How stress affects the skin

The answer is obvious: bad. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to “just calm down”. Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly happens to the skin during a period of stress and try to protect it.

What is stress

Stress has become as common a part of our lives as water and food, work and leisure. Literally, stress is a “blow”, that is, any shock that requires a response from the body, adaptation to instantly changing conditions.

This shake-up can be both positive and negative. With the difference that for the skin, positive stress (joy, love), as a rule, turns into a reward – the release of the attachment hormone oxytocin, a blooming look, smooth and elastic skin. And stress is negative – a lot of negative manifestations. As in a fairy tale about Mrs. Metelitsa: one – roses, and the other – toads.

Stress affects the skin through a cascade of hormonal reactions.

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Mechanisms of the effect of stress on the skin

Stress affects the skin through a cascade of hormonal reactions. It all starts with the release of stress hormones – corticosteroids (they are produced by the adrenal glands). This hormonal blast gives a person extra strength to “fight or flight”.

However, civilization has made significant adjustments to these genetically learned reactions: we cannot always turn around and run away from a negatively minded opponent; getting into a fight or yelling is also not the best solution.

Therefore, the energy of stress is not realized in any way, does not find a way out and begins to corrode us from the inside.

  • production drops prematurely sex hormones – estrogen and testosterone, which are responsible for the youthfulness of the skin.
  • Stress hormones stimulate production hyaluronidase enzymewhich breaks down hyaluronic acid.
  • Under the influence of stress hormones are activated metalloproteinases A type of enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin.
  • getting worse circulation in the skin, because stress hormones cause vasospasm.
  • Decreases immunity in general and local in particular, so inflammation and infection become more frequent.
  • Stress hormones directly activate the production of each lard.
  • Is rising sensitivity skin – the nervous system is on edge.

Cosmetologists have noticed the following pattern: if a woman is under stress, then the effect of Botox, fillers, mesotherapy lasts less.

An interesting fact: micromassage, stroking the skin, just touching themselves have an anti-stress effect.

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Visual signs of the effect of stress on the skin

From the listed mechanisms of action of stress on the skin, it becomes clear that it is accompanied by:

  • dull complexion;
  • dehydration;
  • wrinkles;
  • dryness;
  • acne
  • itching;
  • red spots that look like an allergic reaction.
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How to restore skin after stress

Whatever the wonders of the cosmetics industry, to get rid of the effects of stress, you have to survive it. In the end, whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Below are a few proven ways to quickly deal with difficult experiences.

  • Yoga and other Eastern practices.
  • Massage (plus aromatherapy if not allergic).
  • Moderate physical activity.
  • Travel.
  • Long walks in nature.
  • Helping a neighbor (volunteering).
  • Consultations with a psychologist.

You don’t have to be an expert to understand: not a single most advanced cream will help “resurrect” the skin if the experience continues. However, if you think about the condition of the skin, then there is hope.

Rules for anti-stress home care.

  • Use only soft remedies. No traumatic scrubs or concentrated peels, the skin is already hypersensitive.
  • Compulsory toning after cleansing to restore pH and support local immunity.
  • Active humidification, because under the influence of stress, the already rather unstable hyaluronic acid breaks down faster.
  • Choice of funds with antioxidants. They can help fight off free radicals generated by stress and repair damage.
  • Cosmetics search with soothing ingredients for skin prone to allergies and redness (bisabolol from chamomile essential oil, omega fatty acids, thermal water, neurosensin peptide).
  • Application of nourishing and moisturizing masks.

An interesting fact: micromassage, stroking the skin, just touching themselves have an anti-stress effect. These are not empty words, but a memory from childhood, when in any unpleasant situations our mother took pity on us and everything bad was forgotten.

Whatever the wonders of the cosmetics industry, to get rid of the effects of stress, you have to survive it.

