If you’ve noticed that your skin is looking worse after a tough week, or annoyingly just before a big occasion such as a wedding, work presentation, or even a longed-for holiday, then you are not imagining it. Stress can show up in the condition of our skin, and make it prone to breakouts, dry patches or inflammation.
Here’s a look at why this happens, and what you can do about it.
Why can stress affect our skin?
When we are under stress, the body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, triggering the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This can have its uses, helping the heart to work faster and giving the brain and muscles an extra shot of oxygen.
However, in modern stressful situations, stress usually shows up in the form of mental or emotional forms rather than a physical threat such as a hungry predator in the undergrowth. A looming work deadline or late train can send the nervous system into overdrive, which can cause excess oil production and increase inflammation.
This can result in breakouts, redness, and irritation. It also slows down the skin’s natural healing process, so that any flare ups take longer to calm down and heal. Stress hormones further disrupt the skin barrier, so you might notice that your skin is drier and more sensitive than usual.
What can you do to combat it?
There are no failsafe ways of protecting your skin from the effects of stress: after all, stress is an unavoidable part of life and we all go through busy or challenging times. However, there are some tactics that will help you to support your skin, as well as yourself. Here are some suggestions.
Avoid harsh products
It can be tempting to use strong products such as benzyl peroxide to correct oiliness and spots, or harsh scrubs to exfoliate away dry patches. However, these are likely to irritate your skin further and it could end up looking and feeling worse. Instead, choose natural products that are rich in minerals but gentle on your skin, such as montmorillonite clay.
This type of clay has been used for centuries to cleanse the skin, calm irritation, and draw out impurities. It can be mixed with honey or agave nectar and spring water for a rejuvenating face mask, or with cider vinegar or lemon juice if you want to tackle oiliness and breakouts.
Develop an achievable wind-down routine
Applying a facemask can be a calming ritual in itself, carving out 15 or 20 minutes of spare time while you relax and let it do its thing. Try to use the time to stay away from screens, and instead listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate.
Stay well hydrated
When we are stressed, it can be easy to overdo the caffeine and reach for salty snacks that give us a quick energy boost, but ultimately leave us (and our skin) dehydrated and sluggish. Instead, limit caffeine or try alternatives such as herbal tea, or water infused with a few drops of fruit juice. Choose water-rich snacks such as fruit and yoghurt.
