How To Care For Your Skin When You're Stressed

Let’s be honest: We’ve all experienced moments of stress in our lives. It could have been caused by a breakup or loss of some kind, or just the result of having a super-hectic schedule. And if you’re struggling to manage it properly, it can be difficult to make your skin care game a top priority. Hence why it’s important to tackle stressed skin like a pro. After all, stress can adversely affect the look and feel of your skin. Thankfully, you can restore order to your visage by following key tips and using the right skin care essentials. If you’re not too sure where to start, we’re here to help. Follow along as we share nine tips to help you on your journey to take back control of stressed skin.

WHAT CAN STRESS DO TO YOUR SKIN?

There's no denying that constant stress can impact the look of your visage. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one of the adverse side effects of stress can be a lack of sleep, a.k.a. a vital part of any skin care routine. In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sleeping is essential for your skin. That’s because while you’re snoozing every night, your skin works on repairing itself. The AAD also states that stress itself can worsen skin issues. So, it’s common for concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, or other imperfections to be exacerbated by stress.

9 TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF STRESSED SKIN

Now that you have a better idea of how stress can impact the appearance of your visage, it’s time to take action. Consider our nine tips below to whip your face into proper shape.

1. USE A GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

Now is not the time to aggressively cleanse your face with harsh skin care products. Instead, reach for a gentle cleansing option, like micellar water. This essential is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. Plus, there’s no rinsing or rubbing required. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types hydrates, purifies, and soothes your face all in one step. Saturate a cotton pad with the facial cleanser and wipe the pad across your skin until clean.

2. TRY OUR BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

If you have stressed, sensitive skin, it’s time to turn your attention to cica cream. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro-Retinol & Centella Asiatica is formulated with centella asiatica—also known as tiger grass—an herb from traditional Chinese medicine. This cica cream helps repair the skin barrier to resist visible signs of aging. The best way to think of it is a shield for your visage. Smooth it over your face morning and night.

3. DON’T PICK YOUR SKIN

As we mentioned, stressed skin could easily exacerbate common complexion issues. If you find that stress has made blemishes even worse, you may be tempted to pick your face. However, that’s not the best idea. Skin picking can cause scabbing, scarring, and discoloration to become a reality. Instead of picking at your face, give your routine time to work its magic. Trust us, your visage will thank you.

4. USE A SOOTHING FACE MASK

When you look and feel stressed, it’s a sign that you need to take a moment for yourself. This is where a pampering session with a soothing face mask can save the day. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay and seaweed to remove the build up of oil, dirt, and impurities while working to clear skin for a calm, purified complexion. Twice a week, apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

5. OPT FOR AN AT-HOME FACIAL

One of our favorite ways to give stressed skin the TLC that it needs is to opt for a facial. And since booking an appointment at the spa is not always doable, you can totally bring the luxurious experience to your home. An at-home facial gives you free reign to target a variety of concerns, while allowing you to get some me-time undisturbed. Visit our article, How To Do a DIY Facial at Home, for some pointers.

6. STORE YOUR EYE CREAM IN THE FRIDGE

A fabulous way to give stressed skin a cool treat is to store your eye cream in your fridge. The cold can help to temporarily reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles. Stash the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream into your fridge, and when you’re ready to use it, take it out and apply it in small dots around your eye area until fully absorbed.

Editor’s note: If you can’t get enough of a cool sensation on your face, up the ante by incorporating skin-icing into your routine. This treatment goes the extra mile to improve the overall look and feel of your complexion. Head on over to our article, The Icy Skin Care Secret You Didn’t Know You Needed, for more information.

7. COLOR-CORRECT SKIN IMPERFECTIONS

Sometimes, it’s all about faking it until you make it. Luckily, a color correcting concealer can pick up the slack. Take the stress out of your makeup routine by using the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon. This beauty staple comes in five pastel hues that do everything from disguising dark circles, reducing the look of redness, and hiding dullness to mask discoloration. Apply your shade(s) of choice sparingly, then follow up with a flesh-toned concealer, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer.

8. TAKE STEPS TO DE-STRESS

It’s not news that life can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean you should allow it to take control. That’s why it’s essential to de-stress as much as you can. There are plenty of ways you can manage stress. You can indulge in a self-care day, get some alone time, or engage in activities you enjoy.

9. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP

Last but certainly not least, you don’t want to skip out on getting beauty sleep. As we mentioned, sleep gives your body time to recharge and repair itself. Not to mention, it’s also a smart way to help de-stress. So, take the time to get some much-needed shut-eye.

Next up: If you loved learning about how to take care of stressed skin, there is no harm in expanding your skin care knowledge. Check out our article, 7 Beauty Editor-Approved Skin Care Tips, for more inspiration.