Your Skin, Body and Stress – Stressed Skin Care Help
Do you feel like every time your life becomes off balance (which happens to all of us), that your skin reacts by showing signs of rashes, bumps, dryness, or acne?
This is all because stress causes an elevated chemical response to our adrenal glands creating the stress hormone called “cortisol” to increase. Cortisol is a natural hormone that helps the body deal with stress. In small amounts, cortisol is a normal and healthy adaptation reflex. It serves as a great short term coping mechanism.
However, cortisol can turn into an enemy of the skin if it remains in excess over a long period of time. People who are prone to high stress over long durations will sustain high levels of cortisol, which can negatively affect the skin in various ways. Acne, skin conditions, and aging.
Stress is always going to be an inescapable part of living. However there are some simple and effective ways to help your body (and skin) better deal with stress:
- Work to eliminate unnecessary stress-inducers from your life
- Eat plenty of healthy foods and drink lots of water
- Exercise regularly
- Incorporate “me time” into your day and book a facial and/or a massage.
- Try stress relief techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation
- Get plenty of sleep each night
- Develop a sound support system
If you’re looking for a way to calm your stress and relax for even just a few minutes, think about dedicating that time to your skin. Not only will your stressed skin thank you, but hopefully your stressed mind too.
Stressed skin care routine step #1: Cleanse your skin with a foaming or gel-based cleanser. If you break out when you are stressed out, you’re not alone. It’s common for your skin to build up extra oil during this time – and if not routinely cleansed, your stressed skin can build up a shiny surface and break out too. To address excess oil, try cleansing your skin with a foaming or gel-based cleanser. These formulas are better equipped to break down oil and dirt on the surface of your skin.
Stressed skin care routine step #2: Apply a face mask. After cleansing, treat your stressed skin to a face mask. There are so many face mask options available, so choose the one that can best suit your skin’s current needs. If your skin is dry and dull look for a hydrating face mask or a clay mask with skin refining properties. If your skin is oily, look for a skin detoxifying or mattifying face mask. Turn on some relaxing music, apply your face mask and close your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes while you relax and the face mask does the work.
Stressed skin care routine step #3: Give yourself a facial massage. A facial massage provides a great opportunity for you to pamper yourself – and your stressed skin. You don’t have to make an appointment or worry about the price, you can give yourself a relaxing facial massage right at home. Consider adding a few drops of facial oil into your face cream, warm it between your palms and get started by following these facial massage steps.
Stressed skin care routine step #4: Apply an overnight mask. If you’re ready to turn in for the night, now that your stressed skin has been cleansed and pampered, end your skin care routine by applying an overnight mask. Nighttime can be a great time to surge your skin with moisture, so let your now relaxed skin reap even more rewards while you rest. If you’re stressed out, your skin may show it too.
Allow yourself some time to unwind, clear your mind and pamper your skin with a skin care routine that’s easy and indulgent for when you need it most.
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