Feeling stressed out? There’s a chance that whatever stressors you’re dealing with are taking a toll on your skin. Stress sends your body into fight-or-flight mode and triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase inflammation and contribute to eczema, acne, and rosacea flares. Stress also impacts overall skin health: it can weaken the skin barrier, disrupt oil production, and lead to longer healing times.
At the same time, the stress remedies we hear about over and over again — start working out! Reduce screen time! Cut off all the toxic people in your life! — may not be immediately accessible or practical. This article looks at some very simple actions you can take to reduce stress through mindfulness, as well as basic skincare practices you can turn to amidst the overwhelm.
What are some things I can do in 5-10 minutes to help me feel less stressed?
You can’t always avoid your everyday stressors. And while going to yoga class or getting a massage is great, it doesn’t always fit into your budget or your day. The good news is that you don’t always need a big chunk of time to find some relief from stress. The following actions are small but mighty – small in terms of time commitment, but mighty in terms of how they can reset how you’re feeling and set you down a better path. The next time you feel stressed, consider trying one or more of the following techniques:
Take deep breaths: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from what you’re doing or simply close your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, exhale through your mouth, and hold for a few seconds again. Repeat.
Stand up and stretch: If you’re sitting, stand up, and then perform a few stretches for areas of your body that feel tight. Try reaching for the ceiling, rolling your shoulders, or doing a few neck stretches. Your movements don’t need to be extreme to help release stored up tension.
Go outside: If you can, go for a quick 5-minute walk or simply spend a few minutes outside. Going outdoors can get your body moving and help you shift your perspective.
Listen to relaxing music: Slow, soothing sounds like gongs, chimes, nature sounds, and ambient music can help you relax.
There are many other stress reduction techniques you can try, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or positive self talk. The key is to find practices that work for you and build them into your day so you can turn to them when you need them.
What should I do to take care of my skin when I’m stressed?
We live in an era of skinfluencers and rapidly evolving skincare trends. Keeping up with it all can be fun, but it can also add extra pressure, particularly if you’re already feeling stressed out.
Plus, when your skin is experiencing the effects of stress, throwing lots of products at it might exacerbate any skin health issues you may be experiencing.
In times of stress, when all you can do is the bare minimum skincare routine, we recommend the following key products:
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Gentle cleansers: Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Cleansers should be mild and free of harsh or drying ingredients. We recommend our Milky Cleanser and our Hydrating Oil Cleanser, which are also available in a double cleansing set. For the rest of your body, we recommend our Hydrating Body Wash for a refreshing cleanse that leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated.
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Fragrance-free moisturizers: Support your skin and your skin barrier by moisturizing regularly with a soothing facial cream and moisturizing body lotion. When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, select the product texture and thickness you prefer.
- Microbiome-friendly skincare: Give your microbiome and your skin barrier a boost with Gladskin’s Biome Balancing products. Available in a cream, lotion, and gel, our Biome Balancing products are soothing for sensitive, stressed-out skin.
Gladskin: Skincare that won’t add to your stress
We know life gets stressful, and if you’re feeling that way, we hope that you can find some ease and tranquility soon. Meanwhile, Gladskin is here to make one thing simpler: your skincare. Our minimally formulated skincare products take the guesswork out of choosing what’s best for your skin. Because they contain only the essentials, you can rest assured that you’re giving your skin what it needs without the stress of wondering about what’s on the ingredient list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stress and Skin
Can stress affect your skin?
Yes. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones such as cortisol as part of its stress response. Stress can contribute to inflammation, affect oil production, weaken the skin barrier, and slow the skin’s healing process. For some people, this can mean increased dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, or worsening of existing skin concerns.
What does stressed skin look like?
Stress can show up differently depending on your skin and existing skin concerns. You might notice increased redness or sensitivity, dryness, itching, breakouts, or skin that takes longer than usual to recover. Stress may also make conditions such as eczema, acne, and rosacea worse.
Can stress damage the skin barrier?
Stress can interfere with normal skin barrier function. A weakened skin barrier may have more difficulty retaining moisture and protecting your skin from external irritants, which can leave skin feeling dry, sensitive, or uncomfortable. Keeping your skincare routine gentle and moisturizing regularly can help support your skin barrier during stressful periods.
Can stress make eczema, acne, or rosacea worse?
Stress can contribute to worsening symptoms of several skin conditions. It may increase inflammation and itching associated with eczema, influence oil production and inflammation involved in acne, and cause rosacea symptoms to worsen. Stress isn’t necessarily the only cause, but managing it may be a helpful part of caring for your skin.
How should I care for my skin when I’m stressed?
Keep things simple. If your skin feels sensitive or your usual routine feels overwhelming, focus on the basics: cleanse gently, moisturize regularly, and avoid introducing lots of new or potentially irritating products at once. Choosing gentle, fragrance-free products can help support your skin without making your routine another source of stress.
