We’ve all referred to those chin pimples as our “stress pimples” at one point or another, but are you aware of how stress actually affects the skin?

Not just that, did you know stress can lead to long-term skin woes if it plays a constant in your life?

We aren’t trying to stress you out, we promise! We just want you to be aware so you can take those steps that will help to reduce stress.

Not only will this help to improve your skin, but you’ll also feel a whole lot better and you deserve nothing less!

So take a few minutes for yourself and dig into our latest read!

How does stress impact my skin?

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

There’s a stress hormone called cortisol that you are going to want to become very familiar with.

This pesky hormone has some positive attributes, it serves a purpose after all. In small amounts, it helps to control blood sugar and may decrease internal inflammation, however in large amounts it has the opposite effect. 

When your body is flooded with this hormone on the regular, that’s when problems arise. 

Not only does cortisol affect how you feel, but it also has detrimental effects on the skin, something no one wants to deal with! An overproduction of cortisol will leave you feeling frazzled, anxious, and fatigued while your skin goes through its own episodes.

Cortisol can break down collagen, a structural protein that helps to keep the skin taut, plump, and youthful. When this protein breaks down you are at risk of saggy skin and wrinkles.

Cortisol also inflames the sebaceous (oil) glands which increase oil in your skin and contribute to breakouts, you just can’t win with this hormone!

Here’s how to keep your stress levels under control and manage stressed skin

Take some deep breaths

We know, we know.

Deep breathing is easier said than done, but there’s scientific proof to back up its excellent benefits if done correctly and for at least 15-20 minutes a day.

Deep breathing helps to stimulate lymph flow, helping to flush toxins that may have manifested as blemishes. You really can breathe your way to clearer, more youthful skin!

Add in adaptogens

We adore adaptogens, also known as “nature’s pharmaceuticals”!

These powerful herbs are stored in the body and come out to counteract the negative effects of cortisol when things get a little out of hand. 

Use the right skincare products

The last thing you want to do when your skin is super stressed is to stress it out even more by using synthetic ingredients on it.