Recent instability across the MENA region has added to a wider sense of uncertainty for many people, affecting routines, travel plans and general peace of mind. Ongoing uncertainty about world events can quietly raise stress levels in the background, even when life continues as normal on the surface. During periods like this, stress can build in the background and show up physically through sleep disruption, skin flare-ups, hair shedding and oral health problems.
Dr Gizem Seymenoğlu, a GDC-registered dentist with experience in facial aesthetics and hair loss treatments, and Dr Izbel, an independent Turkish based dentist, say stress does not always feel obvious at first, but it can still begin to show up physically in the skin, hair and mouth.
Why can stress show up physically?
Dr Gizem says, “Even if someone does not consciously feel stressed, ongoing exposure to distressing news can keep the body in a low-grade stress response.”
“When this happens, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated. Over time, this can disrupt sleep, increase inflammation and muscle tension, and affect normal repair processes, which is why stress often starts to show up in the skin, hair and mouth.”
When stress starts to show on the skin?
Skin is often one of the first places stress becomes visible.
Dr Gizem explains, “Stress can contribute to breakouts, acne flare-ups, rosacea, redness and increased sensitivity. This is partly because elevated cortisol can increase oil production and inflammation, which can lead to clogged pores and more persistent spots, particularly around the lower face and jawline. It can also make the skin look more dehydrated and slow down healing.”
Her advice is to keep things simple when skin feels reactive.
She says, “If the skin becomes reactive, it is usually better to strip the routine back temporarily, reduce harsh actives, focus on barrier repair, use a gentle cleanser and prioritise ceramide-based products and daily SPF.”
How stress may affect hair?
Hair is another area where prolonged stress can show up. One common example is telogen effluvium, often referred to as stress shedding, where more hair than usual falls during washing or brushing.
Dr Gizem points out, “Stress can push more hairs into the shedding phase, which may lead to increased hair fall, thinner-feeling hair and slower growth. The good news is that this type of shedding is usually temporary.”
She adds that scalp irritation can also become more noticeable at the same time.
"Stress can also increase scalp inflammation, leading to dandruff or irritation, and over time may slow down healthy hair growth.”
What stress can do to the mouth and jaw?
Stress can also affect oral health, with clenching and grinding often happening without people realising.
Dr Gizem says, “Stress often shows up in oral health through clenching and grinding. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, headaches, worn enamel, cracked fillings, gum irritation and dry mouth.”
Dr Izbel adds, “This often happens during sleep without people realising. Repeated grinding can place ongoing pressure on the jaw, muscles and teeth over time.”
Dr Gizem notes that sleep disruption can make this worse. “Stress linked to ongoing news exposure can disturb sleep without people fully realising it, and once sleep is affected, other symptoms often become worse.”
Where grinding is suspected, Dr Izbel says: “To help prevent damage to the teeth and reduce pressure on the joint, a night guard is one of the most commonly used treatment options.” She also warns that mouth ulcers may become more common during periods of stress, and that gum problems can follow if oral care slips.
What can help when stress starts showing up physically?
Dr Gizem advises that small, steady habits can help when symptoms start showing up physically.
- Protecting sleep: Sleep is often where the effects of stress come together, as poor sleep can keep cortisol elevated, increase inflammation and affect the body’s ability to repair. Keeping a consistent bedtime and limiting distressing news in the evening can help reduce this impact.
- Supporting skin: If the skin becomes more reactive during periods of stress, it is usually best to simplify the routine, reduce harsh actives and focus on barrier repair with gentle, ceramide-based products. Daily SPF is also important, as stress can increase oxidative damage and make the skin slower to recover.
- Supporting hair: Ensure adequate protein intake and avoid aggressive styling if shedding has increased. If hair fall continues, it may be worth checking iron and vitamin D levels with a suitable professional.
- Supporting oral health: If clenching is suspected, a warm compress or gentle jaw massage before bed may help, and magnesium glycinate in the evening may suit some people where appropriate. Maintaining regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups is also important, especially if gum irritation or mouth ulcers become more frequent.