Maybe you've experienced sudden breakouts, redness or dry patches for no obvious reason? Then it's possible you're dealing with stressed skin. Let's dive into what stressed skin is, what causes it and how best to take care of it.
Stressed skin means that the skin is out of balance or irritated. It can be caused by, for example, using products that are too harsh, exposure to too much sun, but also by you as a person being very stressed. When you become stressed, it triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the skin's function and worsen existing skin problems. If you have skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, stress can worsen these conditions and can also lead to you developing new ones, such as acne.
6 signs of stressed skin:
- Redness and irritation: Your skin can become red, inflamed and sensitive to the touch.
- Dryness and dehydration: Stressed skin often lacks moisture, leading to dry areas on the face.
- Breakouts and acne: Stress can trigger the production of excess sebum, leading to clogged pores and acne.
- Tiredness and dullness: The skin can look tired, dull and lifeless due to reduced circulation and nutrient supply.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Chronic stress can speed up the ageing process, resulting in premature fine lines and wrinkles.
- Increased sensitivity: Stressed skin can become more reactive and prone to sensitivity, making it hard to tolerate certain skincare products or environmental conditions.
How to take care of stressed skin:
- Calming ingredients: Look for ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber and hyaluronic acid that calm and reduce inflammation.
- Moisture: Use gentle, hydrating products to restore moisture and support the skin barrier.
- Simplify your routine: Minimise the number of products in your skincare routine to avoid further irritation.
- Protect: Use sun protection to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors.
- Healthy lifestyle: Feel good from the inside out. Don't underestimate how big an impact a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and not stressing too much has on the skin.
Keep calm and patch on! 💚
