Here are The Skincare Solutions For Stressed Out Skin
This year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. If we’ve been ordinarily afflicted by our day to day, the events of this year have put that to the test. And one of the nasty side effects of the rise in cortisol levels on our body? Stress showing up on our skin.
Usually, we only pay attention to stress when we are sick, but some of the first telltale signs is when your skin is not behaving the way it normally does. Apart from the usual suspect stress acne, an increase in cortisol levels can lead to accelerated skin ageing, redness, and increased dullness and dehydration.
Working for long periods of time without rest and not eating the right things can also contribute to stress and mess up your immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness.
But the good news is, this is not permanent, and can be fixed. Here’s how to do so, with products that tackle these issues and work simultaneously to soothe stressed out skin.
Redness
When your body goes through stress, it can trigger a histamine, which is linked to an allergic reaction that leads to hives, itching and redness. Conditions such as rosacea, cirrhosis and eczema are also all influenced by stress. Combat these with soothing ingredients that help to calm redness and inflammation.
REN Evercalm™ Anti-Redness Serum, S$56
This serum by REN is designed to help protect, replenish, and visibly improve your skin through soothing ingredients such as milk protein to calm redness and inflammation, wild Canadian rumex to reduce hyperpigmentation and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. Suitable for sensitive skin, you can witness visible results in just a week.
Two Halves Better Balance Soothing Hydration Essence, $85
This lightweight, water-based gel from local vegan label Two Halves glides easily on skin, imparting a glowy finish, with reduced redness and acne over time. This is thanks to its clean, nourishing blend of botanical extracts including licorice root to soothe redness and condition skin, squalene and sodium hyaluronate for increased hydration and a variety of leaf extracts for a boost of antioxidants to delay skin aging.
Dehydration
Stress impairs your skin’s barrier function, leading to a dull complexion and draining that healthy plumpness from your face, which is why a boost of antioxidants and healthy fats is what your skin needs to restore that dewy glow. Also check out products that have Vitamin C in it, to prevent free radical damage and improve the luster of your skin.
Kypris Beauty Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask, S$353
Natural skincare brand Kypris Beauty’s intensive yet lightweight “Cerulean” treatment comes highly raved by Beauty editors to get fresh, supple skin. It comes completely organic with a blend of 36 sustainably grown botanicals, and a blue, jelly-like substance that is cool and soothing to touch, Key ingredients such as sea fennel stem cells revitalise and boost skin complexion, cherry blossom stem cells to protect collagen breakdown, while Tulsi flowers help soothe weather-worn skin.
CHANTECAILLE Stress Repair Concentrate+, S$291
Sometimes, the most telling part of stress appears in your eyes, which is why they deserve the extra care they can get. This eye serum by Chantecaille comes with a mini spoon to promote circulation by gently massaging over your eye area. It’s formula includes brightening Hawthorn and Arabian Jasmine, and Peptides and Caffeine to smooth and plump the appearance of fine lines.
Ageing
Stress doesn’t just feel like it’s aging you -- research has shown that cortisol has been linked to breaking down collagen and elastin in your skin.
BYNACHT Nocturnal Signature Anti-Age Cream, $240
The best time for skincare is when we are asleep, as that is when our skin’s renewal process is more active. This BYNACHT cream is designed for nighttime use to combat signs of ageing, thanks to its unique Re-Juvenite Complex, and a blend of potent botanical ingredients such as Swiss Garden Cress Sprouts and Marine collagen to repair and plump skin, so you can wake to glowing, youthful skin.
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol, $37.90
Wake up to plumper, brighter skin with this resurfacing nighttime treatment, which combines oxygen with star ingredient, firming retinol for an antiaging booster. Simply spritz the foam onto your hands before gently massaging onto face to improve skin firmness, elasticity and accelerated skin cell turnover overnight.
Breakouts
When we are stressed and busy, our normal routines tend to go awry. Which is why you should pay special attention to cleansing your skin twice a day for immediate relief, and not to give into the temptation of over exfoliating skin. Switch to a lighter moisturiser in the day, and use spot treatments contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid for spot treatments.
Clinically proven to remove dead skin cells for clear and smooth skin, simply swipe a pad throughout your face after cleansing to gently remove skin waste and dead skin cells. It contains naturally derived AHA and BHA, and ingredients such as cypress tree leaf to purify and minimise clogged pores.
Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser, S$102
This green foaming gel treatment is packed with 12 botanicals to flush out impurities, balance sebum production, and soothe redness. The formula lathers well and is cool to touch, perfect for after a long stressful day, and removes makeup and impurities to impart a comfortably matte, clean finish without drying skin out.
