8 Ways to Reduce Signs of Stress on Your Skin

Stress is a real killer when it comes to our appearance so I did some digging and found some ways we can reduce the signs of stress on our skin! The American Academy of Dermatology notes that stress, anxiety and depression can all lead to an increase in skin, hair and nail problems. If you’ve been under stress and your skin is starting to show the signs, like acne, rashes or lines and wrinkles, check out these simple ways to reduce the signs of stress on your skin!

1. Be Consistent
In order to reduce the signs of stress on your skin, it’s imperative that we stick to our skin care regimen. Sometimes when we’re busy and stressed we might neglect our skin care duties. No matter how busy or tired you are, don’t disregard your skin! Cleanse, moisturize, exfoliate and protect your skin regularly to prevent and reduce the signs of stress.

2. The Right Stuff
Stressed skin needs special attention, so if you have sensitive skin, make sure you’re only using products that are gentle, fragrance free and won’t further irritate your skin. Some of the common signs of stress on skin can be acne or rashes, so use products tailored to calm and soothe stressed skin. This is the time to really pamper your skin!

3. Sleep
A major sign of stress on skin commonly comes from a lack of sleep. Getting 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is key to regenerating cells and resting your facial muscles. Even if you’ve skimped on sleep in the past, make it a point to get on a better sleep schedule! Sleep not only helps you feel better overall but it also keeps you sharp and reduces stress!

4. Eat Healthy
Eating a healthy diet is not just good for your waistline, it’s also essential for healthy skin! When we experience stress, we’re more likely to engage in emotional eating or eating less healthy food. Try to eat a diet rich in lean protein, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to give your body the proper nutrition it needs to fight off inflammation and keep your skin in tip top shape!

5. Schedule Some “me” Time
Taking some time out to relax and rejuvenate might seem frivolous but unwinding can do a load of good for you! Spending time with a friend, treating yourself to a massage or getting your nails painted have been shown to lower levels of cortisol and help you feel better. While getting a pedicure might not magically cure any skin issues, it’s a good way to get it back on the right track!

6. Drink Water
According to WebMD, stressed out organs like our kidneys can cause shadows under our eyes. When we’re dehydrated, fine lines and wrinkles can appear deeper. Staying hydrated also helps us flush out impurities, relieves puffy skin and improves circulation and blood flow. Another plus to filling up on water is that it can help plump up our skin, making it appear smoother and younger!

7. Wear Sunscreen
We often hear about the importance of using sunscreen but it’s especially important for stressed skin! Dermatologist and psychiatrist Dr. Amy Wechsler states that the sun can cause stress to the skin, which can promote inflammation, cause more lines and wrinkles, make your skin drier and cause more frequent breakouts. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin.

8. Avoid Excessive Alcohol And Caffeine
When we’re tired, stressed or both, we typically turn to caffeine in order to give us a boost or have a drink in order to relax. Both of these vices are okay in moderation but too much caffeine or alcohol can dehydrate your skin, causing it to look dry and washed out. If you’re already under stress, additional signs of stress are certainly not welcome! When you drink alcohol or caffeine, up your intake of water so you get a better balance!

There are many ways our skin shows the signs of stress. Help yourself prevent and combat these signs of stressed skin by adopting healthy lifestyle changes and taking good care of yourself. Remember that these tips can help you reduce the signs of stress on your skin but the changes will be gradual. Give it some time and you should see some positive changes in your skin and outlook! Do you have any suggestions on how to soothe stressed skin?