The holiday season, with its festive ambiance and joyful spirit, often seems to also conjure unwanted ghosts: stress and anxiety. While the air is thick with cheer and merriment, these unseen adversaries stealthily lurk deep within us. They quietly wait for the euphoria of celebrations and gatherings to end, then grab and twist us when we’re alone, getting ready for sleep.

Within this cornucopia of celebration, the profound impact of stress and anxiety on skin health tends to be overlooked, camouflaged by the bright lights, dazzling decorations, and jovial festivities. Their subtle infiltration into our lives during these moments of revelry often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the holiday’s bustling activities.  And they can hit us hard in moments when we least expect them.

The effect of these emotional states on our skin is far from trivial. While we exchange gifts and share laughter, stress and anxiety cast their silent shadows, leaving an indelible mark on our skin’s well-being. Does your skin always get worse over the holidays?  Do you have to make New Year’s resolutions to fix your skin from too many holiday parties?

In this article, we will unpack how stress and anxiety affect skin health and appearance and what can be done to effectively minimize their effect on skin.

Can the Holidays Trigger Anxiety Rashes? [1]

When anxiety reaches heightened levels, it often materializes into physical expressions, notably, in the form of anxiety rashes. These anxiety rashes can emerge anywhere on the body, appearing as red patches, bumps (hives) or welts on the skin’s surface.  Often, anxiety rashes appear on the face, neck, chest or arms, and may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.  If you already suffer from eczema, acne, or rosacea, holiday stress can trigger flare-ups.

These outward manifestations are like a cry for help from our body, communicating the emotional unrest and turbulence within. They signal a complex interplay between our mental state, our immune system, and our body’s reactions. Stress and anxiety act as catalysts, provoking these anxiety rashes to manifest, thereby painting a visible picture of our deepest internal struggles.

The management of anxiety rashes triggered by the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season requires a concerted effort to address both the underlying emotional triggers and the physical discomfort.   We will look at stress relief techniques that can help overcome, or prevent these anxiety rashes during the holiday season.

Can Anxiety Cause Hives? [1]

The entwined relationship between anxiety and hives demonstrates the strong connection between our body and our mental state when responding to heightened stress levels. Once anxiety takes center stage, it serves as a catalyst, triggering a physiological cascade. Stress hormones such as cortisol, awakened by the emotional turbulence, set off a chain reaction, prompting the release of histamine, a potent chemical messenger, into the bloodstream.

Histamine, once unleashed, leads to puffy skin and inflammation.  The skin may then develop hives - raised, itchy, and often red welts on the  surface.  Welts can vary significantly in size, shape, and itchiness. Those with anxiety hives usually only experience them for less than 24 hours after which they go away on their own, but if the anxiety and stress continues, they will come back again and again.

The relationship between managing anxiety and addressing the physical expression of hives is essential in achieving relief. By harmonizing stress-reducing practices with prescribed interventions, individuals can soothe both the internal turmoil of anxiety and the external exhibition of anxiety hives.

Can Anxiety Cause Itching? [2]

Unlike many other organs in the body, your skin has an immediate reaction to anxiety through the “brain-skin connection.”  Psychogenic itching occurs when psychological factors trigger or worsen itchy skin.

This intriguing and lesser-known connection between anxiety and skin itching delves into the intricate realm of neurotransmitters released during stress. In short-term stress, cortisol acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps balance out the histamine levels in the body. However, during longer-term anxiety, your body becomes less sensitive to cortisol, allowing for more inflammation and anxiety itching.  

In addition, anxiety can exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, fostering an environment ripe for the emergence of anxiety itching. This phenomenon transcends the boundaries of a mere physical reaction, manifesting as an intense urge to itch the skin, unrelated to any obvious skin ailment.  Anxiety itching can then result in a continuous itch-anxiety cycle. Anxiety leads to itching, which in turn leads to more anxiety, and so on.

Some people may develop an itchy scalp when they have anxiety. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this happens, but we do know increased cortisol levels from anxiety impact the hair follicles, leading to their accelerated degradation.  Internal stressors may also be linked to changes in the scalp oiliness which impacts the microbiome, causing overgrowth of bacteria and fungi, which in turn make the scalp dry and flaky, leading to itchiness.

