It’s just my luck that whenever I am feeling stressed out, my skin takes a turn for the worse. Not really fair is it, as if there’s not already enough on my plate and then I have bad skin to deal with on top! But if you’re feeling like me, then please don’t worry. If you’re sick and tired of stressed out skin (and I know I am not the only one!) I’ve pulled together some top tips to help reduce the signs of stress.
So, it’s likely that if you’ve been under stress, your skin will show the signs. Acne, rashes, lines, wrinkles and dry skin check sound familiar!? Yep – me too! Give the steps below a try and I hope they have a positive impact on your skin, just like they did on mine. Zen!
Gently does it
The right skincare and special attention is the order of the day for stressed out skin. If you have sensitive skin, aim to only use products that are gentle, fragrance free and won’t irritate your skin any further. Acne or rashes are just some of the common signs of stress on your skin, so look for products that are tailored to soother and calm stressed skin.
It’s time to get healthy
If you thought that healthy eating was just for your waistline, then think again! It really does do wonders for ensuring healthy skin! You know what it’s like to feel stressed and want to eat everything in sight, but instead of reaching for the pizza or chocolate bar, try to eat a diet rich in lean protein, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to give your body the proper nutrition it needs to fight off inflammation and keep your skin in tip top shape!
Do not underestimate the power of the zzzzz’s
Lack of sleep is a major sign of stress on the skin. If you want your skin to look its best, you need to be aiming for 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to enable cells to regenerate and facial muscles to rest. It may be totally new to you to get more sleep but make an effort to get into a better sleep schedule! Sleep not only helps you feel better overall but it also keeps you sharp and reduces stress!
Consistency will and does pay off
It’s imperative that we stick to our skin care regime, in order to reduce the signs of stress on our skin. Sometimes when we’re busy and stressed we might neglect our skin care duties. No matter how busy or tired you are, don’t disregard your skin! Cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate and protect your skin regularly to prevent and reduce the signs of stress.
Guzzle that H2O girls!
According to experts, stressed out organs such as our kidneys can be the cause of unsightly shadows under our eyes. Also, dehydration can cause wrinkles and fine lines to appear deeper and more obvious. Fill up on water to stay hydrated and flush impurities out of the body, relieve puffy skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Sounds like an all round good idea to us! Pass me a glass of water, now!
Take the time to relax and enjoy some ‘me’ time
Unwinding can do a lot of good for you, both physically and mentally! Taking some time out to relax and rejuvenate might seem frivolous but it can have a hugely positive impact on your health and wellbeing.
Why not spend time with a friend, treat yourself to a massage or get your nails painted? All have been shown to lower levels of cortisol and help you feel better. While getting a pedicure might not magically cure any skin issues, it’s a good way to get it back on the right track!