How to Reduce the Effects of Stress on Your Skin

We all experience times of stress on a regular basis and some days it feels like there isn’t a thing we can do about the stress. The bills never stop coming, there will never be enough hours in the day to finish everything on our list, and we are still mourning the fact that we will never be Beyoncé.

But stress isn’t just harmful on the psyche, it affects our whole body, including our skin, hair, and nails.

Stress creates a chemical response in the body that makes our skin more reactive, sensitive, and harder to heal. It tells our body to produce more cortisol, which communicates to our sebaceous glands to produce more oil (which explains why we break out more when we’re stressed.) Stress can also worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, hives, and fever blisters.

So what can we do about it? We can’t avoid stress altogether, but there are several methods to help us handle it better, and we’re about to share them with you.

1. Baby your skin

   Take care of it by following your regular skin care routine no matter how tired you are, your skin will thank you. And don’t skimp on the moisturizer.

2. Take a time out

   Remember to take a few moments each day to do something for yourself- whether it’s a bath or a good book (or both at the same time) do something you enjoy on a regular basis.

3. Exercise regularly

   Yes, we know, it’s not easy and you’re tired but it will be worth it. Exercise increases the blood flow to all the skin on your body and nourishes the cells, while sending feel-good chemicals to your brain that help you relax and sleep better.

4. Avoid loneliness

   We all feel lonely sometimes and it’s okay. If you’re feeling this way, seek out a friend to spend time with or find support from a professional therapist, it will do wonders for you, both on the inside and outside.

5. Get enough sleep

   Treat sleep like an important appointment and make it a priority. Aim for 7 to 8 hours a night. Our skin heals rapidly when we’re a sleep and gives the cells time to repair.

6. Find a stress management technique

   Whether you choose to do yoga, meditate, or breathing exercises, it will make you happier and keep your mind sharp.