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Salon anti-stress procedures

Revolutionary changes in appearance and even injection techniques are now inappropriate: the effect, as already mentioned, will not live up to expectations, and the pain threshold has been lowered. Therefore, it is worth focusing on the following procedures:

  • spa massage;
  • masks;
  • microcurrents;
  • ultrasonic cleaning and electrophoresis with an antioxidant cocktail – on the recommendation of a doctor if acne has appeared on the nerves.
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Antistress cosmetics

Hyalu B5 Concentrated Serum, La Roche-Posay

Since one of the first victims of stress is hyaluronic acid, it is important to replenish its reserves in the skin. The serum contains one of our most important moisturizing elements (hyaluronic acid) in high concentration, as well as madecassoside and vitamin B5 (panthenol), known for the soothing and restoring effect. The result is hydrated, smooth skin without a hint of dullness and a healthy appearance. By the way, La Roche-Posay products in 2021 became No. 1 in Russia according to the choice of dermatologists*.

Daily gel-serum for skin exposed to aggressive external influences, Mineral 89, Vichy

Another top brand: Vichy is Dermatologists’ #1 Choice Anti-Aging*. This hyaluronic serum is characterized by a high content of not only hyaluronic acid of natural origin, but also thermal water at a concentration of 89%. The gel is instantly absorbed, immediately eliminates the feeling of dryness, enhances the protective functions of the skin. The product is so gentle that it can be applied to the area of ​​​​the eyes and lips, escaping from dehydration of the skin.

Care for sensitive skin with prebiotic formula Toleriane Sensitive Crème, La Roche-Posay

On the one hand, sensitive skin, like sensitive natures, reacts more sharply to stress. On the other hand, an increase in the sensitivity of the skin in itself indicates a stressful condition. Therefore, in such a situation, it is wise to switch to care for sensitive skin. The prebiotic formula acts on the microbiome, strengthening the protective functions of the skin. The cream also contains ceramide, which also enhances its protective abilities, and 74% (!) Thermal water, which has proven skin soothing and regenerating properties.

Revitalizing night cream and mask for intense oxygenation of the skin Slow Age, Vichy

Night cream mask is a worthy answer to daytime stress: it contains powerful antioxidants resveratrol and baicalin. The skin in the morning looks rested, hydrated, rejuvenated, its resistance to stress increases. Thermal water saturates the skin with minerals.

Daily care for hypersensitive and allergy-prone skin Toleriane Dermallergo, La Roche-Posay

Neurosensin peptide and bacterial extract from La Roche-Posay thermal water reduce skin sensitivity, and the fluid relieves irritation and redness almost instantly. Shea butter and squalane moisturize and nourish. Suitable for daily care of normal and combination skin.

Anti-aging cream Liftactiv Collagen Specialist, Vichy

Stress dramatically reduces the internal resources of the skin and its ability to heal itself. Therefore, such anti-aging care will come in handy to prevent negative changes, even if you think that the time for anti-aging creams has not yet come for you. The cream is rich in antioxidants (vitamin C, eperulin) that help repair skin damage at the cellular level, including those associated with stress. Biopeptides in the formula stimulate the production of your own collagen.

Corrective care against imperfections Normaderm Phytosolution, Vichy

Skin imperfections are often aggravated by stress. This is a well known fact. The product is optimal for skin care prone to imperfections. It has both a moisturizing effect (contains hyaluronic acid) and a mattifying effect (includes kaolin clay), prevents imperfections, helps fight them, renews the skin due to 2% salicylic acid, and at the same time protects the skin barrier, since the formula includes a probiotic.

Correcting cream-gel for problem skin Effaclar Duo +, La Roche-Posay

Another reliable remedy in the fight against skin imperfections. Lightweight cream-gel reduces the number of imperfections and prevents their appearance, reduces redness, renews the skin – it is formulated with a combination of exfoliating acids. The first results are noticeable after 12 hours. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), mannose, probiotic restore balance, soothe and strengthen the skin. The active ingredients of the formula are combined in the patented Procerad complex.

Lipid-replenishing balm Lipikar Baume AP+M, La Roche-Posay

Skin itching caused by stress or other causes can be relieved with this balm. It has such a balanced and thoughtful composition that the product is suitable for both adults and children from the first days of life. With the help of a special complex, the balm strengthens the protective functions of the skin, affecting its microbiome (it is its violations that often cause itching), soothes, softens and moisturizes. Suitable for face and body.

* According to a survey of dermatologists conducted by JSC Aston Consulting, cosmetologists from February 8 to April 15, 2021 in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk. The sample size is 300 respondents.

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