Stressed Out Skin? 4 Tips & Tricks To Help Calm Things Down

Tis the season to be stressed. Between holiday shopping—and trying to get a parking spot for said excursion—get-togethers with family and friends, and trying to check off that seemingly endless to-do list at work, the final month of the year can be hectic to say the least. Thing is, hectic schedules typically go hand-in-hand with stress and stress can often cause our skin to go a little haywire. Whether it leads to breakouts, a lack of radiance, or puffy-looking eyes, if stress is doing a number on your skin, keep reading! We’re sharing tips and tricks to help calm things down and look your best all holiday season long!

1. Don’t allow a stressful schedule to be an excuse to skip your skin care routine.

One of the leading ways stress can (indirectly) cause skin care problems is when it leads us to believe we’re too busy for our regular skin care routine. Even if your day is packed with plans, following at least a basic skin care routine morning and night is key. We detail a skin-type specific three-step skin care routine here. Making sure you maintain your skin care routine with at least a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF will help you keep breakouts at bay and keep your skin hydrated.

2. If you are prone to acne, arm yourself with acne-fighting products.

Have acne-prone skin? The Mayo Clinic warns that stress can make acne worse. If the holiday season makes you stress out—sooo… all of us, right?—and you experience breakouts for any number of reasons, be sure to stock up on products formulated with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid can help exfoliate the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of existing blemishes and help keep new blemishes from forming.

3. Try to get rest…or at least keep anti-fatigue skin care on hand.

If your hectic schedule is causing sleepless nights, chances are you’re looking a little worse for wear come morning. If you can, try to relax and get that beauty sleep your skin is craving. If R&R isn’t in the cards, reach for skin care products that have been formulated to help improve the appearance of fatigued-looking skin. If puffy eyes are your problem, try this dermatologist-approved hack: Our consulting board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali says to make a cup of green tea at night before bed and place it in the refrigerator. In the morning, remove the now cooled teabags, squeeze them out, and place them over the eye area. “The coolness helps vasoconstrict the area so the ‘puffy look’ is visibly reduced,” he says.

4. Just relax!

Sure, it sounds easier than it is, but when you need to chill out fast there is a great trick you can do in the comfort of home! Draw and enjoy a bath that’s been infused with aromatherapy. We share four unique aromatherapy bath blends that can help soothe your senses and calm your mind. It may not do anything for your skin in the moment, but we can bet the me-time will do wonders to lift your (holiday) spirits!