High levels of circulating stress hormones, which may be elevated by psychological or physical stress, have been shown to impair the function of our skin barrier known as the epidermal permeability barrier,[1] leading to dryness and irritation. More specifically, the hormone cortisol is secreted by hair follicles in response to high levels of stress [2] and may promote an immune response, increased sebum production, and irritation of the scalp and hair follicles — exacerbating the condition of dandruff.[3] Dandruff has also been linked to emotional disorders such as depression, suggesting a role for psychosocial stress in this phenomenon.[4]
References
- ^Choi EH, Brown BE, Crumrine D, Chang S, Man MQ, Elias PM, Feingold KRMechanisms by which psychologic stress alters cutaneous permeability barrier homeostasis and stratum corneum integrity.J Invest Dermatol.(2005-Mar)
- ^Erling ThomStress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth DisruptionJ Drugs Dermatol.(2016 Aug 1)
- ^Limbu SL, Purba TS, Harries M, Wikramanayake TC, Miteva M, Bhogal RK, O'Neill CA, Paus RA folliculocentric perspective of dandruff pathogenesis: Could a troublesome condition be caused by changes to a natural secretory mechanism?Bioessays.(2021-10)
- ^Maietta G, Fornaro P, Rongioletti F, Rebora APatients with mood depression have a high prevalence of seborrhoeic dermatitis.Acta Derm Venereol.(1990)