Useful tips for 3 types of stressed skin

Is your skin stressed?

You may not know for sure, but here’s a clue: if you’re stressed, your skin probably is too!

So what does that mean in terms of how your skin looks and feels?

Let’s check it out.

What is stressed skin?

Scientists have discovered a very clear link between psychological stress and skin reactions.

Approved by the board dermatologist Keira Barr MD, FAAD, states: “Our brain and skin are intimately connected and communicate with each other. This means that when we experience chronic stress from work, relationships or current events, the skin is both a target and a source of stress hormones, which can make the skin more vulnerable to itching, inflammation, irritation and infection.

We must remember that the skin is an organ, just like the heart, lungs and kidneys. When we experience stress, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisone. As long as the stress subsides fairly quickly, the skin will survive just fine. But during periods of chronic stress – when the stress just won’t go away – these stress hormones can break down the collagen and elastin in the skin, while also disrupting the recovery process.

The result? Premature aging. Signs include noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, sagging and sagging.

Stress hormones are also known to increase inflammation. In a recent researchscientists noted that cortisol and other related hormones “increase skin inflammation, worsen itching, compromise skin barrier function, impair wound healing, and suppress immunity.”

The results include:

• Increased acne outbreaks
• Dryness and dullness of the skin
• More reactive, sensitive skin
• Wounds that take longer to heal
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Finally, stress can worsen any skin conditions you already have. The increase in inflammation usually causes flare-ups of eczema, rosacea and psoriasis and can more easily trigger allergic reactions.

Let’s look at the three main types of stressed skin and how you can help your skin deal with them.

Stressed skin 1: Acne

If your skin is already prone to acne, stress will make it worse. The hormones released during stressful periods increase oil production and increase inflammation – the perfect combination for breakouts.

What must we do?

Use a Clarifying Cleanser

Look for a gentle yet clarifying cleanser that helps rid the skin of dirt and impurities, then wash your skin twice a day. Avoid excessive washing or harsh scrubbing, as both of these can damage the skin enough to cause it to react and produce more oil.

Tone without alcohol

It’s still important to use a balancing toner on your skin to prepare it for your moisturizer. When you use our Rescue + Relief Spray, you’ll receive anti-inflammatory benefits and balancing benefits that help your skin heal and look its best. Avoid toners with alcohol in them as they are too drying and can make your skin look worse.

Moisturize lightly

Choose a light moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, but continue to hydrate your skin twice a day. Even oily skin under stress needs moisture to help soothe and relax. Our Calming Moisture has anti-inflammatory properties, yet is quickly absorbed and does not clog the pores. It leaves your skin with a healthy looking glow!

Treat on site

Try not to pick at your skin, as the oils and dirt on your fingers can make your pimples worse. Opt for a spot treatment with salicylic acid to conceal blemishes.

Stressed skin 2: Redness

Redness is a common sign that your skin is stressed. It’s often directly related to inflammation, or if you’re prone to rosacea, it could signal a flare-up.

What must we do?

Remove all products that cause irritation

Examine your current skin care routine and see if you are using products that may irritate your stressed skin. Now is the time to set these aside until your skin has healed. Possible irritants include anti-aging serums, retinols, acidic products, harsh cleansers and some makeup products.

Hydrate with an anti-inflammatory formula

Your main job is to reduce inflammation, so make sure your moisturizer contains ingredients that help with that. Our Calming Moisture is made to reduce inflammation. It contains aloe, beta-glucan, vitamin E and ginger to speed healing and reduce redness and itching.

Soothe the skin during the day

Skin that suffers from redness may benefit from frequent treatment with our soothing, cooling Rescue + Relief Spray. You can apply it at any time of the day and immediately experience the cooling effects. The clinically powerful ingredients help target and combat skin stress, while water lily purifies and removes heat.

Stressed skin 3: Dry skin

While some people may experience more oily, acne-prone skin when stressed, others will notice that their skin feels dry and tight. The effects of the stress dry out the skin, stripping away moisture. Stress hormones also damage the skin’s outer barrier, preventing it from retaining moisture.

What must we do?

Switch to a creamy cleanser

Cleansing can easily dry out the skin if you don’t do it properly. Make sure you use a gentle, moisturizing, creamy cleanser that is pH neutral and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, you have the wrong product.

Tone immediately after cleansing

If you have dry skin, you don’t want to wait to apply toner. Simply pat dry and spritz on our Rescue + Relief Spray for instant cooling and gentle hydration that prepares your skin for your moisturizer.

Use a high-quality moisturizer

You can apply some creams and half an hour later your skin feels dry. These creams don’t contain the ingredients you need to really hydrate your skin. Try our Calming Moisture instead as it contains lipids (fatty acids) and ceramides to help replenish and hydrate the skin. Over time, it will also help repair the skin barrier so the skin can retain more moisture.

Use a humidifier

When you’re dealing with dry, stressed skin, you always want to combat dehydration. If you live in a dry climate, try adding a humidifier to your room. It returns moisture to the air, helping you wake up with softer, more supple skin.

Exfoliate gently

Dry skin that is flaking can use a gentle exfoliating treatment. Be very careful not to go too fast. You can try using a soft skin brush in circular motions to loosen the flaking, or you can use a gentle acid exfoliating product. Look for products with salicylic acid, malic acid and glycolic acid.

Tips for all types of stressed skin

Whatever your skin does in response to stress, the following tips will help reduce stress so your skin can recover.

• Meditation– it helps calm the mind and the stress response in the body.
• Take a deep breath-it has an immediate relaxing effect on your entire system.
• Excercise-Exercise is a known stress reliever. Try going for a walk.
• Yoga and tai chiThese forms of exercise include deep breathing and relaxing in various positions, and are known to help relieve stress.
• Acupuncture-If you need help managing your stress, an acupuncture treatment can help.
• SleepingGetting 7-8 hours of sleep per night helps your body repair and repair itself.
• Counseling—Talking to someone about the things that are stressing you out can make a big difference.
• Eat healthy-Getting the nutrients your body and skin need can help you cope with stressful times.

How do you deal with stressed skin?

_{Featured image courtesy of Yan Krukau via Pexels.}