Since 1992, Stress Awareness month has taken place every April to increase the awareness surrounding the causes and effects of stress.
Stress and skin:
As well as having the power to affect the mental aspect of our bodies, stress can also take a toll on the physical. It can easily aggravate the skin. Therefore, both new and existing skin issues can flare up. This can cause and effect innumerable skin conditions, for example, eczema and psoriasis.
“When we are stressed, our body produces excess cortisol (also known as the stress hormone). It is this hormone working beneath the surface that is responsible for redness, dryness, increased sensitivity, dullness and sagging. It can also increase the production of sebum which can lead to spots and breakouts”, says Camille Knowles.
As founder of sensitive skin brand, The Beauty of Eczema, Camille shares her expert advice on the impact stress has on our skin and ways on how to combat such matters. As well as products, Knowles highlights the importance of routine and lifestyle adaptations.
Let’s take a look at her step-by-step guide to taking back control of stressed out skin:
Focus on sleep and self-care:
Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is an important factor in controlling stress levels. The amount of sleep that we get also impacts levels of cortisol in the body. In fact, too much cortisol can cause inflammation of the skin. This results in the skin looking puffy.
Furthermore, sleep is also a time for the skin to repair and regenerate. Camille states that “during sleep our skin rebuilds collagen, repairs itself from UV exposure and the increased blood flow helps to reduce wrinkles and age spots.”
With that said, at times, it can be difficult to prepare the mind and body for an adequate amount of sleep. Establishing a bedtime routine can be highly beneficial towards getting better sleep.
You could try:
- Turning off devices up to an hour before bed to allow the mind to relax
- Making your room a comfortable space – e.g., nightlight, candles, incense etc.
- Incorporating relaxation methods such as baths or meditation.
The Beauty of Eczema have created a bath salt, aimed to pamper the skin and relax your body and mind. “With ingredients suitable for people with sensitive skin, they contain a blend of mineral-rich Pink Himalayan blush, Dead Sea and Epsom salts, and restoring oils to moisturise the skin.”
Another way of incorporating skincare into your bedtime routine is with a nighttime skincare routine consisting of all the right products for your skin.
Removing any dirt or makeup from your skin prior to sleeping is important. Not only does it cleanse the skin but allows you to go to bed feeling refreshed, ready for another day.
Clean Sweep by Angela Langford Skincare is perfect for cleansing all the stress away after a long day. A gentle cleansing balm, perfect for sensitive skin!
To take your nighttime routine to the next level, why not try a moisturising mask? Not just a face mask but a hand mask. Or maybe even an under eye mask. Stress can take a toll on these areas of the body, for example, causing the under eye to look puffy. Skin Republic have various masks dedicated to nourishing the skin and infusing it with ingredients such as collagen to hydrate.
Check out our latest video below to find out how Charlotte has been implementing these masks into her routine.
Charlotte using Clean Sweep by Angela Langford Skin Republic Masks
Embrace the outdoors:
Believe it or not, simply going outside for a quick walk can really boost your mood. The body produces vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is also one of the keys to better skin.
Studies indicate that a daily intake of Vitamin D can reduce:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Muscle Cramps
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Joint pain
As for the skin, vitamin D plays an integral role in skin rejuvenation. It also contributes to skin cell growth, repair and enhances the skins immune system.
Declutter to de-stress:
“The past 12 months have significantly blurred the boundaries between our home, leisure and professional lives”, says Camille. She continues, “we use our homes for working, online socialising, working out, relaxing and so much more.”
There is no doubt that because of this, mental health and stress levels may have been compromised.
It is important to step back and evaluate what you need in your space and well, what is just taking up space. The act of decluttering your space can also declutter your mind. Having a relaxing environment to live in can create a renewed sense of a calmer mental energy.
Make sure your skincare regime is benefitting changes in your body:
“If you have been suffering with sensitive and problem skin then it could be a good time to re-evaluate the products that you are using to make sure they contain the right ingredients to moisturise and pamper the skin”, states Camille.
The Beauty of Eczema™ skincare range was created after Camille was experiencing chronic eczema. “Every ingredient has been researched and included because of its hydrating benefits. When you can see something working it will help to reduce the worry you may be feeling about any skin problems and this can help with the underlying stress.”
Products from the range, such as the Calming Cream, is perfect for restoring and hydrating the skin.
Of course, there is no one solution to combating stress. There is also no quick fix to solving the impact that is has on the mind and skin. However, by implementing small changes to your lifestyle, such as finding the right skincare and spending time outdoors, the affect that stress has on all aspects of your life can gradually alleviate.
For more about Camille Knowles and The Beauty of Eczema™ skincare range visit www.thebeautyofeczema.com.
And for more information on how to combat stress, visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk.
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