Day-to-day life stresses often manifest physically, sometimes even through our skin. Experiencing more breakouts than usual? Have dry and flaky skin? It could be time to give your skin some much-needed TLC.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin’s surface, and it consists of cells and lipids. A highly functioning and healthy skin barrier will ultimately allow topical products and ingredients to effectively treat and maintain the skin.
When dealing with stressed skin, a basic skincare routine with the right products is a good place to start.
“It’s important to establish your skin type in order to choose the right ingredients needed by your skin to get back to its radiance. I often see clients making the wrong choices, using products that work for their loved ones or friends, but when it comes to getting results, I highly recommend a tailored approach,” said Dr Alek Nikolic, renowned specialist in Aesthetic Medicine and owner of online skincare store, SkinMiles.
Dr Nikolic shares five common signs that indicate your skin is stressed and how to treat it.
Five signs your skin is stressed
1. Increased breakouts
When we are stressed, we produce sebum which is an oily substance that mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria to clog the hair follicles, leading to a pimple. Naturally, many people will increase the amount of times they wash their face, but this will only leave you with dry and flaky skin. Although products will help you control your breakouts, you need to look at ways to reduce your stress.
Recommended product:
LAMELLE Clarity Active Cleanse
DERMAQUEST DermaClear BHA Cleanser
LAMELLE Clarity Corrective PM Plus
2. Increased redness
Stress triggers a ‘flight or fight’ response in the body, which releases hormones into the bloodstream. As our anxious emotions begin to flow, our capillaries begin to expand, causing an increase of blood flow to the face. Try to eliminate any products that may cause irritation, and consider using a retinoid.
Recommended product:
NEOSTRATA Redness Neutralizing Serum
LA ROCHE-POSAY Rosaliac AR Intense
3. Dull skin
Everyone is longing for glowing skin. Stress can cause your skin to look dull and you might even start to lose volume in your face leading to fine lines. Vitamin C is the serum you need to tackle dull skin; with free-radical-fighting, anti-inflammatory, melanin-inhibiting, and collagen-stimulating properties, it’s basically a glass of brightening orange juice for your skin.
“This natural antioxidant can help protect skin from oxidative damage from UV rays and pollution, clear acne, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also proven to boost the effectiveness of sunscreen,” says Dr Nikolic.
Recommended product:
4. Dry skin
When we need to treat dry or dehydrated skin it is important to look at ingredients that replenish, rehydrate and repair the skin barrier. “My main go-to ingredients to look out for are emollients, skin-replacing ingredients or Humectants and antioxidants,” continues Dr Nikolic.
Recommended product:
EXUVIANCE Deep Hydration Treatment
5. Tired eyes
Dehydration is the biggest culprit when it comes to tired eyes. Increase your water intake where possible, and before reaching for that morning cup of coffee, try and drink at least one glass of water.
“As a medical professional, I understand innately that we all have a compromised skin barrier to one degree or another. To allow our skin barrier to function at its best, a topical skincare regime must be tailored with ingredients that repair and heal your skin. Even if we’re using the best products available, a damaged skin barrier will always prevent these products from optimally benefitting the skin,” explains Dr Nikolic.
Recommended product:
LAMELLE Dermaheal Eye Regeneration Plus Cream
NEOSTRATA Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy
Healthy lifestyle habits, including a well-balanced diet and exercise, may also help to regulate stress hormones in the body, which should in turn have positive effects for skin and hair.
Visit www.skinmiles.com and sign up for a free Face2Face Assessment. You will receive personal recommendations from Dr Nikolic for your skin type or skin concern.
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