Is Your Skin Stressed? || Signs & How To Deal
Let’s agree that stress is linked directly to a lot of skin conditions. How is that? Well, stress increases the production of androgens; the hormones responsible for stimulating oil glands and hair follicle in the skin. This explains why your skin becomes dull and gets more breakouts and wrinkles before your big meeting or event. So how to deal with the biggest skin issues that are related to stress?
1 || Acne
You might notice more acne on your skin in the time of stress, no surprise here. When you are stressed your skin release more cortisol. Cortisol causes your brain to produce a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is thought to stimulate oil release from sebaceous glands around your hair follicles. Excessive oil production can clog your pores and lead to acne. It is recommended to use a clarifying cleanser twice a day and avoiding over exfoliation. Look for spot treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. And switch your regular moisturizer with a lighter one like hyaluronic acid serum and use it once a day. If your skin is extremely oily, apply once every other day.
2 || Redness
Stress weaken your immune system. This can lead to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut and skin known as dysbiosis. When this happens certain skin issues appear or worsen such as redness, eczema, psoriasis. The first thing you need to do is that eliminating all products that may cause irritation. Secondly, start using retinol as it increases the rate of cell turnover. And use a light moisturizer regularly to protect your skin barrier.
3 || Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Stress can change the proteins in your skin and reduces its elasticity. The loss of elasticity can contribute to wrinkle formation. First thing to do is to try to manage stress by releasing stress in healthy ways such as yoga, exercising or meditating. secondly, make sure to stay hydrated, stimulate collagen with the right products and treatments, create a healthy lifestyle and wearing SPF.
4 || Bags Under Your Eyes
Stress caused by lack of sleep increases signs of aging such as fine lines, reduce elasticity and pigmentation. The loss of skin elasticity may cause swelling and bags under your eyes. The solution is to get enough quality sleep.
5 || Dry & Dull Skin
Studies have shown that stress weaken the skin barrier function and may negatively affect skin water retention. This lead to dry and dull skin. Aim to wash your face once a day with a cream cleanser. If you have extremely dry skin microdermabrasion scrub will be super helpful in removing dead skin cells. It is so important to use hydrating peptide-infused eye cream and a moisturizer that’s packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or nourishing and soothing Vitamin E with these products to keep your skin hydrated. Lastly, use a vitamin C serum to prevent free radical damage and bring the glow back to your skin.
