stressed woman with red flared cheeks

Can Stress Make Rosacea Worse?

Short answer:
Yes. Stress is a common rosacea trigger because it affects blood flow, inflammation, and skin sensitivity.

How stress affects rosacea

Stress activates the nervous system, which can cause blood vessels in the face to dilate. In rosacea-prone skin, this dilation happens more easily and takes longer to settle.

This is why flare-ups often appear during:

  • High workload periods
  • Poor sleep
  • Emotional strain
  • Hormonal changes

Why stress-related flares feel different

Stress-driven rosacea often feels hot, flushed, or burning rather than bumpy or congested. Skincare alone may not fully calm these flares without addressing nervous system load.

Supporting stressed skin

Gentle routines, barrier repair, and avoiding overstimulation help reduce reactivity. Indi Skin’s approach combines skin support with lifestyle awareness, helping clients identify personal triggers through personalised video consultations.

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