In stressful periods in your life, it is possible that your skin is breaking out, looks dull and grey or red and patchy. The reactions may differ, but it is well known that stress negatively affects the skin. We decided that this might be a good time to share our tips on how to take care of your skin in stressful times and take back control! Keep reading :)

Peter Elias, a professor of dermatology at San Francisco University Hospital, demonstrated that stress results in increased production of the stress hormone. He showed that this hormone not only disrupts the barrier function of the skin. It also reduces the number of substances in the skin that protect us against attacks from bacteria. This makes stress very prone to irritation and breakouts. Your skin also becomes duller and drier due to delayed cell renewal and a decrease in substances that keep the skin oily and hydrated.

Once the skin barrier has been damaged, pollution and products you use on your skin like foundation can now actually enter the skin. And this can create problems. This is what you can do to help your skin in stressful times...

1 Exfoliate

Exfoliation is important for stressed skin. You can use a face cloth with your cleanser or use a mildly acid toner. But don't scrub or peel too much, you don't want to strip off your skin, but mildly lift off the dead cells. When you are pregnant it is not safe to use BHA's  (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid as an exfoliator. Instead, you can use an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. These are known as safe for your unborn child and also do their job on your skin! 

2 Balanced skincare routine

When the skin barrier is damaged, every skin type gets dehydrated. A hyaluronic acid serum can be a welcome addition to your skincare routine since this will really keep your stressed skin hydrated.

Be careful not to use too many skincare products at the same time. Try to bring it back to a cleanser, a toner, max. two serums whereof one of them is a hyaluronic acid serum, and comforting cream. The use of a nourishing and comforting cream can really help recover and soothe the damaged skin barrier. Especially when you use a rich amount at night as a face mask so it can really sink into your skin and do its work. 

3 Make that blood flow

Good blood circulation is key to healthy skin. A continues fresh blood flow, brings nutrients and oxygen to the surface of the skin, and also improves the absorption of your skincare. You can simply advance the blood flow in your face by massaging your skin while applying your cleanser, serums, and cream. A cold facial shower after cleansing your face also helps the circulation too and calms inflammation. 

4 Relax

Although it is an open door and it seems easier said than done, relaxing your mind is the real key to success. It won't just benefit your skin, but your total physical health. So, that's what I will do now: take a break and just relax... Everything for a good and youthful skin :)