Is stress affecting your skin?

Whilst each and every one of us has been busily embracing the perks of our newfound freedom this summer, one thing’s for certain the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over, and neither is its impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing.

The pandemic saw worsening levels of mental health throughout the country and across the wider world, and things weren’t helped at all by the support that so many of us needed being more difficult to access than ever due to lockdown restrictions.

Most had to take protecting and supporting their emotional and mental health into their own hands. As a result, many of us found the salvation we needed at home in our self-care routines.

Self-care has been something of a buzzword in recent months and our skincare regimes, in particular, have become empowering tools. Our carefully considered routines are helping us manage the stress that has such an impact on not just our mood but our skin, leaving us looking better and feeling on top of the world. But how obvious are the effects of stress on the skin?

We take a closer look at the tell-tale signs that could just inspire you to shake things up on the self-care front.

Does your skin seem more sensitive than usual?

The skin needs a carefully balanced and nourished microbiome to be at its healthiest. Stress causes a number of changes within the body, including hormonal imbalances that have a direct impact on the way your skin acts, reacts and feels. We’ll let Psychreg explain more:

“The endocrine system consists of the glands that produce all the different hormones your body needs. Stress causes your body to release more of the hormone cortisol, which works to shut down parts of your immune system as well as make you more susceptible to allergens. Additionally, a build-up of cortisol can lead to weight gain, dull and dry skin.”

An increase in sensitivity caused by the chemical response that’s triggered by stress will leave your microbiome weaker than usual and more susceptible to damage.

Is your skin drier and more irritable?

Spikes in cortisol and adrenaline will also cause you to sweat more, and if you’re not replacing these lost fluids the effects will quickly show themselves on your skin.

Your skin will become drier and more irritable, especially if you’re already prone to certain skin conditions like eczema.

Or perhaps your skin has become oily?

The ‘fight or flight mode’ triggered by stress puts the entire body on high alert. Your skin may produce more oil in response, which could mean you suffer from more acne breakouts. Even if stress doesn’t show itself on your skin as a flare-up, you may see rashes, stress spots, hives, cold sores and other skin conditions appear overnight.

The symptoms of pre-existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema, are also likely to worsen with stress.

Whether pre-existing or not, you’ll find skin complaints take longer to remedy if you’re stressed. As the body is in panic mode elsewhere, it’ll put fewer resources into healing skin problems.

Does your skin look tired, dull or even older?

Here at Organic Apoteke, we’re all for ageing gracefully, but why should stress dictate when your skin matures?

Stressed-out skin ages much faster. Worries will naturally see you furrowing your brow and pursing your lips, making you more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Stress also disrupts sleeping patterns, which can make dark circles more pronounced and leave you looking much older than your years.

Taking steps to reduce or simply manage stress effectively can have a huge impact on every part of your mind, body and soul. Self-care is the first step towards healthier skin and happier life, as well as a daily treat that each of us truly deserves.

Start your journey to better self-care by building a simple, protective, reactive skincare regime that’s suitable for your skin right here.

Image: VGstockstudio /  Shutterstock.com