It truly is one of life's most vicious cycles. Get stressed, skin breaks out, get stressed about the breakout, and, well, you get the picture… If you’ve been experiencing skin conditions like breakouts and rosacea but can’t seem to get to the root of the cause, it might be time to consider that your skin might be stressed. Stress has the unfortunate byproduct of affecting pretty much every part of our lives, and skin is no exception. Even if you’re doing anything and everything in your power to control stress, sometimes it’s unavoidable and may be taking a toll on your complexion without you even realising it.
The main reason for the skin-stress connection is because when we are stressed our cortisol levels increase. This can lead to inflammation and what has now been coined ‘cortisol face’, and it also can exacerbate whatever your underlying skin condition or concerns may be. One of the main signs that your skin might be stressed can be seen in the health of our skin’s barrier; redness, puffiness, dehydration and irritation can be telltale signs that your skin barrier has seen better days.
In times of extreme stress, some of our more intensive actives can actually start to irritate and burn the skin because our skin barrier has become more delicate and less resilient. If this sounds like you and you think your skin may be stressed, try eliminating your more intensive actives and subbing them out for nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide until your skin has had time to heal and repair itself. If you’re still a bit lost, here’s our step-by-step guide to what to do when your skin is stressed to get you back to your normal self in no time.
How stress affects our skin
When we go through periods of extreme stress our body starts to produce more cortisol and adrenaline. This in turn leaves your skin more sensitive and reactive, impairing your cell turnover and slowing down your skin’s ability to repair itself. Cortisol also increases the skin’s oil production which can clog pores, trap bacteria and lead to breakouts or exacerbate existing acne.
Stress also has the unfortunate downside of causing inflammation in the body, skin included. When the body perceives a threat it sends out chemical signals to our immune system that trigger an inflammatory response. So that angry email from your boss that you shrugged off may not truly be the equivalent of being hunted for sport, but it can have the same impact on our skin. This triggers a number of responses in the skin like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis and it can also lead to premature ageing.
And, of course, when we are going through stressful periods we may not be making the best lifestyle choices either. We may be reaching for nutrient-sparce comfort food, getting poor sleep, or reaching for a large glass of wine. All of which adds to our cellular stress, further increasing inflammation and reducing our skin’s elasticity and hydration levels.
And this isn’t woo-woo either. As far as skin conditions go, studies have shown that there is a link between chronic stress and skin disorders. A study of 144 medical students with upcoming exams showed a strong correlation between stress and the prevalence of acne and breakouts. The same links have been shown between skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. This is mainly because stress reduces our skin’s ability to heal, and this has a direct link with our skin barrier function making us more susceptible to irritation, inflammation and infection.
So, all of this means… what for you?
How to take care of stressed skin
When your skin is showing signs of stress, the goal is to soothe, strengthen, and repair. Luckily for all of us stressed ladies and gents, Skinsmiths offers a range of solutions to help restore balance and calm your complexion. Here’s how to tackle the effects of stress with the right skincare routine.
Gentle cleanser
Stressful times call for soothing solutions. When your skin and self are feeling overwhelmed ditch the harsh cleaners and opt for something calming. The Skinsmiths Gentle Cream Cleanser is our go-to when our skin needs a little extra love. Infused with SauvigNZ, a powerhouse antioxidant from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grape seeds, this cleanser removes grime while protecting your skin from environmental stress. Its creamy texture feels like a comforting hug for your face, leaving it refreshed and soothed.
Niacinamide is your best friend
Niacinamide is probably the most talked about skincare ingredient when it comes to soothing stressed skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for soothing skin that feels reactive or sensitive. Niacinamide also has the added benefit of strengthening the skin's natural barrier, which is often compromised during periods of stress, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors. This ingredient also regulates oil production, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced breakouts, and supports skin repair by enhancing the natural production of ceramides.
Over time, niacinamide can also improve skin tone and texture, fading dark spots and leaving the complexion smoother and more balanced. For a product that harnesses the full power of niacinamide, try Skinsmiths PRO Strength Niacinamide. Infused with Tasman Pepper Extract for extra soothing benefits, this serum is designed to visibly reduce redness in as little as 30 minutes.
For dull and dry skin
While not everyone will experience intense skin conditions during stressful periods, they may describe their skin as just feeling a bit ‘meh’. If this is the case, you’re going to want to search for products that will help brighten you up. Vitamin C is the go-to when you need a little boost. If you’re feeling like your skin just isn’t living up to its full potential, try adding Skinsmiths PRO Strength Vitamin C to your roster. Vitamin C will challenge even the most cynical skincare buffs as this one product has the power to reduce fine lines, fade brown spots and add an unmatched glow. Come to think of it, there’s not a lot Vitamin C can’t do except maybe help you pay your taxes.
Hydration heroes
When life gets overwhelming, your skin can become parched, tight, and lacklustre, as stress weakens the skin barrier and allows essential moisture to escape. Proper hydration not only quenches thirsty skin but also helps restore balance, plump fine lines, and improve your overall complexion.
It’s like giving your skin a big, refreshing drink of water after a long, exhausting day. To replenish moisture levels and bring your glow back, Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum is a non-negotiable. This luxurious serum is packed with sodium hyaluronate, a deeply penetrating form of hyaluronic acid that delivers hydration right where your skin needs it most.
Lock that all in with a creamy rich moisturiser and your skin will go from woe to wow in no time. Enter Skinsmiths Complete Recovery Moisturiser, the ultimate saviour for stressed and dehydrated skin. This rich yet lightweight formula is packed with ceramides and fatty acids, the building blocks your skin needs to repair and rebuild. It works overtime to seal in hydration, soothe irritation, and create a protective shield against external stressors like pollution and harsh weather. The result? Skin that feels softer, smoother, and more resilient, even during life’s most chaotic moments.
Some other tips for managing stress
While taking care of your skin on the outside is crucial to repairing and restoring stressed skin, a few simple lifestyle changes should not be overlooked. Think of it as a team effort.
Let’s start with the obvious one: sleep. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason people! When you’re snoozing, your body gets busy repairing itself, cranking out collagen and elastin to keep your skin smooth and firm. Skip out on rest, and you might notice dullness, dark circles, or those pesky fine lines creeping in that even the most effective vitamin C serum won’t be able to remedy. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, and try to wind down with a little bedtime ritual, a warm bath, a good book, or just ditching your phone an hour before bed. Small tweaks like this can seriously up your sleep game and give your skin the reset it needs.
And not to sound like your grandmother or anything but what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin, trust us on this one. Hydration is not just about slapping on serums and moisturisers, what you’re drinking (and eating) matters too. Keeping your water intake up is a no-brainer, but you can also sneak hydration into your diet with foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges. They’re like edible skincare. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol also helps, since those tend to dry you out. Not a plain water fan? Try jazzing it up with a slice of lemon or some mint, it makes staying hydrated feel a bit more fun and your skin will thank you.
Whether it’s adding a hydrating serum, getting those extra hours of sleep, or even as simple as taking time to breathe, trust us when we tell you these small changes can make a big difference. Your skin is resilient, and with a little extra love, it can bounce back stronger, healthier, and more radiant than ever. So, don’t let stress take the spotlight, let your glow steal the show.
