Stress is a normal part of everyday life, and, at some point, everyone will experience it. Although you might think of stress as only a mental state, it can also affect you physically. These physical effects can include the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

Your skin is your biggest organ, and its appearance plays a factor in the way you feel and think about yourself. That’s why it’s essential that you know how to take care of it by learning how to deal with stress and reduce the impact it may have on your skin. Let's find out some of the ways stress can affect our skin and our top tips on how to manage and control them: 

Acne Breakouts – what can you do?

During times of stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone can lead to an overproduction of oil in the skin glands causing acne breakouts.

So, what can we do to prevent those breakouts? First of all, it’s important to find ways to prevent or help us manage stress. Engaging in regular exercise relieves stress and can help you burn off all any negative energy you’ve built up throughout the day. A gym session, swim or even just a walk can be the ultimate natural stress relief treatment.

But what about when it comes to looking after your acne-prone skin? Reguarly using a gentle wash can help keep the skin clean and keep breakouts to a minimum. At sebamed, we have a range of gentle skincare products available to help you keep the breakouts at bay - you can find them here.

Skin Rashes – how do you combat them?

Stress can impact your immune system causing your skin to be more sensitive triggering rashes, hives, and redness.

Combating skin rashes is tough when you have sensitive skin, however, there are several ways you can help prevent rashes and redness. One of our favourite tips is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg. Eating processed, sugary foods can trigger inflammation inside your body.

When you have sensitive skin, it's important to use gentle skin-care products. Sebamed’s specially formulated sensitive skincare range will help ensure that your skin is getting what it needs to look and feel its best.

Skin conditions – how can you minimise flare ups?

Stress can irritate existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea and lead to further flare ups.

Although it might feel like a losing battle, it is possible to minimise flare ups through stress management and using the right products in your skincare routine. Taking time out for yourself is essential to manage your stress levels.

Find the time to engage in an activity that makes you feel relaxed or re-energised. Doing something that makes you feel happy like reading a book, taking a bath, listening to music, practising yoga or deep breathing exercises can give you that relaxed, feel-good feeling that your body needs.

It is important that when you are suffering with existing skin conditions, you are using products regularly which are formulated to relieve the symptoms of these. At Sebamed we love helping you feel your best and that’s why we have products suitable for all. If you need help managing symptoms or preventing flare ups, take a look at our skin concern products.

Nervous habits – how can you stop yourself picking at your skin?

When we're stressed, we're likely to feel nervous or anxious. This can lead to taking our feelings out on our skin, whether that's through picking at scabs, rubbing or itching until it becomes red and sore.

One way to kick those nervous picking habits is to find something else to focus on. Keeping your hands busy in situations where you feel you want to touch your face such as squeezing a stress ball or making small, routine movements with your fingers may help you resist the urge.

Try to keep up a regular skin-care routine even on those days where you are feeling tired or anxious because neglect could worsen your skin issues.

Most importantly, if you are struggling with feelings of stress or anxiety, we advise that you confide in a trusted friend, family member or therapist. Sometimes, just having someone that you can talk to can help you feel stronger in your capability to manage stress.