Dr. MBK Co-Authors “Stressed Skin and How Dermatologists Can Help” in Practical Dermatology (April 2026)
Peer-Reviewed · Practical Dermatology · April 2026
In a co-authored feature article in Practical Dermatology, Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik (Dr. MBK), founder of Stamina® Cosmetics, and Dr. Jessica Colon, DO formally propose “stressed skin” as clinical terminology in dermatology — and outline an integrative framework for how dermatologists can identify, assess, and treat it.
Read the Full Article on Practical Dermatology →
Citation
Blyumin-Karasik M, Colon J. “Stressed Skin” and How Dermatologists Can Help. Practical Dermatology. April 2026: 21–24.
“Chronic psychological stress represents a well-established exposome contributor to skin damage, affecting health, aesthetics, and aging trajectories.”
— Blyumin-Karasik & Colon, Practical Dermatology, April 2026
Key Takeaways
- Psychological stress is a significant, underrecognized contributor to dermatologic disease exacerbation and cosmetic skin deterioration, mediated through the brain–skin axis and neuroendocrine pathways.
- “Stressed skin” is characterized by impaired barrier function, increased inflammation, and variable or suboptimal response to standard dermatologic and aesthetic treatments.
- Objective tools like the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) can support diagnosis by correlating stress levels with clinical flares and treatment resistance.
- Effective management requires an integrative approach — combining conventional therapies with stress-reduction, somatic skincare rituals, and multidisciplinary mental-health collaboration when indicated.
What The Article Proposes
A new clinical definition for an old problem
In clinical practice, dermatologists hear it constantly: patients describe their skin “flaring” during periods of psychological stress. Dr. MBK and Dr. Colon argue that what providers have long observed deserves formal recognition — and a structured framework for response.
01 · The Entity
“Stressed skin” defined as a clinical state of cutaneous vulnerability — compromised barrier, heightened inflammatory reactivity, diminished adaptive capacity.
02 · The Assessment
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), validated in dermatologic populations, as the objective tool for confirming the diagnosis.
03 · The Framework
An integrative management model combining pharmacologic care, adaptogenic cosmeceuticals, somatic skincare rituals, breathwork, and mental-health collaboration.
04 · The Interventions
Specific somatic tools — mindful application massage, temperature modulation, box breathing (4-4-4-4), gua sha, hypochlorous acid, and adaptogens like Centella asiatica and Aloe Vera.
The Somatic Toolkit
Turning the skincare routine into a stress-management practice
The authors emphasize that skincare is not just topical — it is sensorial. Applied mindfully, it activates parasympathetic responses that counteract stress-induced sympathetic activation. The article highlights a practical toolkit dermatologists can teach patients:
- The 2–3 minute mindful application massage. Slow, upward circular motions during product application activate mechanoreceptors in the skin — triggering parasympathetic activation that counteracts the stress response.
- Box breathing (4-4-4-4) during the ritual. Inhale four, hold four, exhale four, hold four — synchronized with skincare application — has been shown to lower cortisol and increase parasympathetic activation.
- Temperature modulation. Refrigerated mists and cool compresses calm acute inflammation; gentle warmth from steam enhances penetration and relaxation.
- Aromatherapeutic integration. Lavender, jasmine, chamomile — olfactory pathways to limbic structures make scent clinically relevant for stressed skin patients.
- Facial gua sha and manual lymphatic drainage. Self-care techniques that promote circulation, release facial tension, and may attenuate inflammatory mediator accumulation between clinical visits.
Why This Matters For Stamina®
The integrative model behind the line
Stamina® was built around exactly this premise: the skin is a signaling organ in continuous conversation with the brain, the nervous system, and the stress response. Resilient skin is the outcome of supporting biology and the mind–skin axis together, not in isolation. The article validates the integrative model behind every Stamina® formula.
Mist
Stamina® Mist
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for inflammation, post-procedure healing, and stressed-skin flares.
Serum
Stamina® Serum
Adaptogenic actives that help skin adapt to stress signaling.
Mask
Stamina® Mask
Somatic ritual for weekly reset.
Moisturizer
Stamina® Intention Moisturizer
Barrier restoration and hydration.
Every jar carries an affirmation — a practice the article specifically calls out as part of an integrative, evidence-based approach for stressed-skin patients.
About The Authors
Co-Author
Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, FAAD
Board-certified dermatologist · Cofounder, Precision Skin & Body Institute · Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University Patel College of Allopathic Medicine · Davie, FL
Co-Author
Jessica Colon, DO
PGY-1 Resident · Memorial Healthcare System · Pembroke Pines, FL
Continue Reading From Dr. MBK
More peer-reviewed work
- What Are Topical Adaptogens? A Systematic Review — JCAD
- Periprocedural Use of Hypochlorous Acid Mist for Improving Healing After Laser — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- Adaptogenic Moisturizing Serum for Improving Healing and Cosmesis — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- Understanding the Skin–Mind Connection in Neurocosmetics — Modern Aesthetics, Mar/Apr 2026
- How Skinspan Goes Beyond Anti-Aging — Practical Dermatology
Listen + Learn
Dr. MBK explores the stressed-skin framework in plain language on The Skincarma Pod Ep. 76 — Skin Under Stress, and the practical at-home framework for cycle-driven skin stress is laid out in Glow With the Flow: Skin Cycle Syncing.
Explore