In today’s fast-paced world, where deadlines loom and responsibilities multiply, experiencing stress has become an increasingly common occurrence. While stress is an inherent aspect of human life that helps us respond to challenges, its prolonged presence can have detrimental effects on both our overall well-being and our skin’s health.
When we experience stress, our bodies respond by producing elevated levels of cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” which can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses and lead to various skin concerns including unexpected breakouts.
Beyond internal stressors, our skin must also contend with various environmental challenges such as dry heat, pollution, and harsh weather conditions, all of which can contribute to skin irritation and sensitivity.
Signs & Symptoms of Stressed Out Skin:
When your body experiences stress, it undergoes several physiological changes, particularly notable increases in stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact your skin’s natural processes, disrupting the regular production of essential components like collagen and protective antioxidants.
This disruption manifests in various visible skin concerns that can be particularly troubling. Let’s examine these common stress-related skin issues in detail:
Increased breakouts
One of the most visible manifestations of stressed skin is the emergence of breakouts and acne. This occurs because stress-induced cortisol stimulates the skin’s oil-producing glands to increase their output. The resulting excess sebum production creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive, making your skin significantly more susceptible to breakouts and various other skin concerns.
Dullness
The impact of stress extends beyond just breakouts – it can severely disrupt your natural sleep patterns and circadian rhythm. This disruption often manifests as noticeable under-eye concerns, including dark circles and puffiness, while also contributing to an overall lackluster and dull complexion.
Dryness
When experiencing stress, your skin’s natural moisture barrier can become compromised. This weakening of the skin’s protective barrier function interferes with its ability to retain essential moisture and hydration.
As a result, the skin becomes noticeably dehydrated and may feel tight or uncomfortable. So keep it hydrated through proper skincare and moisture-retaining products if you want to maintain smooth, radiant, and healthy-looking skin.
Ingredients That Can Calm Stressed Out Skin
We all know there is no problem without a solution; yes, there are some unique ingredients that can soothe your stressed-out skin. Let’s see what they are;
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
We’ve heard a lot about the goodness of this magical ingredient and its benefits. The skin is actively hydrated by hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, it helps draw and retain moisture. It reduces skin inflammation, maximizes collagen levels and improves skin elasticity.
It evens skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. And so, including this ingredient in skincare can calm your stressed skin and control many skin concerns. It can be used in cream form, or you may try out serums containing hyaluronic acid.
Peptides
According to experts, peptides are the best that can boost collagen and elastin production, which is essential to maintain soft and firm skin. Peptides have excellent anti-inflammatory properties, too, and so it helps to soothe and reduce sensitivity. Using skin care products that contain peptides can plump up and smooth stressed-out skin.
Aloe Vera
Nowadays, we can hardly find skincare products without Aloe Vera. So why is Aloe Vera so heavily used, especially today? Relief! Aloe Vera serves to freshen, rejuvenate and soothe the skin within minutes. This amazing plant is power-packed with Vitamins and Amino acids. The other skin benefits are reducing dark spots, skin brightening, and moisturizing the skin.
Lavender Extracts
It is one of the best ingredients that possess amazing skin-soothing and relaxing properties. It is effective in treating various skin concerns like acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. Besides, the lavender extract is highly rich in antibacterial properties. The best part is that, according to research, lavender oil, when applied topically, aids in reducing oxidative stress in the skin.
Pomegranate Seed Oil:
Pomegranate seed oil is known for its beneficial properties for skin health due to its rich content of antioxidants, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some specific skin conditions that can be improved by using pomegranate seed oil include: dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne, sun damage and the list goes on and on.
Rose:
This beautiful flower is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. And so, the skincare products that contain rosehip seed oil can deeply nourish and strengthen your skin. Moreover, it helps to soothe the skin, minimizes wrinkles and fine lines. Similarly, rose water is found best in soothing stressed-out skin. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce the skin’s redness, and soothes irritated skin.
Best Ways to Care Stressed Out Skin?
Follow a consistent skincare routine
If you want to keep the skin free from stress, a skincare routine can help out. Avoid using too many products on your skin; instead, prefer gentle and formulated products according to the skin’s needs. Cleansing and Moisturizing should be given utmost importance. You may also incorporate hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera products to soothe and protect the skin.
Find ways to de-stress
Stress isn’t good for your body or skin. It is unavoidable but can be controlled. You can find numerous ways to cope with stress. Engaging in your favorite activity, travelling, self-care etc., are some of them. Apart from these, following a proper sleep routine, working out regularly, and a well-balanced diet can make a lot of difference in keeping your stress level under control.
Finally, using the best skin soothing skincare products that contain perfect ingredients and following a healthy lifestyle can control the skin problems caused on your skin due to stress. As the proverb says, “there is no problem without solution” – It’s we who need to find out the right solutions necessary to keep our skin healthy and happy.
