Puffy eyes. Bad hair days. Dry skin. There’s no question about it—stress can take its toll on your body and contribute to the aging process.

Finding holistic remedies for managing stress is crucial to maintaining your health throughout the course of your life. Aromatherapy, mindfulness, and movement are some of our favorite ways to reduce emotional stress and promote well-being—including for your skin. 

In this article, we'll explore the relationship between stress and skin health. We’ll also provide functional advice on maintaining glowling, youthful-looking skin by managing stress using holistic, all-natural methods. 

 

 

 

Can stress affect your skin? 

Whether you’re going through a difficult period at work, a breakup, or simply deprioritizing your own needs, one of the first places that physical symptoms of stress show up is on your skin. That’s because our body produces cortisol when we’re stressed—a hormone contributing to inflammation, breaking down collagen, and damaging our skin barrier. 

 

 

What does stressed skin look like?

Stress can impact your skin in several ways and lead to a range of conditions, including: 

 

Stress acne

Stress can increase oil production in our skin, which clogs pores and contributes to breakouts.

 

 

Wrinkles

Cortisol breaks down collagen, a protein that keeps your skin firm and supple. This may lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Dryness

Stress can also weaken our skin barrier. This causes our skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness.

 

Rashes and itching 

Stress can also cause an increase in histamine production, a chemical involved in the inflammatory response. An excess of histamine can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and irritated, leading to rashes and other skin conditions.

 

 

Dark circles

Stress can impact the duration and quality of your sleep, contributing to the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. 

 

Dullness 

Stress can affect blood flow to the skin, leading to a dull, lackluster complexion.

 

Sensitivity 

Since stress can weaken the skin barrier, its sensitivity increases because it’s susceptible to irritants and allergens.

 

 

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to hit the pause button, take steps to manage stress, and put yourself first again. This may include incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine or using gentle skincare products to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.

 

 

The solution to stressed skin is finding self-care moments to unwind, let go, and come back to yourself. 

One of the best ways to care for your skin is to care for your mind, body, and spirit. Building a self-care practice that promotes relaxation is one of the best ways to get started. Here are some ideas to help you unwind. 

 

Incorporate aromatherapy into your self-care 

There are many ways to use aromatherapy for soothing stressed skin. Essential oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Frankincense, and Helichrysum, all contain healing properties that can boost your mood, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health. 

 

 

Just add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser or warm bath to promote relaxation and soothe the skin. 

For more aromatherapy tips, check out our DIY essential oil recipes for promoting glowing skin. 

 

Practice mindfulness and meditation

Meditating—even if it’s only for 10 minutes each day—can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Consider adding a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises to your daily routine.

 

Move your body 

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve blood flow to the skin, which promotes a healthy complexion. Need some ideas? Consider hitting your yoga mat, going for a run, or taking a dance class.

 

 

Prioritize your beauty rest

Getting enough sleep is essential for skin health as it allows our body to repair and regenerate. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help manage stress and support healthy skin.

 

Seek out social support

Having a solid support system is essential for keeping stress in check. Talking to friends and family is a great place to start, but it might also be helpful to consult a therapist, counselor, or healthcare professional for support.

 

 

Build a skincare routine

A relaxing, indulgent skincare routine can help you manage the stress that builds up on your skin’s physical appearance. Focus on gentle, non-irritating products that help support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

 

 

Our Evening Body Set contains the building blocks to an indulgent skincare ritual. With our Evening Body Serum’s rich botanical aroma and our Body Brush's stress-relieving textures, this set is perfect for a night-time beauty routine. Release the stress from your day, prepare for a restful night, and treat yourself to a routine that leaves you with a healthy beautiful glow.  

 

 

 

Soothe your skin and relieve stress by finding moments to put yourself first

Stress can have a significant impact on your skin health, causing acne, wrinkles, and dryness. However, managing stress effectively through mindfulness, movement, aromatherapy, and a supportive skincare routine can pamper and nourish your overall well-being.

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