Interviewer: We talk a lot about how stress impacts our mental health and physical wellbeing, but what about our skin? How exactly does stress affect it?

Deborah Mitchell: Stress totally affects your skin — completely. And it does so for a very scientific reason. When you’re under stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. It’s actually meant to protect you — think of it as your body’s built-in defense system.

I like to explain it this way: imagine you’re being chased by a dinosaur. Your body releases adrenaline to help you run, and cortisol to protect you if that dinosaur snaps at your heels. Cortisol helps dull pain and keeps you going in a crisis.

But here’s the problem — when we’re under everyday stress, that same cortisol causes all sorts of issues for our skin. It can make your face puff up, your eyes swell, your skin flush, and even cause rashes. It also drains your energy. You get that initial boost, then suddenly crash — and that’s when you start craving sugar.

Interviewer: So that’s why we crave sweets when we’re stressed?

Deborah: Exactly. Cortisol makes us want to replenish the energy it’s burned through. But the real issue is chronic stress — the everyday kind. Deadlines, work pressure, running around without a break — your body keeps releasing cortisol constantly.

That ongoing release leads to breakouts, especially those deep, lumpy spots called papules. It’s your body’s way of showing that it’s overwhelmed.

Interviewer: So what can we do to counteract that?

Deborah: First, it’s important to flush out that excess cortisol. Drink plenty of water — hydration helps your body detox. But here’s the catch: when you’re stressed, you often can’t be bothered. You just want comfort food. So you’re not doing the things that help your body recover.

That’s why stress doesn’t just affect your skin — it can make you gain weight too.

To counteract this, I recommend collagen. Collagen helps replenish what stress strips away — it feeds the body and restores essential vitamins and elasticity to the skin. Our collagen drops are great for this. People under long-term stress often see a reduction in rashes and breakouts once their skin is properly supported.

Interviewer: You mentioned elasticity — how does stress change that?

Deborah: When you’re under long-term stress, cortisol can actually reduce your skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back. That’s why some people lose weight from stress but notice their skin doesn’t quite tighten up again. Collagen helps restore that flexibility and supports both the skin and the body.

Interviewer: And what about lifestyle changes — any advice there?

Deborah: Yes — you absolutely need to give your body and mind a break. Meditation, gentle walks, anything that calms you down. Try not to live as if there’s always a dinosaur snapping at your heels!

Your skin reflects your stress levels — so caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your face.