Did a pimple pop up from nowhere recently? Notice any wrinkles, fine lines, itchiness, or even excessive dryness? The guilty party might be stress.
When you are emotionally or physically stressed, it can affect your overall health, including your skin.
Your body releases hormones when you are stressed out - one of such is cortisol. Cortisol is not 100% bad, it has its good and bad sides. When cortisol is over-secreted, it affects the texture and appearance of your skin.
What causes stress in your skin
Your skin might be stressed-out due to various reasons. It might be a result of external factors such as over-exfoliation, pollution, UV rays from the sun or weather. It may also result from internal factors such as fluctuation in hormonal levels.
How is stress affecting my skin?
1) It can give you acne
If you are breaking out regularly, you may need to monitor your stress levels. Research states that stress can cause acne by increasing the level of cortisol. When your body produces more cortisol, it triggers your skin to produce more oil, which clogs your pores, resulting in a blemish.
2) It can make your skin sag by breaking down collagen and elastin in your body
3) It can cause inflammation such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
4) It can cause fine lines and wrinkles
5) It can dry out your skin
6) It can make your skin appear red
7) It can make your skin tight and dull
How can I manage stress-induced irritations on my skin?
If stress has impacted your skin, here are some ways to combat resulting skin problems.
Use products with:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants ward off harmful agents that can damage your skin. If you have a pre-existing skin condition caused by stress, we advise that you go for antioxidant-rich products. A top-rated product packed with antioxidants is the Carotene Glow Antioxidant Booster, which contains carotenes that protect the skin and keep it smooth, firm and healthy. Antioxidants can also improve skin conditions such as sunburn, hyperpigmentation, aging, and acne.
Humectants
Humectants help to attract and retain water in your skin, thereby preventing it from dryness. Skin conditions such as inflammation, acne, and wrinkles caused by stress, can be helped by the constant use of humectants. These moisturizing compounds are also responsible for enhancing your skin barrier. Some common and useful humectants out there are glycerin and aloe vera. Our Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum, Orange Blossom Facial Cream and Rosey Cheeks Facial Cream all contain humectants perfect for stressed out skin.
Botanical extracts
Botanical extracts are great anti-stress agents. They can be infused in personal care products so that you can reap their unique benefits. Such extracts offer soothing, calming, and healing properties to your skin. Some soothing and effective natural extracts include; chamomile, licorice root, lavender, aloe vera and calendula.
You and your skin will greatly benefit from managing stress if you are able. Skin care routines, facial massages, baths are all at-home ways to take care of yourself and reduce your stress levels.