The pursuit of alleviating anxiety itching requires a multifaceted strategy. By combining stress-reducing practices with external skincare measures, individuals can successfully navigate the maze of anxiety itching. This type of comprehensive approach not only pacifies the skin’s itch sensation, but also seeks to restore a sense of tranquility, both within the mind and on the skin’s sensitive canvas.

Is There Such a Thing as Skin Picking Anxiety? [3]

Anxiety’s pervasive influence extends beyond the realms of emotions, infiltrating behavior and often leading to a distressing manifestation known as “skin picking”. This compulsive response to anxiety and its kissing cousin stress represents a coping mechanism where the individual resorts to picking, scratching, or manipulating their skin to alleviate inner turmoil caused by anxiety.

This behavior, representing a coping mechanism, can culminate in detrimental consequences when it comes to skin health. Skin picking can result in visible skin damage, scarring, and even pave the way for infections, exacerbating the already intricate tapestry of skin-related challenges triggered by anxiety.

To address skin picking associated with anxiety, a multifaceted approach emerges as a beacon of hope. Habit reversal therapy, a psychological intervention, serves as a cornerstone in redirecting and replacing the compulsive behavior of skin picking with healthier alternatives. This therapy involves raising awareness of the habit, identifying triggers, and implementing strategies to replace skin picking with alternative actions.

Additionally, mindfulness practices can have a transformative influence in managing skin picking associated with anxiety. Encouraging individuals to engage in mindful awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, mindfulness helps in developing greater self-awareness, aiding in breaking the cycle of compulsive skin picking behavior.

Lastly, seeking professional help represents a critical step towards managing and overcoming skin picking linked to anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other specialized therapies focusing on anxiety management and habit modification may be recommended to address the underlying causes of skin picking.

What Are the Types of Skin Conditions Caused by Stress and Anxiety? [4]

Skin, like a painter’s canvas, often reflects the intricate brushstrokes of stress and anxiety, serving as a visible testament to the internal struggles faced by an individual This external manifestation of internal turmoil can significantly exacerbate prevalent skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Stress can drive physiological changes, including fluctuations in hormone levels. This hormonal imbalance acts as a catalyst, intensifying the severity and frequency of existing skin conditions. For example, heightened stress levels elevate cortisol production triggering excess oil (sebum) production which contributes to acne flare-ups.

Similarly, in the case of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, stress plays a pivotal role in aggravating these conditions by putting the immune system into overdrive. Stress acts as a trigger, exacerbating the inflammatory responses associated with eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, causing skin to become more reactive and prone to flare-ups or leading to an escalation in the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

Effectively managing skin conditions induced by stress and anxiety necessitates a holistic and multifaceted approach. Addressing stress through effective stress-management techniques becomes imperative. In addition, implementing a well-structured skincare routine tailored to address specific skin conditions plays a vital role.

What is Holiday Anxiety?

Holiday anxiety, the uninvited guest that comes to visit during the holiday season, brings with it a variety of emotional stressors that can negatively impact an otherwise festive and enjoyable holiday season. Holiday anxiety emerges as a combination of emotions intertwined with societal expectations, financial constraints, and the disruption of established routines. These stressors, though interwoven with joyous occasions, cast an unexpected challenge to skin health, upsetting its delicate balance.

Societal expectations, a significant catalyst for holiday stress, plant seeds of pressure, urging individuals to meet idealized standards of celebration, gift-giving, and social engagements. This implicit pressure to fulfill perceived societal norms adds a layer of stress that, when left unaddressed, can reverberate within the body affecting not only emotions but also the skin’s well-being.

Financial constraints, another formidable component of holiday anxiety, can spark worries about budgeting for gifts, travel, or hosting holiday gatherings. This financial strain may impose an additional burden, triggering stress responses that can ripple outwardly, manifesting as disturbances in the skin health.

Furthermore, the disruption of routines and good nutrition, a hallmark of the holiday season, can unsettle the delicate balance of daily life. Changes in sleep patterns, dietary habits, or self-care routines can have a meaningful impact on skin health, amplifying stress-induced skin conditions. Recognizing and acknowledging these stressors by setting realistic expectations, practicing time management, and prioritizing self-care can serve as a shield against the onslaught of holiday anxiety.

