How Stress Affects the Skin: How to Repair It and Review La Roche-Posay Products

Short-term stress often turns into chronic, even more dangerous for health and skin condition.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Nature conceived stress as a defense mechanism that has helped humans survive for thousands of years. At the moment of danger, hormones: adrenaline, glucocorticoids, including cortisol, spread throughout the body and put the systems in turbo mode so that you can instantly react and escape.

The high concentration of hormones persists until the effect of the stressor ends – and here evolution played a cruel joke on us. Instead of a short fight with a predator, modern man has an hour traffic jam, a toxic relative or an unloved job, from which it is not so easy to escape.

WHY STRESS AFFECTS SKIN?

The skin is the first organ that noticeably/apparently reacts to external stimuli, both physical (cold or wound) and emotional (a quarrel with a loved one or defending a diploma). It is the skin that transmits the signal to the brain and central nervous system about interaction with the outside world. It becomes not just one of the main “mediators” of stress, but also triggers anti-stress mechanisms.

Stress is not in vain considered one of the most powerful stimulants of cortisol – this hormone allows the body to cope with shocks and meanwhile freely penetrates into all its corners, including the skin.

Why does facial skin change after stress?

The connection between the skin and the psyche is so complex that a separate scientific area is devoted to it – psychodermatology. However, a simple presentation of the types, mechanisms and effects of stress on the skin will be enough to take the first steps towards solving the problem.

The skin and nervous system are closely connected, since at the stage of the embryo they develop from one germ layer – ectoderm

The skin reacts sharply to stress due to receptors that are sensitive to stress hormones:

Cortisol:

• It provokes the expansion of capillaries, causing swelling, redness and irritation.
• It acts on fibroblasts, slowing down the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which leads to a loss of skin turgor, which, in turn, provokes wrinkles and creases.
• It makes blood vessels more fragile, new cells do not form as quickly as usual, and their regeneration slows down noticeably.
• Reduces the barrier function of the epidermis. That is, the protective barrier of the skin is noticeably weakened and poorly restored, which carries the risk of rashes, exacerbation of eczema or, for example, psoriasis.

Adrenaline promotes constriction of capillaries, reducing blood flow and narrowing the channel for nutrients and oxygen – as a result, signs of early aging, dullness and uneven skin tone appear.

The effect of stress on the skin is obvious:

• Microbes and irritants penetrate the weakened protective barrier more easily, provoking rashes и exacerbation of the disease.
• Sensitivity increases.
• The density and elasticity of the skin is reduced, wrinkles become deeper, the complexion fades.
• Leather more dry and dehydratedbecause it loses moisture faster.
• The secretion of sebum is enhanced.
• Due to the fragility of the vessels appear redness.

Skin Recovery Tips After Stress

Anti-stress for the skin is a whole complex of care, procedures and lifestyle correction. How to restore the skin after stress and slow down the processes of premature aging?

Step 1: Maintain the barrier function of the skin

When you’re stressed, look for products that aim to restore the skin’s protective barrier. Prebiotic Formula moisturizing cream for sensitive skin TOLERIANE SENSITIVE based on La Roche-Posay Thermal Water at a high concentration (74%), with Niacinamide, strengthens the skin’s defenses and reduces signs of hypersensitivity. The cream is presented in two textures: lighter – for normal and combination skin or rich – for dry skin.

Step 2: Choose gentle beauty treatments

The protective forces of the skin are depleted, so it is better to postpone aggressive procedures. Cosmetologists warn that healing may not go according to plan, and instead of smooth elastic skin, you will get scars, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. It is better to do a massage to remove signs of fatigue after a lot of stress.

Step 3: Move on to gentle cleansing

Itching, dryness and flaking due to stress make showering painful. Look out for mild hypoallergenic formulas to reduce discomfort, such as from the LIPIKAR line. Try Lipikar AP+ OIL Emollient Bath & Shower Oil for dry and atopic skin in babies, children and adults. The lipid-replenishing formula gently cleanses, visibly softens and soothes the skin. After a shower, you can apply the LIPIKAR BAUME AP+M triple action face and body balm with shea butter and niacinamide, which instantly moisturizes for 48 hours and regulates the skin microbiome.

Step 4: Feel free to your skin

If, due to stress, the skin has become problematic, in addition to masking imperfections, pay attention to care products designed for problem skin. Take a look at the Effaclar range to help address specific skin concerns, such as mattifying or reducing the appearance of imperfections.

Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum contains an intense complex of Salicylic, Glycolic and Lipo-Hydroxy Acids that complement each other for optimal effectiveness against imperfections, blackheads and post-acne marks. Day after day, the serum visibly renews the skin, visibly improving skin microrelief and complexion. Niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water soothe the skin.

Correcting cream-gel for problem skin against imperfections and post-acne Effaclar DUO (+) with LHA-acid, prokerade and niacinamide will help to quickly remove traces after acne exacerbation. The tool stimulates the cellular renewal of the epidermis, evens out the tone and microrelief of the face.

Step 5: Work with tone

Stress and skin are not the best combination if you have already noticed the first signs of aging. Under stress, the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid slows down, which leads to additional loss of tone and new wrinkles. Add serums to your daily routine, and you will be surprised how easy it is to restore youthfulness to the skin after stress:

Antioxidant Radiance Serum VITAMIN C10 SERUM contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, which is a well-known antioxidant and protects skin cells from damage by free radicals.

HYALU B5 Moisturizing Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Serum with two types of pure hyaluronic acid makes the skin firmer and visibly smoothes wrinkles, and visibly soothes thanks to its formula enriched with vitamin B5.

Serums can be used individually or together: VITAMIN C10 in the morning and HYALU B5 in the evening. Such a duet will restore skin tone and radiance. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every time you go outside.

Step 6: Avoid Intense Sports

Interval training like CrossFit or exercising in the gym with heavy weights is an additional stress for the body. Let’s exercise carefully: dance to your favorite music, walk in the forest or park, play with children.

Step 7: Limit Your Social Media Time

The flow of news increases stress and panic, and it is still impossible to influence the course of events. Take a day off from social media and find a way to not look at your phone during the day.

Step 8: Set Realistic Goals

Uncertainty is not the time for strategy. Make plans for the next few days and do not try to think too far when the situation is changing rapidly.

Step 9: Watch your diet

Stress often reduces appetite, but it is important to avoid starvation. Do not blindly trust the number on the scale: most likely, you are losing muscle mass, not fat.

Step 10: Call loved ones

Do not be alone with sad thoughts and hold on to social connections, let family and friends be your support. A simple call or a spontaneous dinner will help stabilize the condition.