Stress & Your Skin

The questions I ask on my intake form are more involved than your typical resort spa facial.  I ask you to rate your stress levels on a scale of 1 to 5.  When someone is brand new to holistic skincare treatments the answer is usually, “what does that have to do with my face?”  I love this question because the answer has benefits that go beyond skincare.

Stress and emotional unrest are major players in skin conditions. Take a moment to think about your own skin. What happens when you’re embarrassed, frightened, or nervous? Do you turn red, get pale, or produce hives? Does your skin become blotchy or itchy? Have you ever had a pimple pop up the morning of an important day?

When stress is detected by our body cortisol is released. Now, cortisol isn’t bad, it serves a purpose. Like the rest of our hormones, cortisol is meant to rise and fall throughout the day. When our cortisol gets stuck on high is when things start to go sideways. We can get pimples, acne, eczema, rosacea-like symptoms, a puffy face, inflammation, increased sensitivity, and that’s just our skin. Prolonged stress keeps our cortisol in overdrive.

Luckily in today’s world we have a lot of stress-management options readily available. Spending time in nature, hiking, meditation, psychotherapy, facials, massage, and journaling are some that come to mind. I encourage you to find what works best for you.

Something to add to your stress-management toolbox is to use your daily skincare routine as a self-care ritual. Begin with a few slow, deep breaths. Take your time, this is your gift to your future self. While washing your face, you can think or say aloud, “I’m washing away the stress.” As you apply your serums and moisturizer, say “I am nourishing my skin and soul.”  If you’re feeling bold, look yourself in the eye and end with, “I do this because I love you.”

Give this ritual a try for 7 days and see how you feel.  

If you would like a personalized skin care ritual, click here to schedule a treatment.