This is How Stress Affects Your Skin

Stress causes more than just stomach issues and a racing heartbeat. It can also make your skin act out, leading to more oiliness, breakouts, and other skin dilemmas. In can make your skin more sensitive and trigger flare-ups or make existing skin conditions worse.

Another sad thing about stress is the production of more cortisol or stress hormones in the body. This can trigger mood swings and anxiety, as well as cause you to relapse in poor habits. These include eating junk foods, skipping exercise, and not getting enough sleep. These can negatively affect your health and skin.

Below are the ways stress affect your skin and things you can do about them.

1. More oil and breakouts

Rising levels of cortisol leads to an increase oil or sebum production. This results in oily skin, especially in the T-zone, which can clog the pores and trigger breakouts. This oiliness can get worse if you rub your eyes or touch your face, as your fingers can deposit more oil and dirt in the area.

What you can do: The use of blotting papers can control oiliness and shine. You can also benefit from using facial masks, like clay, which contain minerals like bentonite. This reduces sebum levels and shininess without irritating the skin. You should also wash your face regularly and use products right for your skin type.

2. Prominent and deep wrinkles

Excess cortisol, research suggests, can break down collagen and elastin in the skin. This contributes to premature aging and the appearance of creases, fine lines, and wrinkles. The sad part is, this can also deepen the lines on your face and make you look older, sad, or angry.

What you can do: Botulinum toxin or Botox is FDA-approved for treating dynamic wrinkles or those formed due to facial expressions. This works by temporarily blocking the signal from a nerve to a muscle to soften and relax the wrinkles. Read our previous blog to learn more about Botox and other wrinkle treatments.

3. Dark circles and puffiness in the eyes

Worrying and stress can sometimes make it hard for your fall or stay asleep, no matter how much you try. When this happens constantly, the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is more likely. Stress, furthermore, alters the salt balance in the body, which then makes your eyes retain water, causing swelling.

What you can do: Concealers can help hide tired looking eyes, but if you want a remedy that produces dramatic results, consider dermal fillers. These safe injectable gels can give you a rejuvenated appearance by reducing dark circles and eye bags. Fillers can also plump up the lips, define the chin, and improve fine lines. 

4. Red and irritated skin

Apart from compromising your skin health, stress hormones also prompt an immune response that can result in sensitivity and inflammation. This can exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. The sad part is worse symptoms can lead to more stress and skin problems.

What you can do: Avoid your triggers and use creams or moisturizer that can relieve your symptoms. It is also best to see a skin doctor for prescription medications and other remedies that work.

5. Dullness and dehydration

When you’re stressed or have so many things on your mind, you might mindlessly forget to eat healthy or hydrate your body. This can deprive your skin off vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay radiant and glowing. This can then lead to dull and dehydrated skin, adding more years to your appearance.

What you can do: Managing stress improves your skin health, as well as aesthetic treatments with plumping effects. Here at Cutis Laser Clinics, we have Juvederm Volite, which is a skin booster treatment that can hydrate skin and improve fine lines and elasticity. 

Check out our previous post and find out how Volite can give you a healthy glowing skin.

Manage stress

Apart from the tips mentioned above, it is also a good idea to find ways to manage stress. Here are a few things that can help:

• Exercise regularly – This triggers the release of endorphins, which can make you feel good. Exercise can also calm your mind and body, as well as benefit your skin health.
• Take a break – Learn to step away and take a break from overwhelming tasks or projects. Find something else to do or engage in activities can take your mind off things even for just a few hours.
• Try relaxation techniques – These include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Such activities allow your mind and body to relax and focus, as well as promote mindfulness. 
• Get support – Sharing your feelings or concern to someone is sometimes enough to relieve stress. Just make sure that the person whom you confide in someone that you trust and understands you. 

Don’t let stress take your skin over by following the tips mentioned above. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to learn more about the mentioned treatments.