How To Take Care of Stressed Skin

With the wedding season in full swing and the foggy season finally settling in, our skin tends to go through a lot! What exactly is stressed skin, what causes it, and what can you do to de-stress it - read on to find out. 

How Stress and Skin Relate to Each Other

Beauty starts from the inside. The skin is the largest and most prominent organ in the human body, and therefore can be a telltale sign of the wars fought within. Our skin is the greatest indicator of emotions, especially stress. It is not an alien concept to be overwhelmed and overworked by the monotonous life cycle in which we are stuck today. And since everyone experiences stress at different stages of their life, it possesses the tendency to make the skin go haywire. However, the trick is to be vigilant and adopt a skincare routine for stressed skin as stressed skin can be the precursor to multiple conditions such as oily skin, dull complexion, irritated skin, and so on. If you’re worried about skin that screams stress and want to get rid of it, then this article is meant for you!

Stressed Skin Symptoms 

Taking care of stressed skin is essential and it is advisable to keep an eye out for the signs that your skin is showing you. Stressed skin can look different from person to person. However, there are some signs to watch out for. 

• Dull skin. Dull skin is the first and most important sign of stressed skin. Stress impairs blood flow and stops the blood supply to the skin. The plumpness of the face is lost and signs of aging start to appear.  
• Tired Eyes. The eyes, chico. They never lie. And we just cannot agree more! When the body loses energy and does not find time to rest, the eyes give it away immediately. If you lie in bed all night or wake up with anxiety, puffy eyes and bags under your eyes pop out in the morning.  
• Redness. Calming the skin is often the focus of stressful skincare routines. Redness of the skin is a major sign of stressed skin. Stress provokes a "fight or flight" reaction, paving the way for hormones to be released into the bloodstream, causing a rush of blood to the face and causing redness. 
• Acne. We’ve all been there. Planning a vacation after ages, going through a major life event, dolling up for a romantic date, or a much-anticipated family weekend and your skin is breaking out! (UGH). As much as you despise it, it is an indicator of stressed skin! When stressed, the skin loses its cool and produces unregulated amounts of sebum causing clogged pores and acne. 
• Sensitive skin. When stressed, the body releases cortisol. In large quantities, cortisol leads to skin thinning. This is the main cause of the destruction of the dermal protein layer under the skin. Not only does it make the skin thinner, but it also makes it more sensitive and vulnerable to damage.  

Looking After Stressed Skin 

Nobody fancies dull, tired-looking skin, and managing stress is easier said than done. Here are a few practical ways that can assist you in caring for stressed skin to get that healthy glow going on.

• Take out your yoga mat. We know how the skin reacts to stress. Thanks to the sebaceous glands, the skin is resultantly oily, greasy, and clogged! Physical activity is not always the first thing that comes to your mind when you are under stress. However, researchers have proven that participating in meditative and stress-free activities can be very helpful. Simple workouts in the gym, yoga sessions, and meditation are several ways to manage stress. Remember to calm your skin by calming your mind. 
• Choose gentle skincare products. Stressed skincare routines should revolve around gentle care products. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, as the skin is already irritated and inflamed. Instead, use a gentle product coupled with a soothing cleansing routine that does not deprive the skin of its natural oils and moisture. 
• Masks are your best friend. If your skin gets oily due to stress, choose an oil-absorbent clay mask. If your skin is dry, a homemade moisturizing mask is your best bet (avocado and honey are ingredients to watch out for!). If you are most concerned about puffy eyes, soak a green tea bag in lukewarm water and place it over your eyes when it cools for a refreshing effect. Whipping-up a mask with ingredients from the pantry serves as a cheap and natural way to treat various symptoms of stressed skin. Additional points for not using chemicals! 
• Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. Care for stressed skin requires time, affection, and tenderness. It doesn't work overnight. You need to make a conscious effort to devote a few minutes of the day to your skincare session. If you don't have enough time, follow a minimal three-step routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing every night before bed.
• Sleep well. Lack of sleep shows instantly on the skin. Skin carries out its regenerative function during the night and when you don’t catch those precious hours, it will adversely affect the skin. Since the body goes into a restorative mode during the night that alleviates signs of stressed skin, make sure you don’t compromise on that. Take your beauty sleep seriously, you guys!
• Digital detox. While it feels great to connect with friends and family that are miles apart, doing so all-day-everyday tends to keep you all wired up. Get into the habit of unplugging every day in the later hours of the day and spend that time in activities that relax you. Bye-bye stressed skin!

Stressed skin is nobody’s dream but it is (sadly) inevitable. Dry, splotchy, acne-prone, dull, inflamed, and oily skin are all results of stress that make caring for stressed skin even more important. By following these practical tips, engaging in stress-free activities, opting for gentle skin products, being consistent in a routine, and getting beauty sleep, you too can achieve that radiant, glowing look. For more information regarding skin health, drop by the Arvelon Blog.