Stress and Skin: How Stress Affects Your Skin Health

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

November 21, 2024

We all know that stress can take a toll on our minds and bodies, but did you know it can also show up on your skin? Yes, stress can influence everything from breakouts and inflammation to premature aging. In a world where daily stressors are practically unavoidable, it’s essential to understand how stress affects your skin and what you can do about it. At Sheandis, we believe in caring for your skin from the inside out, and part of that includes making time for relaxing rituals that help restore balance. Let’s dive into the relationship between stress and skin health—and how a soothing oil-based skincare routine can help calm your skin (and mind) when life feels overwhelming.

How Stress Impacts Your Skin

When you’re under stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are helpful in short bursts, but when stress becomes chronic, they can lead to a variety of skin issues, including:

Acne and Breakouts: Elevated cortisol levels increase oil production, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This is why many of us experience pimples and acne flare-ups during stressful periods.
Redness and Sensitivity: Stress weakens the skin’s barrier function, making it more vulnerable to external irritants. This can lead to increased redness, dryness, and sensitivity, especially for those with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Inflammation and Irritation: Chronic stress can trigger inflammation, causing your skin to look and feel irritated. Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis may worsen with stress.
Premature Aging: Stress speeds up the aging process by generating free radicals, unstable molecules that damage collagen and elastin. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of firmness.
Dullness and Fatigue: When stress disrupts your sleep and depletes hydration, your skin may look dull, tired, and less vibrant than usual.

Stress is inevitable, but the good news is that we can counteract its effects with intentional self-care practices. Incorporating a calming skincare ritual into your daily routine is a wonderful way to soothe your skin and help you unwind. Oils, in particular, offer both nourishing skin benefits and sensory relaxation, making them an ideal addition to a stress-relief routine.

The Benefits of Oils in a Stress-Relief Skincare Routine

Oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that help protect, soothe, and hydrate the skin. Beyond their skin-loving properties, oils also bring a sense of ritual and relaxation to skincare. The act of massaging an oil into the skin or breathing in a calming scent can have a grounding, meditative effect—just what you need to de-stress.

At Sheandis, we’ve formulated our Facial Oil Cleanser and Moisturizing Face Oil with ingredients that not only nourish the skin but also soothe the senses. These products are perfect for building a calming skincare ritual that can help counteract the effects of stress on your skin and mind.

A Calming Skincare Ritual with Oils

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a relaxing, oil-based skincare ritual that soothes your skin and helps you unwind. You can do this routine in the evening or anytime you need a little break from life’s demands.

Step 1: Begin with a Deep Cleanse Using the Facial Oil Cleanser

Start by removing impurities and makeup with our Facial Oil Cleanser. This gentle cleanser lifts away dirt and excess oil without disrupting your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for stressed, sensitive skin.

How To Use: Dispense a small amount of the oil cleanser into your hands and gently massage it onto dry skin in circular motions. Pay attention to the areas around your forehead and jawline, where stress tends to build up tension. As you massage, breathe deeply and focus on the sensation, allowing yourself to relax.
Why It Helps: The act of massaging the cleanser not only removes impurities but also helps increase circulation, encouraging a healthy glow.

Step 2: Warm Compress to Soothe and Relax

After massaging the oil cleanser, soak a soft washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and gently press it over your face.

How To Use: Hold the warm cloth on your face for a few seconds, breathing in the warmth and relaxation. Use the cloth to wipe away the cleanser and rinse if needed.
Why It Helps: The warmth from the cloth helps open your pores and relaxes your facial muscles, creating a spa-like experience that feels deeply soothing.

Step 3: Apply a Relaxing Facial Oil

Now that your skin is clean and warm, it’s time to apply our Moisturizing Face Oil. This oil is formulated with calming ingredients like jojoba, rosehip, and chamomile that nourish the skin and provide a calming, aromatic experience.

How To Use: Place a few drops of the facial oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together to warm it slightly, and gently press it into your face and neck. Take your time and be mindful, focusing on how the oil feels on your skin.
Why It Helps: Facial oils are perfect for stressed skin because they lock in hydration and restore balance. The light massage also encourages lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and give your skin a more relaxed, refreshed look.

Step 4: Indulge in a Facial Massage

For an extra layer of relaxation, take a few minutes to massage your face using gentle upward and outward strokes. Focus on areas that tend to hold stress, like the temples, jawline, and forehead.

How To Use: Use your fingertips or a jade roller to perform a facial massage. Start from the center of your face and work your way outwards. Apply gentle pressure to release tension in your jaw and around your eyes.
Why It Helps: A facial massage with oil helps relieve facial tension and boosts circulation, which can brighten your complexion. It’s also a calming practice that helps you connect with your skin, making it a moment of self-care.

Step 5: Take Deep Breaths and Relax

After completing your skincare ritual, take a few deep breaths to fully embrace the relaxing experience. Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.

Why It Helps: Deep breathing slows down your nervous system and reduces stress hormones, creating a calming effect that complements your skincare ritual.

Additional Tips to Reduce Stress and Care for Your Skin

Prioritize Sleep: Stress often disrupts sleep, but good rest is essential for healthy skin. Aim for 7-8 hours a night to support skin repair and regeneration.
Hydrate Consistently: Drinking enough water is key to keeping your skin and body balanced. Hydration can help reduce the appearance of fatigue and dullness often associated with stress.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity reduces cortisol levels and boosts circulation, giving your skin a healthy glow. It’s also a natural way to relieve stress.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Taking even a few minutes a day to breathe deeply or meditate can help reduce stress and improve your skin’s resilience.
Nourish Your Body: Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can help your skin recover from stress and stay resilient.

Finding Calm with Every Step

Stress is part of life, but with a mindful skincare ritual, you can create moments of calm and care to support both your skin and well-being. Our Facial Oil Cleanser and Moisturizing Face Oil are formulated to help you embrace the restorative power of oils, giving your skin what it needs to look and feel its best, even during challenging times.

Remember, skincare isn’t just about appearances—it’s about creating rituals that allow you to slow down, connect with yourself, and take care of your overall health. So the next time you’re feeling the effects of stress, reach for your oils, take a deep breath, and let your skincare routine be a time of relaxation, healing, and self-love. Here’s to calm, glowing skin—no matter what life throws your way.