stressed skin SOS! DULLNESS AND SALLOW SKIN

It doesn’t take long to see the effects of stress on your skin – and not feeling great about how it looks can cause even more stress, kickstarting a vicious cycle. Here is a rescue plan to help you look your best

It’s not just your emotional and physical wellbeing that are impacted by stress – your skin also takes a hit. The way in which your body naturally responds to times of stress is a defence mechanism, however, if it’s prolonged, the response can also have negative effects on your skin. At the root of the problem is the hormone cortisol. It spikes when you’re feeling stressed and can trigger breakouts, dryness and inflammation. Here are three complexion-calming solutions.

BREAKOUTS

Cortisol prompts the oil glands to crank out more oil. This increased production of oil can lead to clogged pores, which in turn causes inflammation, another factor that exacerbates breakouts and causes blemishes.

■ Fast fix When a pimple pops up, keep your fingers off it with a stick-on patch. When you’re feeling stressed you’re more likely to pick at blemishes and this major nono makes matters worse and prolongs healing time.

TRY 1 Micro Needling Pimple Patches, $39.95, Vice Reversa.

■ Prevention plan Switching your face wash can be a

simple and effective way to manage oily skin. A cleanser containing salicylic acid will help to break up excess oil before it can clog your pores.

TRY 2 Oil-free Acne Wash, $13.99, Neutrogena.

DRYNESS & IRRITATION

Excess cortisol can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to moisture loss and external irritants, and ultimately lead to increased sensitivity. Your skin may not be sensitive by nature, but it can develop a sensitive skin condition.

■ Fast fix After washing your face, apply a hyaluronic acid serum. This

ingredient is great for attracting soothing moisture to the skin. Immediately after the serum, layer on a cream to seal in the moisture.

TRY 3 Hyaluronic 8 Serum, $69.95, Alpha-h.

■ Prevention plan Use a moisturiser with ceramides daily. Think of your skin cells as tiles and ceramides as fat molecules that act like the grout between the tiles, ensuring the skin barrier stays strong, healthy and intact. TRY 4 Skin Renewal Ceramide Line & Wrinkle Cream, $21.95, Natio.

A consequence of chronic stress is the body starts to send more blood to the vital organs and less to the skin. Decreased circulation means your skin gets fewer nutrients and less oxygen, leaving it looking dull, sallow and generally lacklustre. Stress also slows the rate at which cells naturally turn over and, ultimately, slough off.

■ Fast fix A facial massage can boost blood flow and help you relax. Use your hands or a specialised tool on freshly moisturised skin whenever your complexion needs a little pick-me-up or you’re extra stressed (for massage tips, see page 169).

■ Prevention plan Be diligent (but gentle) about exfoliating. Refine your skin with a mild scrub or exfoliator once or twice a week to help maintain a healthy glow.

TRY 5 Glycolic Peel Mask, $46, Caudalie.

Products containing hyaluronic acid can help to treat redness, fine lines, wrinkles and dermatitis.

Micro needling helps the ingredients in the pimple patches to penetrate and work faster.

As part of your self-care, take time to close your eyes and relax, banishing outside cares from your internal sanctum.