As we currently go through times of unrest, stress and anxiety for what comes next is a given. However, living within this stress and anxiety does more harm than good, impairing us when we actually need to be alert for an emergency. So now that we’re mostly indoors, waiting for news on next steps, here’s how to manage the stress out of your body and out of your skin.
But First, How Does Stress Affect the Body and Skin?
We go through stressors in our daily lives, so a healthy amount of stress is normal for the body to handle. But in extreme situations, stress can create a buildup of energy, further causing restlessness and anxiety. Activating our bodies’ stress response system continuously also spikes our cortisol and other stress hormones, further disrupting the body and skin. This causes muscle aches, migraines, shortness of breath, nausea, sleep issues, memory issues, acne flare-ups, and skin sensitivity.
So, How Do We Manage It?
One of the most effective ways to handle the tension in our bodies is through exercise. Since exercise provides a release to the anxiety build-up while also pumping in endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals related to improving mood and overall well-being. And although we cannot visit gym studios at the moment, there are plenty of home workouts that prioritise movement designed to release stress.
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then give relaxation exercises a go. We’re talking yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises that help to quiet the mind and bring awareness to tension within the body.
And when it comes to taking care of stressed skin, addressing the symptoms first can help to repair the damage. Depending on how the skin is taking the stress, new routines need to be put in place. For acne flare-ups caused by stress, skin routines need to scale back and go gentle. Switch out exfoliants with gentle cleaners that clear out excessive sebum but do not strip away the skin.
Reach out for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea that are known for calming down any redness and irritation.
If stress is giving the opposite effect, i.e. drying it out, then it’s time to incorporate hydrating serums and moisturisers into the skin. With fasting already dehydrating the skin, stress can exacerbate this, so switch to products rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
And lastly, another common symptom of stressed skin is inflammation. The best way to combat this is through ice baths, ice rollers, or gua sha tools that stimulate and aid in lymphatic drainage, slimming down the face and relieving the skin from any tension.
