Photo by Elsa Tonkinwise on Unsplash
Stressed skin is a common phenomenon where psychological stress manifests in various skin conditions. The connection between stress and skin health is rooted in the brain-skin axis, a bidirectional pathway that allows stress signals to affect our largest organ. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger a cascade of effects on our skin.
Stress can impact the skin in several ways:
- Increased inflammation: Stress hormones can lead to heightened inflammation in the skin, exacerbating conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Impaired barrier function: Chronic stress can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants and environmental damage.
- Overproduction of oil: Stress can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, potentially leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
- Dehydration: Stress activates sweat glands, which can result in skin dehydration and dryness.
- Slower healing: Elevated stress levels can impair the skin’s ability to heal wounds effectively.
To address stressed skin, it’s essential to tackle both the underlying stress and its effects on the skin. One of the most important steps is to incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily life. Practicing relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress levels. Regular exercise is also beneficial, as physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep, all of which benefit skin health. Prioritising sleep is crucial too; aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body and skin recover.
Here are five products which are specifically designed for stressed skin:
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream is a vitamin-rich daily moisturiser designed to treat and prevent signs of stressed skin. It addresses fine lines, dehydration, and dullness by providing immediate nourishment and hydration. The cream contains powerful multivitamins to combat environmental stressors and boost skin resilience, helping to prevent premature ageing. Clinical results show improvement in four visible signs of skin stress after just one use.
This Works Stress Check Face Oil
This Works Stress Check Face Oil is a nourishing treatment designed to soothe and rebalance stressed skin. It contains a blend of botanical oils, including Vitamin C, E, Moringa, and Crambe Oil, which work together to moisturise and improve skin texture. The formula also includes calming essential oils like Lavender and Chamomile to provide a soothing effect on irritated skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix
Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix is an advanced night cream designed to target areas where stress impacts skin most. It uses Drone Peptide Technology to deliver intense hydration and contains a blend of Padina Pavonica, Chlorella, and Wild Indigo Oligosaccharides. This formula creates a protective matrix to seal in moisture, restore balance to stressed skin, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overnight.
Medik8 Calmwise Serum
Medik8 Calmwise Serum is a targeted treatment for stressed, sensitive skin prone to redness and irritation. Its key ingredient, teprenone, visibly reduces skin redness within a month while supporting the skin barrier. The serum contains only seven soothing ingredients, including jojoba oil and sage extract, to calm inflammation and provide relief to sensitised skin.
Murad Intense Recovery Cream
Murad Intense Recovery Cream is a luxurious moisturiser designed to combat signs of stressed skin. It contains shea butter, macadamia oil, and microalgae extract to deeply hydrate, soothe redness, and reduce the appearance of stress-induced ageing. Clinical studies show significant improvements in skin hydration, comfort, and redness reduction after four weeks of use. This non-comedogenic formula is suitable for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types.
Last updated on 13/02/2025.