Stress and skincare are two things that definitely do not go together. When you are stressed your body produces a chemical reaction that increases your skin’s reactivity and sensitivity.
- Stress increases your levels of cortisol which makes your skin more oily and more prone to breakouts.
- Stress aggravates, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
- Stress can cause hives and skin rashes.
- All of those skin issues can in turn, cause more stress.
STRESS AND SKINCARE
HOW TO RELIEVE STRESS
- Take care of your skin. Even if you are exhausted and you don’t care, give yourself a facial, use a face mask and drink plenty of water.
- Move. It doesn’t need to be strenuous but make sure that you are exercising regularly. It’s good for your skin, your body and your mental health.
- Create a relaxing environment. Read a good book, take a bath or just do something you enjoy even if it’s only for a few minutes.
- Be creative. Whether it’s writing down your thoughts or doodling on a napkin being creative, in any capacity helps clear your head and reduce stress.
- Meditate, do yoga, breathe deeply, listen to music or take a walk.
- Get enough sleep by aiming for 7 or 8 hours each night.
- Learn to say no to too many and try not to let yourself get pulled in too many directions.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner, a friend or even a therapist.
30 Day Skincare Challenge
A few years ago I wrote a 30 day skincare challenge that is still very applicable today. Each day represents an actionable tip that you can easily implement into your day to help relieve stress while improving your skincare.
DIY Face Masks
Oily Skin? Try these easy to make at home masks.
Cucumber and yogurt. For this cooling and hydrating mask you will need: 1/4 of a cucumber, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. After peeling the cucumber, blend your ingredients until they turn into a thick paste. Apply the mixture on your face and leave on for about 20 minutes.
Strawberries and lemon juice. What is it about strawberries that just makes me think of those long languid summer days? This is a wonderful mask that is not only relaxing, but a great astringent (strawberries and lemon juice) for your skin as well and will help fight breakouts. Take 6 fresh strawberries and mash or blend them together with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Then add 2 egg whites and about 3 tablespoons of honey. Combine your ingredients, apply all over your face and relax for 10-15 minutes.
Find more Face Masks For Oily Skin here.
Dry Skin? These are for you.
Honey Avocado Mask. This is a very simple mask and a very moisturizing one. Simply take a soft, ripe avocado (half if it’s large or a whole one if it’s small) and mash it up thoroughly. Stir in about a 1/4 cup of honey and you are ready to go. Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes and then gently rinse it off with warm water and a soft wash cloth. For a variation of this mask, you can substitute the avocado with half a banana. You might need to add a little bit of water if the consistency is too thick.
Coffee. For the java lovers out there, why not try a coffee mask. Combine a 1/2 a cup of ground coffee beans with a 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and add 1 cup of whole milk, a teaspoon of sweet almond oil or olive oil and a teaspoon of honey. Mix all of your ingredients until they form a thick paste and apply for about 20 minutes.
Find more DIY Dry Skin Face Masks here.
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