Look, the last thing we want to do is stress you out more by reading a stressful article about the effect stress has on your skin. But, unfortunately, there is a very real connection between stress and skin and the first step to combatting its effects is to understand why exactly this happens. And the good news is, there are things you can do to mitigate its effects.
Stress is a constant companion for many of us, and while the effects on our mental well-being are well documented, a lesser-known side effect is that it can have a significant impact on your skin. This manifests in different ways for different people, but some tell tale signs that your skin might be stressed include redness, dullness or even breakouts.
How stress affects our skin
Stress affects our hormones, and hormones affect our skin in a big way. When you're under stress, your body reacts by producing a hormone called cortisol, and cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’ for a reason. Cortisol plays a role in regulating many bodily functions, but when it comes to your skin, it can be a bit of a troublemaker. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to an overproduction of oil, which in turn clogs your pores and can result in breakouts or acne flare-ups. This is why many people notice their skin is much more prone to breakouts during stressful or busy periods.
But the skin and stress connection goes beyond the odd breakout as well. Evidence also suggests that stress can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, making it harder for your skin to hold onto moisture and shield itself from environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. The result? Dryness, irritation, and a complexion that looks and feels all a bit blah.
Chronic stress can also speed up the aging process, breaking down collagen and elastin, which are the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. That means more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, even if you’re still in your 20s or 30s which is, well, less than ideal.
Signs your skin might be stressed
So how do you know if your skin is stressed? Here are some common signs that stress might be showing up on your face:
Breakouts and acne
Stress-related oil production clogs your pores, leading to those dreaded breakouts.
Redness and aggravation
Stress can trigger inflammation, making your skin look red, puffy, or irritated.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Stress accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Dryness and dehydration
A weakened skin barrier allows moisture to escape, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, and flaky.
How to calm and treat stressed skin
The best way to treat stressed skin is to manage the cause (stress). But if you’ve got a newborn, or you’re going through a stressful period at work, this can be a lot harder than it sounds.
So, while finding ways to manage stress is the gold standard when it comes to treating stressed skin, we know this isn’t always realistic. A skincare routine can also play a huge role in helping your skin bounce back from stress. Here’s how to set up a routine that works to soothe, hydrate, and repair stressed-out skin, with a little help from Murad’s best products.
Opt for a gentle cleanser
When your skin is stressed, you don’t want to strip it of its natural oils or irritate it further. Start with a gentle cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without being too harsh. Look for calming ingredients that not only cleanse but also help reduce redness and soothe irritation.
Murad’s Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser is your new best friend. This 4 in 1 multi cleanser gently yet effectively cleanses dirt, oil and make up all while locking in moisture and reducing discomfort. Designed specifically for sensitive and compromised skin, this creamy formula uses a potent cleansing peptide to create a micellar system that gently lifts away dirt while soothing the skin barrier. Its ultra-gentle nature makes it safe enough to use even on your eyelids, helping to calm irritation and restore balance to delicate skin without the worry of common irritants.
Repair your skin barrier
Quick interlude here… So, what exactly is the skin barrier? In layman’s terms, it's the outermost layer of the skin that acts as a protective shield. When it's damaged, whether it's due to overusing actives or a skin condition, it can result in dry and irritated skin. That’s why committing to a healthy skin barrier function is crucial to maintaining healthy, happy skin.
The skin barrier is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Acting as your skin’s first line of defence, it protects against environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather while locking in moisture and nutrients. A strong skin barrier prevents irritants and harmful bacteria from penetrating deeper layers, reducing the likelihood of sensitivity, inflammation, and breakouts. When the barrier is compromised, the skin becomes vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and damage, which can accelerate aging and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or acne. Keeping the skin barrier healthy with proper hydration and gentle care is crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring your skin looks and feels its best.
Murad now has a whole range dedicated to repairing and restoring your skin barrier. The Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum is a game changer for those with compromised skin barriers. Clinically proven to strengthen, nourish, and restore your skin’s barrier at the cellular level, promoting overall skin health and wellness.
Stock up on niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, packs a punch when it comes to fixing stressed skin. Its calming and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, soothe irritation, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, making it a perfect ally when your skin is feeling overwhelmed.
Niacinamide comes with the added bonus of regulating oil production, which is particularly helpful when stress triggers excess oil and breakouts. Additionally, it enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, which is key for preventing dehydration, a common issue with stressed skin. As a versatile ingredient, niacinamide can also help fade dark spots, improve skin texture, and even boost the skin’s repair process, making it an all-rounder for restoring balance and resilience during stressful times.
Never skip SPF
Want to know what one of the biggest skin stressors is? The sun. UV rays can aggravate stressed skin, accelerate aging, and weaken your skin’s barrier even further. That’s why sunscreen is a must, even when it’s cloudy or you’re spending most of your day indoors. Look for broad-spectrum SPF that also protects against blue light and pollution, two major stressors for your skin in today’s digital world.
Murad has the full array of sunscreens from brightening vitamin C, to acne-fighting retinol, there is a sunscreen for every skin type. If you suffer from decision paralysis, try the Multi-Vitamin Clear Coast Broad Spectrum SPF 50, the latest to join the star-studded lineup. This is filled with potent vitamins and bio-fermentation technology that enriches your skin and prevents against premature signs of ageing.
Invest in a hydrating mask
Nothing says self-care like a hydrating mask, and your skin will thank you for investing in a good one. The Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Mask is the kryptonite for dry, stressed skin. This hard-working mask is clinically proven to strengthen, nourish, and restore your skin barrier at the cellular level, this treatment is essential for true skin wellness. Not only will your skin look and feel healthier, but it will also better absorb your favourite active ingredients and topicals, maximising their effectiveness.
Lifestyle factors that can help stressed skin
Prioritise your sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors in managing stressed skin. During deep sleep, your body goes into repair mode, regenerating skin cells and rebuilding the skin barrier. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, leads to increased cortisol levels, which can trigger breakouts, inflammation, and dryness. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to give your skin time to heal and recharge so you can put your best face forward.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
While using hydrating skincare is important for stressed skin, so too is drinking lots of water and eating water-rich foods. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated from within, improving its elasticity and ability to defend against environmental stressors. Foods rich in water content, like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens, also contribute to keeping your skin glowing.
Move your body
Exercise is practically nature’s Xanax, and its benefits go far beyond just improving your cardiovascular health. Physical activity helps lower cortisol levels while boosting circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, promoting a healthy glow. Even low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can reduce stress hormones and improve blood flow, helping to clear toxins from your skin.
Chill out and glow up
In the battle against stressed skin, it’s clear that a little TLC goes a long way. From hydrating and repairing your skin barrier to squeezing in some beauty sleep and sneaking in a yoga class, these small habits will keep your skin cool, calm and collected.