5 Effects of stress on the skin.

Clear, radiant skin does not magically develop on its own. Healthy, youthful looking skin is best achieved by establishing an effective skincare routine and by taking measures to combat the stressors that can wreak havoc on your skin. Below are five ways that stress negatively affects the skin and some measures you can take to prevent stress from ruining your skin's appearance.  

1) Your skin will age faster as a result of stress

"Anxiety, crying, feeling down and a lack of sleep can cause deeper lines around the eyes, forehead, eye area and mouth."- Melissa Matthews, Medical Daily

Stress can cause people to look 5 to 10 years older. In addition to an increase in fine lines, stress can cause the skin to look puffy and saggy, especially around the eyes, mouth, and neck. People enduring stress also tend to sleep less, which can worsen these effects.

2) Stress can increase oil production and lead to breakouts

Acne is one of the most common side effects of stress. While stress does not directly cause breakouts, stress can trigger the conditions that lead to breakouts. These conditions include excess oil production, increased blood flow, and poor absorption of nutrients by the skin. 

3) Stress can cause your skin to lose its luster over time

"Not only can stress cause breakouts, but it also creates tiny perforations in cell membranes that allow water to leak from cells and dehydrate the skin. That's when fine lines and a lacklustre skin tone begin to appear."- Women's Health

Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to dehydration and dull looking skin. Hallmarks of stress sufferers include dark patches and an uneven skin tone. Redness and blotchiness may also result due to the body's increased production of histamine over time. 

4) Skin infections are more likely to develop as a result of stress

Failure to properly manage stress in your life can lead to the development of skin conditions such as Eczema, Rosacea, and Psoriasis. Stress can also cause existing conditions to worsen and can contribute to the development of cold sores and other skin infections.

5) Stress can cause your skin to become thinner

"Stress and anxiety raise the level of cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," in your body. Among the many side effects of increased cortisol is an increase in blood sugar... For the skin, increased blood sugar means glycation, the process in which sugar binds to and damages lipid and protein molecules, such as collagen. This collagen damage leads to thin, wrinkled skin."- Leslie Baumann, M.D., Cosmetic Dermatologist 

Thinning skin is a leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles, which can lead to an aged appearance. Stress paves the way for thinning skin by increasing cortisol levels and interfering with collagen production.  

What measures can you take to revitalise your skin?

If stress has taken a toll on your skin, you will need to take a multi-faceted approach to help restore your skin's beauty. In addition to establishing and adhering to a regular skincare routine, you can help revitalize your skin by taking the following steps:

• Learn how to recognize and avoid situations that trigger stress for you
• Develop appropriate means of coping with stressors that you cannot avoid
• Invest in good skincare products manufactured to combat the ageing process and restore your skin's beauty
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise
• Always wear sunscreen, even if you plan to spend little time outdoors

The Bottom Line

Stress negatively impacts the skin in a variety of ways. In addition to exacerbating existing skin conditions, stress can lead to the development of acne, infections, and fine lines. The end result is dull looking skin that can cause you to look up to a decade older. Fortunately, you can help restore your skin's youthful appearance by learning how to properly manage stressors and by investing in anti-aging skincare products.

Our three favourites to ease away stress:

1. The Goodnight Co. Goodnight Tea:

The Goodnight Co. Goodnight Tea is a natural and organic night time tea, that has been blended to help soothe and destress you into a restful sleep.

2. Dermalogica Age Smart Power Recovery Masque: 

Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque contains botanicals to help soothe and calm stressed skin and vitamins A, C and E to help repair damaged, ageing skin. Perfect for when your skin needs to be revitalised.

3. Black Chicken Remedies Essential Oil - Upbeat:

Upbeat promotes happiness and the feeling of wellbeing. Helps to reduce stress and increase energy levels.