Has your skin been testing your patience lately? Rashes, dullness, redness, blemishes… You’re not alone and this may not be a coincidence. There could be a scientific reason behind the increase in these problems, and it may not even occur to you.
Stress, although invisible, could very well be the hidden culprit behind many skin problems.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life that comes in all forms in our daily lives. Family, health, work, finances, unforeseen events like COVID-19, and the pressure to meet expectations are among the good reasons why many people see signs of stress on their skin. That said, don’t worry about having one more worry, because there are ways to calm stress-affected skin.
The effects of stress on the skin
The list of stress effects may seem endless, but here are three that regularly show up on the skin.
1. Skin breakouts
Stress-related acne breakouts occur in people of all ages. When the central nervous system triggers the release of the P substance in the skin, this neuropeptide leads to increased sebum production, enlarged pores, and consequently more breakout-prone skin.
2. Dryness and irritation
Stress causes an increase in adrenaline which in turn releases cytokines, an immune system response that triggers an inflammatory state in the skin. This dries out the skin and promotes the appearance of wrinkles and redness.
3. Decreased collagen production
Collagen production naturally decreases with age, but constant stress can accelerate the breakdown process and manifest itself in signs of premature aging. Stress causes a spike in cortisol levels. This fighting hormone is a collagen killer that weakens the cell matrix, leading to signs of aging such as sagging skin.
Treating and preventing stressed skin
Know that there are ways to treat and prevent stress damage. Here’s how:
Focus on quality skin care
What you put on your skin is important, and choosing the right ingredients can help combat the damaging effects of stress. Antioxidants, humectants and peptides are the best for de-stressing the skin.
Antioxidants: Vitamins B, C and E among others help fight free radical damage.
Our Matis Response: The new Réponse Éclat contains 8% optimized vitamin C combined with hyaluronic acid and citroflovanoids encapsulated in a liposome. Glow-Serum and Glow-Detox form an ideal combination to fight the effects of free radicals.
Humectants: Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid restore hydration.
Our Matis Response: Hydra-Mood contains hyaluronic acid and lychee, an anti-free radical super ingredient.
Peptides: They help calm the skin.
Our Matis Response: Age-Mood contains a combination of antioxidant peptides. Lift-Perf contains a collagen booster peptide and hyaluronic acid. Sensi-Age contains a duo of hyaluronic acid and matrixyl, a powerful anti-aging peptide and mint leaves for the production of b-endorphins.
Relax
Breathing mechanisms used to cope with anxiety are recommended to manage daily stressors. Be sure to move regularly to get the blood flowing and improve tissue hydration. Physical activity releases endorphins that can combat stress and improve your mood. This way, everyone benefits.
Manage stress better
Unfortunately, stress builds up. Not addressing the underlying causes can lead to bigger problems in the long run. It is chronic stress that negatively impacts our entire body and also our skin, our largest organ.
Valuable advice
Stress may be unavoidable, but how you respond to it is up to you. Awareness of life’s challenges, coupled with a smart approach to skin care, can help mitigate the effects of stress on the skin and have a significant impact on the body and mind.