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Is your skin stressed?

Stress: A two-way street

You may have previously felt the link between the brain and the skin. Have you ever become so tense that you flushed or sweated? If that's the case, you've had an acute, short-term stress response. However, research reveals that continuous exposure to psychological or environmental stressors can have long-term impacts on your skin that go beyond flushing — and may even harm your overall health.

The brain-skin axis is a bidirectional, interrelated system that can transmit psychological stress from the brain to the skin and back. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a trio of glands involved in the body's stress response, is activated by stress. Local pro-inflammatory substances including cortisol and catecholamines, which are essential hormones in the fight-or-flight stress response, can drive immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin or stimulate pro-inflammatory skin cells. Mast cells, a type of pro-inflammatory skin cell found in the brain-skin axis, respond to the hormone cortisol via receptor signalling and contribute to various diseases.

So, How are you?

Not a day goes by where I don't either:

1. Complain that I'm stressed out or
2. Hear from my friends about their stress.

It's just (unfortunately) a standard affliction of modern life. One of the worst parts of it, besides feeling scatterbrained going through your to-do list and the immense levels of cortisol coursing through your body? Stress shows up on your skin. (Great, right!)

"[Stress] releases hormones into the bloodstream and creates different reactions in the skin."

The thing is, we only pay attention to stress when we are sick. But when you are under constant pressure, what's really happening to your body leads up to that breakdown moment. When your skin is out of balance and not behaving the way it normally does, it usually means you're stressed out.

Thankfully, there are ways to look for—and prevent—stress from taking a toll not only on your mind but also on your healthy glow. And it does not involve overloading on topical skin-care solutions. Typically, the reaction is that people start to use as many products as possible to fix the issue on the skin. This can worsen the skin when it is already irritated from the inside out. The best thing to do is to pare down your routine and start with an everyday essential range. Then, of course, engage in whatever de-stressing methods you prefer, whether it is practicing breathing techniques, going for a run, talking therapy, meditating, cleansing the house with palo santo, or acupuncture. Do what feels good.

Keep reading for the signs

Stress can hit hard, especially during these unprecedented times, such as Covid, the war, and lack of leadership across the globe. Even if you’re meditating each morning and streaming Yoga classes by night, the effects of the current climate can affect more than your mind; stress can also take a toll on your complexion. Stress can increase cortisol levels which in turn increases inflammation, exacerbating underlying skin conditions.

Signs that your skin barrier is stressed might include redness, inflamed skin, severe dryness, dehydration, irritation and itchiness, stinging or burning sensations when applying products, increased breakouts, and an overall lack of glow. While the skin barrier is very resilient, it is also a delicate balance.

When your skin reacts, bring it back to the essentials:

• Eliminate fragrances
• Eliminate alcohols
• Eliminate synthetic dyes/coloring
• Reduce heavy makeup

Simply put: give your skin a little break and let it breathe.

Know your skin

During these times, it is important to truly know your skin. Make sure you know what your skin needs now and what ingredients you are applying. Many people attempt to erase bumps or pimples by using heavy exfoliation without balancing it with nurturing and hydrating care. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin A, and aloe vera.

If your skin is red

If you are prone to rosacea, simplify your routine and add simple, hard-working solutions. First, eliminate any products that may cause irritation, and consider using a retinoid. Retinol increases the rate of cell turnover in the skin, making it great for various concerns, including normalizing the equilibrium of skin prone to acne or rosacea. Start with a low dose and a gentle version. For example, the Cacay Oil + A contains only 0.3%, considered non-irritating by EU Cosmetic Regulations.

Next, add an emollient moisturizer to your everyday skincare routine. Look for a facial cream that is not too heavy or rich but helps restore your skin's barrier protection.

When it comes to redness treatments, serums and masks can help too. Redness is often a sign of dryness or irritation. Consider adding a soothing serum. If there’s no improvement after two weeks, see a board-certified dermatologist.

If you are breaking out

Acne and oily skin are the most common side effects of stress. For immediate relief, using a cleanser twice a day and avoiding over-exfoliation. While you might desire to scrub your faces, doing so can sometimes contribute to an excess of oil in the skin.

Look for a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment for pimples. Switch to a lighter moisturiser only once a day instead of moisturising with a regular moisturiser and hydrate with a hyaluronic acid serum since it is less comedogenic and thus less likely to clog pores.

If you got dry skin

Those who have dry skin should only wash their faces once a day using a cream or oil cleanser followed by a soothing serum and moisturising cream. If your skin is still dry, try lying with an oil or balm. In addition, during the winter month, keep a humidifier in your sleep to help keep your skin moisturised.

A mix of humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), skin-soothing and replenishing ingredients - This powerful, yet lightweight, serum drenches and calms dry, irritated skin with intensive moisture. It contains five types of hyaluronic acid, Hemp Seed extract, mineral-rich Glaisher Water, butterfly extract, magnolia extract and other antioxidants that are great for soothing and calming the skin.

If you got a lack of glow

For dull skin, you want to search for brightening products. If your skin needs a boost, incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine will get you that glow. This is for persons who don't have a major skin problem but are concerned that their skin isn't as excellent as it could be. Brown spots can be faded and fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects free radical damage and improves the shine of the skin when paired with vitamin E.