Stress. We all experience it from time to time and it can often come from an unexpected place or catch us off guard. It can take a physical toll on our bodies and skin depending on the person as we all react to stress differently. Some of us may develop headaches, faster heartbeat, insomnia, as well as many more including irritated skin or more spots than usual.
There is a scientific reason why our skin reacts to stress in this way. When our body feels stressed it releases more cortisol than usual which can cause more sebum to be produced by the skin. Extra sebum and oils on the skin can lead to clogged pores and spots. Stress can also trigger bad habits that we already have such as picking at our skin which can also be why our skin will take a turn for the worst during stressful periods in our lives. Stress may also aggravate pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, it may cause rashes or hives. This is a response to your body’s production of cortisol.
So what causes stress in our lives? It can be a number of things from the world around us, menstruation, lack of sleep, work, school and the list goes on. As we get busier we may find ourselves slacking on our daily skin routine – makeup wipes are NOT the answer! Stress already will cause the proteins found in our skin to alter slightly which may mean that we develop fine lines earlier, have puffier skin or dry skin and it also will slow up the natural healing processes that occur in the skin so during these times as much as we may want to slack, now is the most important time to care for our skin.
What we do have to do is remember that stress can and will affect everyone differently and that this is perfectly okay. Stressing about our reaction to stress is not the answer to that big pimple on your chin!
Here are some tips Green Angel recommend to manage and deal with your stress and your skin:
Strip it back
If you find yourself wishing for more hours in the day, take your skin routine back to basics. Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise. This will help you save time and will also ensure that your skin is being taken care of during these stressful times – a makeup wipe is never the answer!
Take a break
It sounds ridiculous but just sit and breathe for 10 minutes. This will help to reset your brain and body and you will be more productive afterwards. Even try a toner spritz to refresh your skin (and makeup) during this time – it will thank you.
Don’t pick
If your skin reacts to stress with a breakout, I repeat do not pick! I know it’s hard but this will leave you with a scar. Cleanse your face and put on a face mask to dry the bugger out, then moisturise. Try our Green Angel Rescue Seaweed and Tea-tree cream which is a natural anti-inflammatory to help to reduce the swelling on your pimple.
Write a to-do list
This can be as detailed as ‘brush teeth, wash face…’, whatever works for you. If it means that you get your daily tasks and workload completed, who cares right? Don’t forget to put that skincare routine down too, morning and evening!
Talk it out
There is always someone to talk to and who will listen. Maybe this is a friend or a partner or parent. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk.