7. How Stress Affects Your Gut and Your Skin

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it can wreak havoc on your gut and, by extension, your skin. During high-pressure periods like exams or major life events, many people notice increased breakouts or dullness in their complexion. Stress hormones disrupt the gut’s normal function, upsetting the balance of good bacteria and driving inflammation that shows up on your face. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga have been shown to reduce stress and support clearer skin.