Stress wreaks havoc on our well-being. Whether it’s our hair, nails, sleep, or libido, stress is a net negative for the body. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to de-stress for your skin. Stress hormones make the skin oversensitive and reactive, leaving it susceptible to inflammation, premature aging, and even acne breakouts.
And the worst part?
The more we worry about our skin, the worse it can become! This is because stress produces cortisol, which inflames the skin and makes it hypersensitive. Chronic stress can even aggravate existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
Time for the good news?
While stress might be terrible for our skin, there are several things we can do to help better manage it. With some minor lifestyle changes and an effective skincare routine, you’ll be able to de-stress for your skin and enjoy a radiant, glowing complexion. But first, you need to figure out what’s causing your stress. Fortunately, Lavelier is here to help you do just that.
Why Am I So Stressed?
Several factors contribute to stress. Some are environmental (meaning they are more difficult to change) while others are directly linked to our daily routines. Long working hours, a bad diet, anxiety disorders, and even our romantic relationships can impact our well-being and induce stress. Try to assess what’s causing your stress and figure out if there’s a way to minimize it.
Reasons You Might Be Stressed:
- Eating an unbalanced, processed diet
- Not getting enough sleep
- Anxiety or depression
- Relationship or marriage problems
- Prolonged work-related stress
- Money worries
- Not enough daylight exposure
How Does Stress Affect the Skin?
The link between chronic stress and the condition of our skin has been long backed up by scientific research. One recent study found that chronic stress was one of the most significant factors in a person’s susceptibility to premature aging.
But it gets worse…
Not only does stress accelerate aging of the skin, but it can also exacerbate breakouts in those with oily, acne-prone skin: the stress hormone cortisol leads to an overproduction of sebum, which leads to more frequent breakouts.
So, how to de-stress?
When it comes to managing stress, it’s all about balance and understanding your body’s basic needs. Lavelier has outlined some tips and advice to help you de-stress for your skin and achieve clarity, stability, good habits, and a healthy daily routine.
Make Time for Yourself
Self-care is an underrated commodity in today’s fast-paced, super-connected world. While it can be tempting to stay connected to your phone 24/7 – FOMO syndrome, right? – taking a break from technology is highly recommended for your well-being and essential if you want to de-stress for your skin.
So, put your feet up, pop on your favorite film, and enjoy some well-earned me-time. If you want to upgrade your me-time, why not treat yourself to an indulgent face mask? Lavelier’s Mineral Allure Transforming Face Masque is formulated with Seaweed Extract and Coconut Alkanes, which plumps, firms, and perks up the appearance of dull skin – perfect for skin that feels stressed. And you don’t need to worry about when to take it off – this mask will change color from white to gold when it’s time to remove. Use this mask for a revitalized, hydrated look during your next self-care session.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re stressed, your skin suffers, and one of the number one reasons for dull-looking skin is a lack of hydration. When the skin is dehydrated, your complexion can appear worn, with more noticeable lines and imperfections. In addition, dry skin will only magnify any existing, visible signs of stress, such as undereye circles.
To minimize the visible signs of stressed skin, hydration is vital. Drink enough water each day and keep your skin hydrated with moisturizing products suitable for your skin type. For example, if you’re suffering from stress-induced fine lines, Lavelier’s Rapid Eye Collagen Contour is great for giving your skin a smoother appearance. Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, this eye cream can help smooth out the look of tired eyes and give you a complexion that looks bright and carefree.
Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet
Food is your body’s fuel, and your body will be more prone to stress and anxiety if you’re following a bad diet. While some of us might reach for the chocolate or order a pizza delivery when we feel stressed, processed foods wreak havoc on our skin. Many processed foods and meats contain free radicals. These break down your skin’s collagen and lead to extensive cellular damage. If you want to de-stress for your skin, cutting down on unhealthy, processed foods is essential.
So, what to eat instead?
By switching to a diet rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids, you’ll help nourish your skin from the inside out and obtain a radiant glow. Foods rich in Vitamin C help the skin’s natural collagen production, while foods enriched with healthy fats and omegas keep the skin hydrated and supple. Keeping your skin hydrated will help minimize existing imperfections. Plus, eating nourishing foods will regulate your moods, allowing you to de-stress for your skin at the same time.
Superfoods for Stressed Skin:
- Fish (Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Healthy fats (avocados, yogurt, olive oil)
- Tomatoes (Rich in Vitamin C)
- Red Grapes (Antioxidant properties, Vitamin C)
- Nuts and seeds
- Dark chocolate (Yes, really!)
Superfoods for a Stressed Mind:
- Bananas (Mood-boosting potassium)
- Leafy Greens
- Turkey (Full of tryptophan, which aids serotonin production)
- Green tea (Antioxidant-rich)
- Dairy products in moderation (Calcium is an essential nutrient in combatting stress: one study even revealed that depression rates are higher in those who consume less dairy than those who drink milk daily.)
It’s simple to incorporate these superfoods into your diet. For example, try sprinkling some nuts and seeds over your morning cereal, adding fresh tomatoes to your scrambled eggs, and opting for two or three squares of dark chocolate instead of your usual after-dinner dessert.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for our well-being. Getting enough rest is vital when it comes to our capacity for concentration and productivity. If you’re unable to function correctly at work, this will lead to stress, conflict, and even money problems.
