The Effects Of Stress On Your Skin & How To Manage It

At the core of every ritual lies the intent to improve your life by establishing a system that eases stress and frees up time and energy to focus on the things that really matter to you. Whether it involves waking up with the sun, weekly workout sessions, or mapping out daily tasks, rituals shape our daily experiences. When it comes to your skincare, fresh’s expertise is in designing simplified rituals suitable for every age, skin type, and skin need.

Join us as we explore the effects of stress on your skin and share our go-to skincare routine designed to keep your skin looking and feeling good during life's daily stressors.

Your body on stress

When stress rolls in, your brain launches a defence strategy, releasing a wave of hormones like cortisol, the notorious "stress hormone." While important for critical functions such as blood sugar regulation and managing sleep patterns, this hormone can wreak havoc when its production spikes. Cortisol triggers the skin's sebaceous glands to ramp up oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, the surge in cortisol can speed up the degradation of collagen and elastin, enhancing visible signs of ageing.

Signs your skin may be stressed

Beyond its effects on your mental and emotional well-being, stress profoundly influences your physical health, with your skin bearing the visible brunt. Stress may be manifesting through your skin in the following ways:

Breakouts

Acne is one of the most visible clues that your system is stressed. The surge in cortisol caused by stress results in an excess of oil, which can block pores and trigger a breakout. A number of studies show a clear connection between elevated stress levels and the severity of acne, especially in women, who might find their skin more reactive to stress-induced changes.

Dry skin and dullness of skin

The stress response can undermine the integrity of your skin's protective barrier, resulting in a dry feel and dullness in your skin's appearance. This barrier is vital for sealing in moisture and safeguarding deeper layers. Under stress, it becomes weakened, which means moisture depletes at a faster rate, and your complexion loses its natural radiance.

Premature signs of ageing

Stress—especially chronic stress—can exacerbate visible signs of ageing. Persistent cortisol exposure degrades the structural proteins collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin's tautness and bounce. The outcome: thinner skin etched with premature fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin conditions

Stress can both provoke and exacerbate skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. It also compromises the immune system, creating imbalances that may result in redness, rashes, or other inflammatory reactions.

Dark circles under the eyes

Stress can disrupt your sleep—whether by having you wake up multiple times throughout the night or by keeping you from sleeping altogether. This can culminate in fatigue throughout the day and unwanted bags under the eyes. So, not only will you not feel your best, but you’ll have to deal with the onslaught of questions about not looking well, too. Without sufficient restful sleep to repair and rejuvenate, signs of ageing—like fine lines and diminished skin resilience—become more evident, accentuating puffiness and darkness around the eye area.

Your stress-combating skincare ritual

Combatting stress means adopting daily rituals that reinforce your physical wellness and restore skin vitality. Without these practices, stress visibly dulls your complexion. Follow this targeted three-step routine to alleviate visible signs of stress.

Step 1: Cleanse with a hydrating face wash

Our iconic Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash is known for its non-drying approach to deep cleansing. Formulated with soy proteins, it thoroughly refreshes the skin, clears pores, removes makeup (even waterproof mascara), and boosts hydration. Beyond instantly minimising redness, it nurtures the skin's barrier, unveiling clearer skin over time. To use, dampen the skin and then gently massage into the face and around the eyes, rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Protect with a treatment essence

Strengthen your skin's defence against environmental irritants with our best-selling Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence. Infused with kombucha—rich in antioxidants—and hydration-enhancing hyaluronic acid, this core step brightens the complexion and refines texture by reducing pore visibility and the appearance of fine lines. For application, use your palms to pat the essence over a clean face and neck. Use daily to prep skin for the rest of your skincare.

Step 3: Treat with a universal serum

Embrace our Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum, crafted with black tea, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide III. This serum helps skin recover from day-to-day stressors like improper diet and poor sleep, giving you a vibrant glow and boosting skin resilience. Place a few drops into clean palms and press into the skin. Apply to the face and neck each morning and night to improve texture, bolster resilience, and visibly diminish wrinkles. Follow with a moisturiser of your choice.

Adopt a fresh relaxation ritual

Ready to embark on a personalised skincare adventure? Explore our nature-inspired collections—including skincare, lip care, bodycare, and fragrances—to give your skin the nourishment it deserves. Explore more of our best-selling routines.