My Wellness Train Network & Michael Keene, PA-C, contributed to this article.

How Do Stress, Sleep, or Diet Impact Skin — and What Do We Wish More People Knew?

It’s no secret that glowing skin isn’t just about what you put on your face — it’s deeply connected to what’s going on inside your body. The genuine keys to radiant, healthy skin are often overlooked, yet they’re tied directly to how well you manage stress, how much sleep you get, and the foods you choose daily.

At My Wellness Train, we believe that understanding this lifestyle-skin connection is critical for long-term wellness, and we want more people to know just how much their skin is trying to talk to them.

Michael Keene, PA-C, Dermatology, Cary with 3 other practitionersprac

STRESS: More Than Skin Deep

Chronic stress triggers a chain reaction in your body. Elevated cortisol levels (your stress hormone) can increase oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts. But that’s just the beginning.

Stress can also weaken your skin’s barrier, making it more prone to irritation, redness, and even flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis.

What most people don’t realize? Long-term stress can slow skin healing and increase inflammation across the body — both show up visibly in your complexion. That “tired and worn-out” look isn’t just in your head.

Learning to manage stress through breathing exercises, regular movement, and mindful routines can transform your face.

SLEEP: Your Overnight Beauty Treatment

There’s a reason they call it "beauty sleep." During deep sleep, your body goes into repair mode — rebuilding collagen, increasing blood flow to the skin, and releasing growth hormone to repair cells.

When you skimp on sleep (especially quality deep sleep), skin doesn’t get the full chance to restore and renew. You may notice:

Dull, uneven skin tone
Puffiness or dark circles under the eyes
Fine lines are becoming more visible
Worse yet, lack of sleep can increase cortisol, contributing to the same inflammatory skin issues stress brings.

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of consistent, uninterrupted sleep, and try to wind down without screens or bright lights at least an hour before bed. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost skin naturally — no serum required.

Close-up of a female client's arm with a prominent red rash in an office setting.

DIET & SKIN: You Are What You Eat—And So Is Your Skin

Think of your skin as a mirror of what’s happening inside your gut. When your diet is packed with processed foods, excess sugar, or low hydration, it shows up as acne, dryness, or premature aging.

Instead, skin loves:

Omega-3 fats (like those in flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon) for hydration and plumpness
Antioxidants (berries, spinach, green tea) for fighting free radicals
Water-rich fruits and veggies to help keep the skin supple

Also, gut imbalances can trigger inflammatory skin responses. Including probiotics (like yogurt or fermented foods) and fiber can improve gut health, and in turn, lead to clearer, calmer skin.

Michael Keene, PA-C — Dermatology’s insight on this subject.

“There is clear evidence for the consequences of unmanaged stress and poor sleep and dietary habits on various physiological systems. The impact on specific organ systems, such as the skin, is becoming clearer and may yield new approaches and therapies soon. “

The Wellness Train Takeaway

Your skin is a reflection of your overall wellness. It’s not just about a 10-step skincare routine — it’s about your lifestyle. Stress management, sleep hygiene, and balanced eating are all part of the same train track, leading to better skin and overall health.

So, what do we wish more people knew?

👉 That chronic breakouts aren’t just about clogged pores — they can be a cry for help from your adrenal system or gut.
👉 That a whole night’s sleep can sometimes do more than any cream.
👉 That what you eat doesn’t just fuel your body — it fuels the radiance of your skin.

When you hop on the right track with My Wellness Train, you’re not just treating symptoms — you’re addressing the root causes of skin imbalances and empowering yourself with real, sustainable change.

Michael Keene, PA-C, Dermatology, Cary, NC

You will find Michael Keene, PA-C, Dermatology, at Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Cary/Raleigh, NC, 530 New Waverly Place, Suite 101, Cary, NC 27518, Phone: 919-703-0110, Fax: 919-890-5120

Website:

https://carolinahealthyskin.com/raleigh-nc-cary-nc-dermatology-office/

Bio of Michael Keene, PA-C, Dermatology

https://carolinahealthyskin.com/2023/06/michael-keene/