![A woman in a blouse examines her right elbow while sitting on a couch](https://cdn.statically.io/img/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/huffpost/image/667c5bae2400009d17edf254.jpeg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
It’s a common experience: You’re feeling stressed out about work, family issues, relationships or something else. Then to add insult to injury, a giant pimple appears.
Anyone who’s been there knows that the link between the skin and stress is undeniable. But what exactly is going on with the skin — the body’s largest organ — when we feel this way? HuffPost asked dermatologists to break it down.
Stress elevates cortisol levels.
![A person wearing a sweater sits on the floor with hands covering the face, leaning against a brown sofa on a striped carpet](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/17/asset/62996eea5734/sub-buzz-520-1719508096-1.jpg)
The brain-skin axis may set off a vicious cycle.
![A woman in a white tank top and glasses sits on a sofa, holding her temples with a pained expression in a modern, sunlit kitchen and living room](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/17/asset/18e0f71f65de/sub-buzz-527-1719508198-4.jpg)
Stress can accelerate skin aging.
![An older woman with short, gray hair is touching her face while looking into a bathroom mirror. She appears to be inspecting her skin](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/17/asset/18e0f71f65de/sub-buzz-542-1719508254-1.jpg)
There are other health implications.
![A person covering their face with one hand, appearing stressed or frustrated. A bulletin board is visible in the background](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/17/asset/62996eea5734/sub-buzz-624-1719509595-1.jpg)
You can help your skin get through stress.
![A woman is cleansing her face in front of a mirror, gently massaging her cheeks with both hands](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/17/asset/8bc4f09794ee/sub-buzz-1438-1719509665-1.jpg)
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