But how does this shift manifest on the outside? Luckily, board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., FAAD, recently put it all together in a TikTok video—here’s the overview of how chronic stress and lack of sleep impact your skin: While one stressful week at work or a night of restless sleep won’t necessarily make your skin age overnight, it’s essential to keep this connection in mind, as skin aging is directly related to a lack of collagen production, among other factors like UV exposure. Hyaluronic acid is the key molecule responsible for keeping skin naturally hydrated2—so it only makes sense that a lack can lead to skin dryness. In addition to getting enough sleep and managing stress, using targeting supplements can help enhance your levels from within—here’s a curated list of the best collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements to check that box. “So if your skin is really dry and you’re wondering why, and you’re putting tons of moisturizer on and drinking all this water, then it might be the stress,” Bowe explains. Ceramides are lipids found naturally in the skin3 that help keep your skin hydrated and act as the “glue” that holds your skin together—which is why they’re so essential. Your internal production of ceramides also decreases with age4, which can contribute to increased dryness. The market is chock-full of ceramide creams and serums to support the skin from the outside in, and again, you can opt for science-backed supplements for even more support. So if you only experience breakouts every once in a while, also referred to as, “occasional acne,” then it may actually be linked to stress and lack of sleep.
