COVER Radiant skin this winter

Is your skin feeling more stressed than usual? Fight back with these simple solutions, says Beauty Editor Michelle Nightingale

inter can be tough on our skin, with cold weather, central heating and even hot water putting it under extra pressure. However, the biggest culprit when it comes to unhappy skin, is stress.

2020 has been tough and with the busiest time of year upon us, your skin may be suffering as a result. “Stress can take a toll on our physical wellbeing and that includes our skin,” explains Abi Cleeve, MD of Ultrasun UK and Founder of SkinSense. “Hormone levels can be disrupted as the body tries to cope with increased stress and this often shows as a lack of radiance, dryness and irritation, particularly if you are prone to sensitivity or suffer with rosacea, eczema or psoriasis.”

Another skin aggravator is wearing a mask as the skin underneath can become irritated and bacteria can build-up leading to spots,” says Abi.

WTry these simple beauty-focused solutions to lower your stress levels – and treat your skin too!

Magnesium can help reduce stress, so it’s great for helping you unwind at the end of the day. Plus, a bath before bed is proven to help you nod off.

Facial massage is hugely beneficial to our skin, can reduce puffiness, improve firmness and improve circulation. Another positive side effect is tension release and the ritual itself can be stress relieving. There are lots of massage techniques, but simply massaging in a facial oil every evening is enough to reap the benefits. Warm a few drops of oil between your palms, inhale, then massage using upwards, circular movements starting at your neck.