Have you ever noticed you tend to have more skin problems when you’re going through something stressful?
That’s because stress releases hormones that prepare your body to respond to an emergency. While these hormones help you respond to immediate danger, they become harmful when your body stays in “fight or flight” mode for a long time. The longer you have high levels of stress, the more these hormones wear on your body and damage your skin health.
Fortunately, you can prevent stress from hurting your skin and stressing you out even more by using top-quality professional skincare.
7 STRESS-INDUCED SKIN PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
FINE LINES & WRINKLES
Stress ages your skin faster, thanks to the primary stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline constricts the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Without oxygen and nutrients, your skin cannot produce collagen—the protein that makes up about 80 percent of your skin. This protein is what makes your skin firm, smooth and tight. As adrenaline keeps you from producing collagen, cortisol breaks down this protein, causing your skin to sag and form lines and wrinkles.
WHAT TO DO
Increase elasticity and prevent lines and wrinkles using Rejuvenating Peptide Masque. This powerful anti-aging product relaxes your facial muscles and slows the contractions that can deepen wrinkles. It also has active minerals that firm your skin to maintain a youthful complexion.
Use Rejuvenating Peptide Masque 2 – 3 times a week, even while pregnant, and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes for maximum effect.
PRO TIP: You may notice your face looks a little red after using this masque. That’s because it increases your circulation so your skin receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to produce collagen. The redness will dissipate and leave you with a healthy glow.
ACNE
Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshict told Insider that one of the major skin problems stress causes is acne.
“It is very common for people to experience breakouts when stressed,” explained Garshick. “Your body releases stress hormones including cortisol, which may increase the skin’s oil production, making you prone to breakouts.”
While your skin needs some oil to stay moisturized, too much can clog your pores and create blackheads, papules, and pustules. Stress may also trigger breakouts because it increases inflammation and weakens your immune system so it can’t fight the bacteria that causes acne.
WHAT TO DO
If your skin starts to break out, wash your face with Clear Skin Cleanser or Purifying Cleanser morning and night, then apply Blemish Control or Mattifying Sulfur Masque.
ROSACEA
Stress-induced inflammation can trigger rosacea—a skin condition with abnormal flushing, vascular damage and sometimes papules. These symptoms can worsen your chronic stress, which can trigger more flare-ups and trap you in a vicious cycle.
WHAT TO DO
Prevent this vicious cycle from happening to you by using Rosacea Relief. This serum reduces redness and vascular damage so you have less severe and less frequent flare-ups. Apply it morning and night after cleansing to achieve the best results.
RASHES
Stress weakens your immune system by suppressing how many white blood cells your body produces to fight off infection. At the same time, cortisol releases histamine: the hormone responsible for allergic reactions, such as redness or itching. These conditions increase your chances of developing painful rashes. Stress can also trigger pre-existing skin disorders that include rashes, such as eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
WHAT TO DO
Instantly soothe irritated skin with Comfort Cream, a healing moisturizer fortified with pure concentrated aloe vera. It also includes a natural skin brightener called arbutin so the rash does not leave a dark spot on your skin.
Cell Protection Balm is another great option for healing rashes. It repairs the skin barrier by reintroducing essential lipids and promoting cell renewal and collagen synthesis.
Both Comfort Cream and Cell Protection Balm work for all skin types and are safe for pregnant or nursing mothers.
SLOW WOUND HEALING
Cortisol slows down the production of lipids that make up your skin barrier. Without a strong skin barrier, your skin becomes sensitive and likely to tear or scrap. Viruses, pollutants and other impurities can also easily seep into your skin and cause infection.
But, that’s not all. Cortisol decreases new cell growth, which means it not only increases your chances of getting hurt or infected but also causes your skin to take longer to heal.
WHAT TO DO
Essential Serum offers the best wound healing support by combining immune-boosting minerals, strengthening amino acids, and anti-inflammatory Bulgarian rose oil. Restore health to damaged skin as you apply this healing serum morning and night. It’s pregnancy-safe and works for all skin types and skin tones.
DRY SKIN
Stress dehydrates your skin by causing you to sweat and produce less hyaluronic acid, the molecule that stores moisture inside your skin. Also, as mentioned before, cortisol weakens your skin barrier, letting water leak out of your skin like a broken flower pot. Without enough water, your skin dries out and starts to crack and flake, leaving you vulnerable to infection.
WHAT TO DO
Replenish your skin with these ultra-hydrating moisturizers
- Vitamin E Cream increases skin hydration by 25 percent by delivering essential nutrients that prevent water loss.
- Barrier Repair Cream will not only hydrate your skin but also strengthen your skin barrier so it retains moisture.
- Skin Recovery Mist puts life back into dehydrated skin with the help of algae, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin B.
DARK CIRCLES & PUFFINESS
When you’re stressed, your body directs blood away from your face to essential organs to increase your chance of survival. Unfortunately, this makes the blood vessels under your eyes more apparent, which forms dark circles. Stress also causes pools of fluid to build up underneath your lower eyelids so they look puffy.
WHAT TO DO
Eye Calm reduces dark circles and puffiness using a luxurious blend of natural botanicals. This gentle yet effective formula heals the delicate skin around your eyes so you look your best. For added relief, keep Eye Calm in the refrigerator and apply cold.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Stress can damage your skin by affecting your behavior. You may scratch or pick at your skin to channel your anxiety or neglect basic needs such as exercise, sleep, or nutritious meals, which also impact your skin health. That’s why part of taking care of your skin is managing your stress levels.
While stress management doesn’t replace skincare, it still helps you have healthy skin by lowering your adrenaline and cortisol levels. Not to mention it makes you feel better.
Dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd told The New York Times she is a “big believer in the healing power of nature” and recommends her clients use it to relieve stress.
“People say, ‘I don’t have the time,’ but it doesn’t have to be this drawn out thing. Just going outside and seeing a tree and looking at a few birds is proven to lower inflammatory markers in our body,” Woolery-Lloyd said.
She also recommends having a regular sleep schedule because “something as simple as sleep can change the skin barrier.”
Dermatologist Purvisha Patel told The New York Times that sometimes you just need a good cry.
“Crying is a stress reliever and helps decrease cortisol levels,” Patel said.
OTHER STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS
- Exercise regularly—increases antioxidants in your body according to a 2018 study, which helps prevent skin damage
- Meditate—helps reduce stress-related skin conditions, according to the National Library of Medicine
- Eat a healthy diet—foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins can improve skin health
- Drink enough water—helps your skin stay hydrated
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member—lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels in your body
CONCLUSION
The last thing you need when you’re stressed is to have to worry about your skin healthy. Use professional skincare and stress management to keep your skin looking young and healthy so you can tackle life’s challenges with your inner confidence shining through.
