link between stress and skin health.
According to dr. Widya, research on women aged 18–34 shows that 43,5 percent of young women who experience stress have problems with dull skin. This condition occurs because when stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which can trigger inflammation, reduce blood flow to the skin, damage the skin’s protective barrier, increase skin pigmentation, and stimulate excess oil production.
As a result, the skin becomes dull, dry, and prone to acne. Cortisol also accelerates collagen breakdown, making the skin wrinkle and age faster, explained dr. Widya.
Moreover, cortisol can trigger free radicals and DNA damage in skin cells. This further worsens skin appearance and speeds up the signs of aging.
Dr. Widya further emphasized that skin health is the result of interactions between internal and external factors. UV rays, for instance, are the main cause of premature aging, which is marked by dark spots, sagging skin, and wrinkles. Meanwhile, pollution and cigarette smoke can increase free radicals that trigger pigmentation and make the skin look dull.
When mental stress is combined with sun exposure and pollution, the effects can exacerbate each other. The skin will look much duller, and signs of aging will appear more quickly,
Long-term stress is a condition that should be taken seriously. Persistently high cortisol levels can accelerate collagen damage, increase pigment production, and make the skin more sensitive. This is why people with chronic stress often appear to age faster, dr Widya said.
As a solution, she emphasized the importance of comprehensive care. Skincare is indeed necessary—especially sunscreen, moisturizer, and antioxidant-based products to protect the skin from external factors. However, external care alone is not enough if the main cause is stress.
Skincare use should be accompanied by stress management, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and engaging in mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation. A healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet also play an important role in keeping skin healthy.
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