Tips to keep your skin (and your mind) stress-free

Research shows that managing stress effectively can prevent skin conditions from coming back. If you want to take good care of your skin, you must also take steps to reduce stress in your life.

Here are our nine tips on how to treat anxiety-prone skin:

1.

Get regular exercise. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that will improve your energy, mood and outlook.

2.

Maintain a good skincare routine. No matter how stressful your life is, it’s important to maintain your normal skincare routine. Invest in soothing skincare products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and rosemary extract.

3.

Take time for yourself. Do something you enjoy, even if you only have ten minutes. Take a warm bath, listen to music, get a massage or read a book.

4.

Practice stress management techniques. Breathing exercises, yoga and mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress-related skin conditions.

5.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is your skin’s most undervalued skincare secret. It gives your body the time it needs to rest and heal, and good sleep improves your mood, energy levels and cognition. Seven to eight hours each night is ideal.

6.

Don’t forget your diet. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with whole foods and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid processed food and high-sugar snacks which trigger more inflammation inside your body.

7.

Stay hydrated. Drink at least two-and-a-half litres of fluid a day to reduce the effects of dehydration on the skin.

8.

Make sunscreen part of your everyday routine. Sun protection should not be reserved solely for beach days. Wearing sunscreen is just as important on overcast days when rays have to fight harder to break through cloud cover, making them stronger and harsher once they reach you.

9.

Speak to a dermatologist. If you experience a skin condition, don’t neglect to consult with your dermatologist. They can offer invaluable advice and a tailored treatment plan to help get you feeling and looking better.

And finally, if you know you’re about to enter a stressful period, try to build in time for the activities that will help you to feel calm and rested – your skin will thank you.