Stress and skin: How to calm your complexion and restore your glow

This month marks Stress Awareness Month* and, in the UK alone, a recent report** has revealed that 9 in 10 people have experienced stress or high pressure at some point in the past year. When your skin seems more reactive, looks dull or becomes prone to breakouts, stress can be one of the main culprits. Chronic stress can also accelerate signs of ageing, aggravate your skin barrier and cause inflammation amongst other things. 

If you're tackling persistent dryness, sudden flare-ups or increased sensitivity, the best way to restore some balance is to firstly understand the effects of psychological stress on your skin. So, here we've got together some practical tips on how to bring back your glow and lessen irritation. A clever combination of techniques, from managing stress levels to targeted skincare solutions, will give you everything you need to know to enhance your well-being and nurture your skin for a healthy, radiant look. 

How chronic stress can impact your skin

Grounding remedies help lower stress hormones, which will prevent skin imbalances and inflammation for a healthier glowing complexion.

If you're under extreme stress, this doesn't just take its toll on your mind as it can manifest itself through your skin, too. Chronic conditions, such as this, can trigger psychological changes in your brain, which impact your skin by disrupting its natural balance.

Cortisol is also one such example of stress hormones that weaken your skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, breakouts and increased dryness. This is how skin conditions, such as stress-induced acne, psoriasis and sensitivity become ongoing issues, as you become more susceptible to infected and inflamed skin. Prolonged psychological stress can weaken your immune system and affect your hair follicles, too, resulting in thinning, premature greying and excessive shedding.

Over time, if your stress isn't managed properly, this can accelerate the process of ageing, leaving you with fatigued, dull skin. But there are ways in which you can restore your skin's health, boost your immune system and ultimately break the cycle, by restoring your skin's condition from the inside out.

Stress management techniques for better skin

If you want to achieve brighter, healthier skin, you’ll need to manage stress effectively. If you can create a sense of calm with simple practices, such as yoga, Pilates, meditation or deep breathing, this will be reflected in your complexion.

Regular exercise to relieve stress & promote skin health 

Exercising regularly boosts circulation and reduces stress hormones, which means you can benefit from healthier skin and stronger, shinier hair

Don't forget to exercise, as this can impact your skin (and hair) health. It's an absolute game-changer, which helps to oxygenise your skin and boost circulation. This also reduces levels of cortisol, mentioned above, which therefore lowers the chances of breakouts and inflammation.

Getting a good night's sleep

Sleeping well is also crucial for your skin to repair and regenerate itself, which will help to restore a more youthful glow. A long soak in the tub with the right product can ultimately help promote deep sleep by relaxing muscles and releasing nervous tension. Taking time out is also a great mood booster, which will help you to reduce stress, so take regular breaks and try activities that you enjoy. Ultimately, the better you manage the stress in your life, the more skin conditions you will prevent, ranging from eczema and psoriasis to dryness, inflammation and acne.

Strategies to nourish your skin from within

Good nutrition & skin health

Carefully considering what you put on your plate should complement the products you are applying to your skin. We are firm advocates of a well-balanced diet. After all, nutrient-rich foods can work wonders in terms of supporting skin health. Introducing plenty of whole grains, fruits and veggies into your diet can help to support your skin's natural glow by protecting against damage from the environment. You can also help to maintain skin elasticity, if you pick omega-3 fatty foods - think flaxseeds, walnuts and salmon - which also help to reduce redness. For firm, youthful skin, vitamin C is important as this plays a key role in collagen production - try citrus fruits, bell peppers and berries.

Hydration & processed foods

De-stress with plant-based diets

Looking after you and your body need not be hard work. With a few simple changes, you could improve skin issues and alleviate health problems. Why not consider a plant-based diet? Adding vegetarian or vegan dishes to your weekly meal schedule can help improve stress levels, such as lowering anxiety, and contribute to your overall skin health. Mindful food choices can be a great way to nourish your skin for a radiant complexion. 

Introducing stress remedies to your home

A diffuser with essential oils will release calming aromas around your bedroom, which lower stress hormones, enabling you to relax and can help to enhance mental clarity, so both your body and mind can unwind

You can instantly enhance your home for stress-free living with a few little changes. Creating a stress-free environment with a room spray or candle are easy ways to transform your living space into a harmonious environment.

For the bedroom, look for a spray, which offers a blend of essential oils with soothing, grounding properties, such as jasmine and vetiver. Apply a few spritzes to your room and you'll transform this space into a peaceful sanctuary for deep sleep and relaxation. Or a diffuser oil with lavender can offer similar benefits, including reducing anxiety. Choosing the right scented candle for your home can also evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. Essential oils, such as patchouli and spikenard offer instant peace, while sandalwood and rosemary can help to promote mindfulness with an inspirational, energising, woody aroma. 

Setting up your skincare routine for stressed skin

A gentle, supportive skincare routine is a great way to reduce stress, calm irritation and restore balance. There are plenty of ways to reduce sensitive skin - fragrance-free and non-irritating products can help to reduce further disruption to stressed skin. Look for ingredients which can protect the skin's protective barrier by reducing inflammation and locking in hydration.

Regular exfoliation can work wonders but choose a product, which is mild in order not to over-strip the skin. This will promote healthy cells while removing dead ones. Pick a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser, designed for your skin type to prevent discomfort and tightness, and help combat dryness, while retaining moisture.

Stressed-out skin doesn't respond well to heavy creams and ointments, so keep your routine simple with an emphasis on ingredients, which will contribute to strengthening your skin's barrier - as a result, your skin will recover and restore its resilience with a natural glow.

Grounding remedies for stressed skin

Natural remedies are key for soothing the mind and body, which in turn will lead to a clearer, brighter complexion. If you incorporate specialist products into your routine, your skin will ultimately benefit.