Money worries biggest stress (and skin complaint) trigger in the UK

Money worries have topped a poll of the biggest stress triggers in the UK, according to a poll of 2,000 adults aged 18-34, conducted by Garnier PureActive.

The survey revealed that the age group, saddled with student debt on top of having to pay adult bills, are more than twice as likely to suffer from problem skin as a result of financial anxiety, compared to older generations – more than 14.5 years of bad skin in a lifetime is now the norm.

Garnier PureActive Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Justine Kluk, said: “From money worries to work woes, stress has a proven negative impact on our skin.

“It alters the immune functions of the skin which may lead to increased oil production, pore clogging and bacteria – causing breakouts.

“It also impacts our emotions, sleep, the dietary choices we make and likelihood to touch our skin. All of these further trigger spots and flare ups.”

With over one in five adults complaining of feeling anxious more than once a day, money worries has been named as the most common reason for bad skin followed by health concerns, work and the health of loved ones.

Those in the younger age bracket of 18-34 year old bracket (where student loans are prevalent) stress about money an average of 5.6 times a week,. compared to just 3.6 times a week for those aged 35+, with 53 per cent experiencing more spots and blemishes when stressed.