How to Combat Skin Conditions Caused by Stress and Anxiety

If you ever needed a good reason to take some more time out for yourself, then this article is for you!

In today’s busy, chaotic world, taking time out for yourself, through a regular self-love ritual, is absolutely imperative for a healthy mental state. But what you may not know, is that it is just as important for your skin!

The effects of chronic stress and anxiety won’t only manifest in inner turmoil, it will manifest externally, as a variety of skincare woes!

In this article, we want to show you how stress can actually contribute to skin issues, as well as help you to navigate a road to a more peaceful state of being; for your skin and your mind!

Let’s talk about cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone. We need it in small amounts to help our bodies adapt and manage stressful situations. Cortisol has other important functions too, including reducing inflammation and keeping blood pressure levels healthy. 

However, when you are chronically stressed, and your cortisol levels become imbalanced; flooding your veins on a regular basis, this is when trouble ensues. Too much cortisol can increase inflammation in your body, which is never good news for your skin. Inflammation on the inside, almost always finds its way to the surface, either through acne breakouts or skin that flares up easily. 

Inflammation inflames your oil (sebaceous) glands, so if you notice some big pimples popping up when you are feeling particularly stressed, an excess of cortisol may be the cause. Stress pimples are real!

If that isn’t bad enough, stress can also break down collagen, a structural protein essential for firm, plump skin that ages beautifully and gracefully. Hence taking the time take care of yourself and reduce the stress in your life!

Fortunately, we’ve got some suggestions for ways to start reducing the amount of stress in your life so you can start to feel good internally and externally!

Ways to manage stress and reduce cortisol

Practice deep breathing every day
Something so simple, yet a powerful tool we all have access to that can make a world of difference in not only how we feel, but in the health and appearance of our skin too!

Studies show that deep breathing may suppress the response of inflammatory genes. This means a reduction in internal inflammation as a result of cortisol. 

Deep breathing also helps to stimulate lymph flow to aid the body in flushing out toxins that may have manifested externally as skincare issues.   

Eat clean
Everything you eat has an impact on your inner and outer world. If you fill your body with processed foods you are going to feel awful, as internal inflammation increases and contributes to skin problems too. 

Filling your body with clean, fresh foods can truly make all the difference and can help to reduce inflammation so you have more energy and can enjoy healthier, happier skin. 

Here are some of our favourite anti-inflammatory foods:

• Avocados: a hit of healthy fats, potassium and magnesium
• Green tea: rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, plus oh-so calming
• Berries: packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Turmeric: filled with curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient
• Dark chocolate: rich, delicious and reduces inflammation

Your skincare matters
Of course, the skincare products you use truly matter too!

You don’t want to apply toxins to your skin that may enter your body and put your health, and not to mention your skin, at risk. That’s why all of our products are clean and free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones and mineral oils.

We also actively incorporate nourishing ingredients and adaptogens into our products to help counteract the negative effects of stress by supporting your body’s natural ability to deal with it.