Perception, understanding, and association between psychological stress and skin aging: Quantitative surveys of Asian women aged 18–34 years, dermatologists, and psychologists in China and Japan

Abstract Background Skin aging involves a variety of structural and functional changes, under the influence of various factors. Preaging skin is a relatively new concept describing self‐perceived signs of skin aging that appear in the early 20s–30s and may be triggered by psychological stress. However, it is unclear how young women and healthcare professionals (HCP) understand the association between stress and skin aging. Aims We sought to explore the perceptions of stress‐related skin aging among young women and HCPs. Methods We performed online surveys of 403 young women (18–34 years), 60 dermatologists, and 60 psychologists residing in major cities in China and Japan. Questions covered skin signs, understanding/perceptions of stress–aging connection, and demographics. Young women also completed DASS‐21 to assess their stress level, which was dichotomized as normal or mild–extremely severe. Results The stress level was normal in 52.6% or mild–extremely severe in 47.4% of young women. Greater proportions of women in the mild–extremely severe stress group reported skin manifestations associated with preaging, the top three being “rough skin” (39.3% vs. 24.1%), “slow metabolic rate” (28.8% vs. 14.2%), and “dull skin” (43.5% vs. 29.2%). The top three skin manifestations showing the strongest perceived associations with stress were: “dark eye circles,” “slow metabolic rate,” and “dull skin” (among young women); “acne,” “dry skin,” and “skin rash” (among HCPs). Conclusions Young women frequently report high levels of psychological stress and signs of skin aging. Perceptions of stress–skin aging association differ between young women and HCPs.