Do you know that stress and hectic everyday life, together with bad habits (smoking, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, etc.), can affect the condition of your skin? And do you know how to take care of stressed and tired skin , which bears visible and even lasting marks if you don't intervene in the right way?
There are several factors that intervene to make the skin stressed and to the formation of blemishes.
Dehydration, environmental pollution, atmospheric agents (wind, low and high temperatures, etc.), junk food, insomnia or a few hours of sleep a night, but also your mental state put your skin to the test every day. All these elements are reflected in the skin in the form of acne, hives and other inflammations such as rosacea and eczema.
When these effects of stress occur on your skin, it's time to take action and address them with an appropriate daily skincare routine, preferably rich in revitalizing ingredients such as snail slime , aloe and caffeine.
What does stressed skin look like?
First of all it depends on the problem. Lack of sleep or a wild life inevitably lead to the appearance of bags and dark circles.
Lack of hydration, which can also depend on stress, is one of the main reasons and leads to dryness, but also makes the skin look dull and gray.
Furthermore, stressed skin, compared to skin in optimal condition, shows more evident signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
In short, the skin is subjected to a number of factors that cause it to lose its natural shine and beauty.
Read also: How to moisturize the skin
Effects of stress on the skin
- Dry, flaky skin : When you sweat, you lose a lot of fluids and that water isn't replenished, your skin will become frizzy. Also, if you drink a lot of coffee and alcohol when you're under stress, dehydration problems will get worse.
- Acne : Due to hormonal imbalance and overproduction of sebum, your face may start to become inflamed. Acne is one of the most commonly experienced effects of stress on the skin.
- Hypersensitivity : Stress can cause a large number of skin problems, such as the formation of pimples.
- Bags under the eyes : not sleeping enough hours affects your appearance with the appearance of bags and dark circles.
How can you take care of stressed skin?
Let's start with some tips that don't involve the purchase of cosmetics or other skin care products, but which still reduce stress and have benefits for both the skin and the body.
- Book a massage : Massages are one of the best stress relievers. Studies have shown that massage reduces pain and stress, as well as improves mood and sleep quality.
- Drink plenty of water : Water not only helps you get clearer skin by hydrating it, but also helps your body handle stress better. There is also a direct link between stress and dehydration. When the heart rate increases and breathing is heavier than normal, the loss of fluid from the body is more profound.
- Exercise : In addition to relieving stress, exercise allows the body to eliminate toxins, increase blood flow, and nourish skin cells. However be sure to practice skincare after your workout.
- Follow a balanced diet : foods high in sugar and fat, sugary drinks, alcohol, foods with additives only worsen the condition of your skin, as well as not being recommended for health. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which are not only good for the skin and the immune system, but also detoxifying.
- Stop smoking : smoking is not good for the body or the skin. Smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients. In addition, some chemicals cause the destruction of collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and deeper wrinkles.
Stressed skin care: which products to use?
A stressed skin is a skin that requires more attention than usual, a more targeted care, choosing those products that not only mitigate the effects of stress, but at the same time revitalize the complexion, returning the skin to its normal color, its brightness, its freshness, its elasticity, making it look healthy again.
Facial cleansers
What is the real purpose of a cleaner?
Not only cleanse the skin, but also not affect the integrity of the skin barrier. You will find all kinds of products on the market: there are aggressive detergents that can damage the skin and cause dysfunction of the skin barrier.
Gentle cleansers contain oleic acid and various vitamins and omegas, rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stresses. You can also choose a gentle, nourishing cleanser that balances the skin's pH and draws out impurities, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Facial serums for stressed skin
Look for soothing and calming serums to address sensitized and stressed skin, which contain high levels of restorative ceramides and fatty acids to repair the outer layer of skin.
The night creams
Did you know that skin hydration levels decrease starting in the afternoon?
When skin is stressed and the barrier is compromised, dryness can get worse. A night moisturizer is therefore an optimal choice to improve stressed skin.
Look for creams with ingredients that help skin lock in moisture, such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Treatments for stressed skin
There are several treatments that can help combat the signs of stress on your skin. Retinol is a well-known anti-aging ingredient, for example, but it's also beneficial to those experiencing stress-related changes, such as skin breakouts, dryness, and congestion.
Masks for stressed skin
Face masks help address stress-induced inflammation.
What masks to try?
Look for a face mask that purifies or soothes your skin, depending on the type of issues you're having. There are also masks that help control excess sebum or eliminate skin impurities.
Don't neglect the eye area: the skin under the eyes is among the thinnest and most sensitive on the body, so it's most at risk of dryness, irritation and even swelling.
Soothing eye masks are great for stress, as they have calming benefits for your skin.
