How does stress affect the skin?

Is your skin stressed? Stress can manifest itself in a lot of ways in the skin, so it’s a good idea to know what signs you’re looking for.

When we are stressed, our brain sends a signal to our nervous system to go into a “fight or flight” mode. According to the Huff Post, when this happens we release hormones and chemicals into the bloodstream that have a direct affect on the way skin functions and heals itself.

What are some of the top tips on how to care for stressed skin?

One of the first places you see stress show up is in the eye area because the skin is so thin and delicate. Focus on the eyes first because you can make the biggest impact there. Generally stress shows up in the form of puffiness, bags, dark circles and lines and wrinkles.

Breakouts are also common when skin is stressed and women have the tendency to overdo it on the products at that time just because they want blemishes to go away! So don’t use too many products and don’t use them too often.

Acneic skin is also inflamed and sensitive so you don’t want to dry it out and abuse it. Use products with willow bark or salicylic acid and don’t forget to moisturize — even oily skin needs hydration.

Stressed skin also can become dehydrated and dry. Important to use a moisturizer that gives continuous hydration to skin like Sodium Hyaluronate.

Also using ingredients that help repair the lipid barrier function (to hold in the moisture). For instance Omega essential fatty acids (which is in our arctic super fruits, arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils).

How to care for aging skin that is stressed?

You really want to help repair the DNA in the skin as this is what is damaged when we are stressed and what leads to aging. There are a few ingredients, which are especially important.

There is a group of medicinal herbs called adaptogens that specifically help to fortify stressed skin against the damaging effects of stress.

Also, stem cells which help rebuild and heal skin. We use a plant stem cell that is referred to as ‘plant collagen’ it literally helps repair skin’s DNA and reduces the signs of aging. Lastly, stressed skin is flooded with free radicals which destroy skin and accelerates ageing.