Today we are talking with Desiree Stordahl, Paula’s Choice Senior Research and Education Manager, as she mentions there is a real link between stress and skin issues.
Psychological stress can signal an increase in inflammatory substances in the skin, while simultaneously decreasing the calming peptides that the brain would normally release. This can make skin look older by weakening its support structure. Stress can also over-tax the immune system, sending mixed signals that make the skin issues you may already be prone to (such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis) worse. Desiree Stordahl says.
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All responses provided by Desiree Stordahl, Paula’s Choice Senior Research and Education Manager.
How does stress take a toll on our complexion?
Studies have shown there is a real link between stress and skin issues. Psychological stress can signal an increase in inflammatory substances in the skin, while simultaneously decreasing the calming peptides that the brain would normally release. This can make skin look older by weakening its support structure. Stress can also over-tax the immune system, sending mixed signals that make the skin issues you may already be prone to (such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis) worse.
What are some ways that stressed skin reveals itself (e.g. dry, dull, itchy, redness, breakouts)?
The way stressed skin presents itself is different for everyone, but there are some common themes.
If you’re already prone to acne, stress-induced breakouts won’t look any different, other than the flare-ups being more prevalent than usual. The major difference is that during chronic stress, your skin doesn’t heal as quickly, so breakouts tend to last longer, and they are more likely to leave acne scars/hyperpigmentation behind.
Stress can also weaken skin’s barrier function, so for some people, flaky or dry skin becomes more noticeable. For others, skin can become more sensitive, leading to an uptick in redness or skin that’s more reactive than usual.
Lack of sleep caused by stress can accelerate signs of aging such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and reduced elasticity—all of which make skin look older.
How can we calm stressed skin? Can you share some product suggestions for different concerns that are a result of stressed skin?
It’s vitally important to get your stressed skin back to a calm state by treating it gently. Start by eliminating fragranced skincare products from your routine. Research shows fragrant ingredients (whether synthetic or natural) trigger a chronic sensitizing reaction that leads to all kinds of skin problems, including disrupting skin’s barrier, worsening dryness, increasing redness, and generally preventing the skin from looking healthy.
Next, seek out formulas to address your skin’s specific needs.
For breakouts, go with the trifecta of a good non-drying cleanser, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide treatment like you’ll find in the Paula’s Choice Skincare CLEAR Kit
For inflamed, reddened skin, look for products loaded with ingredients that replenish skin’s weakened barrier and reduce inflammation. Ingredients to look for include:
- Omega fatty acids from plant oils like flax, chia, and hemp (Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum)
- Curcuminoids from turmeric
- Red, green, blue, and brown algae
- Calming plants such as willow herb, green tea, olive, and grape
For dry skin, consider adding concentrated doses of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to your routine. Options from Paula’s Choice:
You can also mix in a fragrance-free facial oil with the nighttime moisturizer that you already use to increase the emollience and add antioxidants back to the skin (stress depletes skin’s natural supply). Check out Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster.
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