How Stress Affects the Skin
We've all been there - you're going through a particularly stressful time in your life and suddenly your skin starts to react with rashes. This is completely normal, but it's also very frustrating and can often make stress and anxiety worse, which in turn leads to even more extreme skin irritation. It's a vicious cycle that you have to break out of.
Take the time to understand why stress affects the skin and learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels. Here's everything you need to know...
STRESS AND SKIN - HOW THEY ARE RELATED...
Increased stress levels cause a chemical reaction in the body that makes the skin more sensitive and reactive. In addition, stress can delay the healing process, meaning spots and blemishes remain longer than usual. During periods of stress, the body increases the production of cortisol, which in turn causes the glands to produce more oil. This can lead to increased clogged pores and acne.
In acute skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, stress can trigger a flare-up and even cause rashes and increased sensitivity. If the stress is due to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can also be difficult for us to give our skin the proper care and attention it needs.
This all sounds pretty daunting, but it is possible to get stress-related skin problems under control.
HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS AND YOUR SKIN
To manage stress levels and improve skin, it's essential to make some lifestyle changes. Here are our top tips...
- From now on, your skincare routine will be a priority. This act of self-care not only gives us a little daily "me" time, but also helps us take control of our skin.
- You should try to take half an hour of exercise every day. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels and improves blood circulation, which in turn is good for your skin.
- Learn to say no - taking on too much is likely to make stress worse. Setting priorities and learning to set boundaries helps us take care of our own health and well-being.
- Ample sleep – 7 to 8 hours per night is essential to reduce stress levels and give the skin the time it needs to regenerate.
- To cope with increasing stress, it is recommended to practice stress management techniques daily. This could even be just five minutes of meditation in the morning and evening or half an hour of yoga.
- Focus on a healthy lifestyle. A good diet with natural foods and whole grains improves overall health and well-being and helps us reduce stress.
SUPPORTING OUR SKIN NATURALLY…
When dealing with acute stress-related skin problems, an excellent skin care routine is a must, but the skin care products you use also have a huge impact on the condition of your skin. Many skin care products contain harsh chemicals that will only make the problems worse in the long run.
The preferred choice should always be a natural alternative that focuses on nourishing and hydrating the skin. Our Rose Renew skincare range uses rose water and rosehip seed oil along with other powerful natural ingredients. The natural ingredients support skin regeneration, hydration and balance and can significantly improve the effects of stress on the skin, which in turn can help reduce overall stress.
Although it may be easier said than done, it is important to prevent stress-related skin problems from overwhelming us. Establishing a routine for improving skin and managing stress will soon show signs of recovery and ultimately lead to a reduction in stress levels.
