Rosacea appears because stress reduces the skin’s ability to protect and fight inflammation, altering the skin barrier. This might look like facial redness, general blotchiness, and acne-like bumps on the face. Cute! Applying the right skin moisturizer and avoiding the triggers are essential in preventing those uninvited flare-ups.
Dr. Claire Chang, dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology, recommends anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, centella asiatica, and green tea if your skin is prone to redness. “Centella asiatica is used in skincare products due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity,” she explains. “It can soothe the skin and calm down redness, and has also been shown to help hydrate the skin and revitalize the skin’s barrier. One of my favorite skincare products that contains Centella asiatica is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment.”
Eczema And Psoriasis
When you’re super stressed, minor things can irritate you — and the same goes for your skin. You might experience a breakout of itching or dry patches redness when your skin reacts poorly to soap or detergent, and the same goes for stress.
When it comes to treating eczema and psoriasis, gentle formulas and moisturizers can help big time. “Patients with eczema and psoriasis should use thick moisturizing creams to hydrate the skin. Cerave Moisturizing Cream contains three essential ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid and is ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin,” Dr. Chang notes.
Dullness
Tossing and turning all night long? Yeah, you might wake up looking haggard with dark shadows under your eyes and dull skin. Beauty sleep is a real thing, but it can’t happen properly when you’re plagued with worry. (And in addition to getting a full night of sleep, chances are you need to be guzzling down some more water too.)
To keep skin glowy, Vitamin C serums have been shown to fight free radicals, protect the skin against environmental damage, brighten skin complexion, and stimulate collagen production. Dr. Changs’ favorite vitamin C products include Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence for even skin tone.
Other Treatment Options
There are a bunch of other products out there in addition to the ones mentioned above to help alleviate symptoms and mellow out your skin. If you’re stressed, you won’t have to look it.
Dr. Chang’s favorite way to be kind to angry skin is with gentle, non-irritating products. “Stress has been associated with lower levels of ceramides in the skin. I recommend moisturizers that contain ceramides, which are a natural lipid that is important in protecting the skin barrier. One of my favorites is No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream, which can be used for the face and neck to hydrate the skin and restore its radiance.” She also recommends a No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Day Cream SPF 30 that can be incorporated into your regimen, so you have hydration all day long. And note that when selecting day creams, SPF is key too, as it protects and defends the skin from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors.
Keep in mind that one size does not fit all when it comes to skincare for stressed skin. Just as stress can manifest in different ways in people, your skincare regimen should be personalized to reflect this.
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