High cortisol levels can manifest in the skin, most notably through an increase in acne breakouts.
How Cortisol Impacts Your Skin
When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol. This hormone plays a vital role in various bodily functions but can also affect your skin's health. The impact is primarily due to cortisol's influence on the sebaceous glands.
Acne Breakouts
The primary skin symptom related to elevated cortisol is acne.
- Increased Sebum Production: High cortisol levels stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more sebum, the skin's natural oil.
- Pore Blockage: The excess sebum can clog pores, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
- Inflammation and Bacteria: Blocked pores become inflamed and infected by bacteria, leading to the development of acne blemishes.
This explains why you might notice more pimples during particularly stressful periods, as noted by the reference from April 22, 2016.
| Symptom | Description | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Breakouts, pimples, or increased skin blemishes | Elevated cortisol leads to overproduction of sebum, causing clogged pores. |
In summary, the key skin symptom associated with high cortisol levels is increased acne, caused by increased sebum production and subsequent pore blockage.
