Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically investigate the manifestations of stress in skin, scalp and hair conditions among young Chinese women. Introduction: Chronic psychological stress is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to skin, hair, scalp health issues, as well as overall wellbeing. Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms are still underexplored, especially in young, healthy populations. The Chinese female stress study was proposed to address this question. Materials / method: 200 young healthy Chinese women, aged 18 to 35 years, were stratified into the high-stress (HS) and low-stress (LS) groups using perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Comprehensive data collection included self-reported skin condition alongside validated measures of psychological wellbeing. The objective evaluations of skin and scalp condition were performed through visual grading and instrument assessments; various bio-specimen samples were collected for stress-related biomarker analysis and multi-omics study. Results: Compared to the LS group, the HS group exhibited significantly higher rates of self-reported skin sensitivity, dryness, tired looking. Instrument assessments corroborated these results, showing compromised skin barrier integrity and decline casual sebum level in the HS group. Serum BDNF was reduced in the HS group and associated with elevated circulating inflammatory cytokines. Multi-omics analysis identified alteration of stress-associated biomarkers in skin and hair proteins, collectively supporting a biological basis for the observed clinical phenotypic differences. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate for the first time that chronic stress affects not just psychological wellbeing but also causes detectable physiological changes. The identification of specific stress related biomarkers and molecular signatures reveal underpinned mechanisms of profound impact of stress on skin beauty and wellbeing. Together, this study highlights the importance of decoding psychological stress in relation to skin, scalp, hair and wellbeing, and underscores the need for holistic approach in research and product development to promote skin health.