How Can I Preserve Mental Health During the Holidays? [5]

Preserving mental health during the holidays is important if one is to experience a harmonious and joyous holiday season. Amidst the whirlwind of holiday fervor, prioritizing mental health should be at the top of everyone’s priority list.  It’s the best gift that you can give yourself.

Central to safeguarding mental equilibrium during this busy period is the prioritization of self-care by allocating time for oneself. Engaging in activities that nurture and recharge the mind becomes a form of self-preservation. Taking breaks, indulging in hobbies, or simply enjoying moments of solitude can replenish mental reserves and alleviate the strain associated with the holiday rush.

Setting realistic expectations forms another vital component in preserving mental well-being. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of unattainable perfection, embracing imperfections, focusing on nurturing relationships rather than giving expensive gifts, and allowing for flexibility in plans fosters a sense of relief. Embracing the holiday season with a more forgiving and adaptable mindset lightens the mental load, bringing relief to both the mind and skin.

Engaging in stress-relieving activities like meditation, yoga, or exercise not only alleviates stress, but also improves mood and self-esteem. These practices trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural stress fighters, contributing to mental clarity and a positive outlook during this festive, but chaotic, time of year.

Tips On How to Care for Your Skin During the Holidays.

Navigating the flurry of holiday activities while maintaining skin health necessitates a thoughtful and proactive approach. Amidst the hustle, bustle, and inherent chaos, crafting a skincare routine tailored to combat stress-induced skin issues is critically important. Below are some helpful tips to help you get through this holiday season:

1. Gentle cleansing is one of the cornerstones of a protective skincare routine. Using mild cleansers, especially those meant for sensitive skin like BIA® EXFOLIATING WASH 2.0 jam packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and natural jojoba grains, or BIA® GENTLE CLEANSING OIL 2.0 a light oil-to-milk microbiome-friendly cleanser that removes impurities and makeup without stripping moisture or changing skin pH represent effective ways of removing dirt and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. This step helps clear the way to allow subsequent products to work more effectively while preserving the skin’s natural balance.
2. Adequate hydration serves as a powerful elixir for the skin, particularly during the hectic holiday season. Ensuring that your skin maintains appropriate moisture levels with moisturizers and serums that hydrate and lock-in moisture, helps fortify your skin barrier to prevent moisture loss which can be exacerbated by holiday stress and anxiety. Products such as the award-winning BIA® HYDRATING SUPERFOOD and BIA® NOURISHING FACIAL OIL, both of which are not only patented and microbiome-friendly, but have also been approved for use by both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation will help replenish your skin barrier by both hydrating and sealing the moisture in your holiday stressed skin.
3. Skincare routines during the holiday season extend beyond just topical applications, encompassing stress-alleviating practices that indirectly impact skin health. In addition to incorporating stress-alleviating practices like mindfulness and meditation, the use of dietary supplements like ANTU® SKIN BARRIER SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT and SHAANT® SKIN DE-STRESS DIETARY SUPPLEMENT can help support your skin’s structure, combat oxidative stress, and enhance your skin’s radiance from the inside out. 
4. You may also want to brew a cup of chamomile, lock the bathroom door, fill the bathtub with hot water, and try a stress-relieving  product like SOOTHING SEA SALT SOAK specifically formulated to help your skin decompress with seaweed, Epsom and sea salts, and to help your mind unwind with a stress-fighting aromatherapy blend of lavender, sage, rosemary, and peppermint.

Conclusion

While your “to-do list” for this holiday season is most likely already quite substantial, it’s important that you add at least one more item to that onerous list, namely, protecting your skin from the negative effects of stress and anxiety.  With clinically proven, microbiome-friendly skincare products, specific types of dietary supplements, and holistic stress-relieving practices, your skin and brain will be equipped to manage this hectic time of year.

Explore Codex Labs’ range of patented, biotech-based skincare solutions that have been specifically designed to manage skin health during stressful times. Discover the path to nurturing and preserving your skin’s health and radiance, even amidst the whirlwind of the holidays!

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-rash
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-itching#summary
3. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/skin-picking-disorder/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/stress-may-be-getting-to-your-skin-but-its-not-a-one-way-street-2021041422334
5. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/7-tips-for-managing-your-mental-health-during-the-holidays/2022/12