I think we can all agree that stress has affected each one of us in some way over the past number of months. Stress has a way of showing up in many areas of our life, one being – our skin
Understanding stress, and how it’s linked to our skin is crucial in dealing with stress-based flare-ups and helping our mind and body heal.
In this blog post we will discuss stress, in all its forms, and how you can best deal with flare-ups.
How stress affects our skin
When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol causes increased oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Chronic stress leads to constant increased levels of these hormones and can have a negative effect on your skin health.
Additionally, psychological conditions can cause increased internal inflammation. When your body perceives a threat, the immune system sends out a response to handle it – that response is inflammation. Usually, inflammation helps protect and heal our bodies from microbes and wounds, but a body under stress causes the immune system to overreact and send out an inflammatory response.
Stress can also cause inflammation through the gut-skin connection. Stress impacts the balance of bacteria in your gut, which leads to a release of inflammation. Internal inflammation can manifest externally as skin conditions like acne, or eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. People with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are more sensitive to flare ups when they are stressed.
Reducing stress related skin issues
There are many at-home steps you can take to ease the effects of stress on your skin.
- Maintain a good skin care routine every day, even on days when you feel too tired or anxious. If being stressed makes you feel tired, you may not want to take off your makeup and wash your face before bed. But try to stick with your routine anyway, because neglect could worsen your skin issues.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that will improve your energy, mood, and outlook.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with whole foods and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed and sugar-laden foods trigger more inflammation inside your body.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and heal, and good sleep improves your mood, energy levels, and cognition.
- Take time for yourself. Find the time to engage in a relaxing, re-energizing activity that makes you happy – read a book, take a warm bath, get a massage, listen to music, meditate, or practice yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Must have products
Eczema & Dry Skin
Formulated with Active Naturals® Triple Oat Complex (Avenanthramides, Oat Oil and Colloidal Oatmeal) and Ceramides, this balm moisturises intensely to help reduce itchy sensations and helps restore the skin barrier in just 1 week.
Unscented, paraben free and fast absorbing
Double base Emollient Gel is designed to provide a high level of moisturization and is perfect for use in dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. Perfume free, paraben free, SLS free. 88% of patients rated reduction in dryness and itching as Excellent, Good or Satisfactory.
Elave Sensitive Shampoo has been formulated to suit all hair types including dry, damaged, coloured and heat processed hair. The sensitive shampoo cleanses and repairs the scalp providing immediate and lasting comfort, leaving you hair soft and shiny.
Oily Skin
TRILOGY PURIFYING CLEANSING TONER
Certified natural and vegan friendly, this gentle astringent toner helps removes excess oils without stripping the skin and has a refreshing mint and melon fragrance. Formulated with Australian lemon myrtle to help reduce excess sebum and shine, witch hazel to tone and refresh, and salicylic acid from willow bark to lightly exfoliate dull and rough-looking skin.
Cleanses and removes oil without disrupting the protective skin barrier of the face and body with 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide & hyaluronic acid
Problem Skin
3 step routine to help unclog pores and keep skin hydrated. Use morning and evening.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Effaclar purifying gel cleanser 200 ml
- Effaclar Clarifying toner 200ml
- Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser 40ml
BLACKHEAD VACUUM INSTRUMENT C0689
The Face Cleansing Instrument is a personal tool that gives you the benefits of microdermabrasion at your fingertips for a fraction of the cost.
Using millions of natural mineral particles and vacuum-pressure V-type face lifting technology to peel and remove dead skin cells on the top layer and suction to remove the particles along with dirt and blackheads.
Shop our complete skincare range HERE
Read more about skin stresses HERE