If you struggle to nod off naturally, try investing in certain sleep aids. Audiobooks, rain sounds, weighted blankets, and earplugs can help you drift off and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Sleep is also essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin – we don’t call it beauty sleep for anything! 7-8 hours of sleep per night is optimal for keeping your skin in tip-top condition, and it’s best to always sleep during the same hours if you can.
If you want to upgrade your beauty sleep and pamper your skin at the same time, make sure to use a good night cream. Lavelier’s Marine Evening Repair Cream cares for your skin while you sleep, with its infusion of Shea Butter and antioxidant Coral Seaweed Extract working to plump, smooth, and hydrate the appearance of your skin overnight.
Get Regular Exercise
The benefits of exercise are numerous and well-documented when it comes to the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. For example, in one recent study, 47% of participants who self-identified as stressed reported that walking or exercise positively impacted their stress management. Exercise is also good for the skin, as increased blood flow helps your body deliver essential nutrients to the skin, aiding collagen production and skin cell regeneration.
To use exercise to combat stress, pick a physical activity that you love – this way, you won’t be tempted to skip it whenever you’re feeling tired or are having a long day. Whether you opt for yoga or a scenic jog, the rush of endorphins will help regulate your moods and keep stress at bay. Exercise also helps reduce the body’s production of cortisol, while physical activity gives your self-esteem a significant boost.
Limit Your Caffeine Intake
It might get you through your morning Zoom meetings, but too much coffee can stimulate the body’s production of cortisol, leading to stress and anxiety. To truly benefit from the mood-boosting benefits of caffeine, limit your intake to one or two cups of coffee a day. Too much caffeine can also negatively impact your sleep. We recommend refraining from caffeine for at least six hours before bed for an uninterrupted, full night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a coffee alternative that will help you de-stress for your skin, green tea contains many benefits for the mind and body. Green tea promotes healthy digestion, fat-burning, is full of antioxidants, and helps improve cognitive function. Your skin can benefit from the ingredient too if you apply green tea-infused products topically to your face – you’ll find the ingredient in our Marine Deep Moisturizer.
Lemon water and chai tea are also suitable substitutions for your morning cup of coffee – and won’t give you the mid-morning jitters!
Use Skincare Products That Reduce the Look of Aging Skin
When we’re exposed to the sun, we make sure to put on protective sunscreen. When it comes to fighting stress, you should take the same precautions with your skin.
If you want your skin to feel protected, Lavelier’s Halophil Encapsulated Serum is packed with Vitamin E to leave the skin feeling fortified. The serum also comes in a handy capsule form, so you always know you’re using the right amount!
If your skin shows visible signs of stress and aging, prioritize skincare products packed with active ingredients that promote rejuvenated-looking skin, such as:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
- Beta-carotene
Spend Time with Family and Friends
Did you know that spending a lot of time alone can negatively affect your overall well-being? Humans evolved to live together, and research shows that spending time socializing is vital for our well-being and important for our cognitive function, memory, and confidence.
Even if you’re an introvert and love to spend your free time curled up with a great book, it’s recommended to regularly spend time socializing with friends and family. Good conversation, good food, and familiar company are underrated stress-relievers. Make time for your loved ones and de-stress for your skin at the same time.
Kick the Unhealthy Habits
We all have our go-to vices when dealing with stress. Whether it’s overspending, gorging on chocolate, or isolating ourselves from the world, stress can lead us to develop bad habits. The irony is that these bad habits often incur more stress. Overspending turns into money problems, gorging on chocolate turns into weight gain, and isolating ourselves from our loved ones can make us feel anxious and depressed.
So, if you want to de-stress for your skin, it’s essential to kick your bad habits and try new, more productive ways to manage stress. For example, some people find that going for a walk helps them manage their anxiety, while others prefer relaxing exercises such as yoga or swimming. Throwing yourself into a fun hobby can also occupy the mind and channel your creativity, helping decrease stress and tension in the body. Reading books is also a known stress-reliever.
Get Laughing
We’re all familiar with the famous adage: laughter is the best medicine. It just so happens that the science agrees with this one. Not only does laughter boost the immune system and lower your blood pressure, but it also releases our happy hormones. These serotonin-boosting endorphins help lower cortisol and improve our moods.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed out, pop on your favorite comedy film or call up your funniest friend.
Worried about laugh lines? Don’t be. Our HydroTherm Age-Defying Syringe will minimize their appearance to leave you looking smoother.
Verdict?
If you’re looking to de-stress for your skin, it’s not necessary to completely overhaul your lifestyle. Instead, the best way to stave off stress is to pinpoint where in your life it comes from: whether it’s a job, a relationship, your diet – or all three!
It’s also a good idea to work on expectation management. The stress of daily life is to be expected. So, it’s better to have the tools ready and prepared to help you manage it. Self-care, a healthy diet, and an effective skincare routine should help you maintain a glowing complexion, even through periods of stress.
0 comments on “10 Ways to De-Stress For Your Skin”