Pollution, dehydration, UV light, and bacteria already wage a constant stream of stressors upon skin, but any type of stress the body experiences can manifest itself in your skin – the largest organ in your body.
When you’re stressed, cortisol levels heighten triggering inflammation that can lead to breakouts and sensitivities in the short-term, but also cause premature fine lines and winkles in the long-term, by triggering glycation and damaging our natural collagen production – essentially attacking our skin from the inside out.
It is important to note that whilst stress is natural and sometimes unavoidable, there are things you can do to combat the stress taking over your body and skin. Try addressing stress from all angles, including your diet, exercise, wellness routine, and sleeping pattern. Ensure that your diet contains enough protein, carbohydrates, good fats and natural sugars as well as increasing your intake of antioxidants, drink plenty of water and make sure you are getting that much-needed beauty sleep.
As for skincare, the ingredients you include in your routine can support the conditioning and nourishment of your complexion. Utilise ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and ceramides to strengthen your skin’s barrier, but also facial oils to combat the more obvious signs of stress like inflammation. By balancing oil production, topically applied oils stop the skin from breaking out as soon as cortisol levels are spiked during stress, in addition they help to soothe inflammation and have long-term anti-ageing properties.
For me, my facial oil routine is a part of my wellness ritual. The practise of breathing combined with facial massage and lymphatic drainage all complement one another when it comes calming and soothing the mind and body. Apply an oil to clean skin and gently apply pressure along the jawline, cheekbone, and along the forehead, drawing each line towards the forehead. Whilst helping the oil to penetrate the skin, the rhythmic movements help to soothe and calm your breathing, reducing the stress your mind, body and skin maybe feeling.
I use the Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil to combat all of my stressed skin’s needs. Powered by rose hip oil, this serum delivers targeted and effective results. The rose hip oil is a favourite of mine to reduce inflammation, boost collagen, and moisturise the skin. Applied after my moisturiser, I drop 2-3 droplets into the palm of my hand and rub my hands together to activate the oil with the warmth. I press the oil into my skin and spend time massaging it in and inhaling the calming aroma. Stressed skin? Your complexion has met its match.
