How are your stress levels lately? Have you ever noticed how stress affects your skin and causes you to break out? At Dermalogica, we know stress can cause several issues on the skin. One of the leading triggers of breakouts and acne is chronic stress.
Chronic, continual stress is a top trigger for the factors that contribute to breakout development. Research has shown that breakouts are significantly associated with internal stress levels, and that chronic stress can make existing breakouts worse. Chronic stress increases levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol and sends skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands into overdrive, which mixes with dead skin cells and breakout-causing bacteria.
When the skin is stressed, it also loses some of its ability to protect itself because the barrier becomes compromised. Dehydration also triggers even more production of excess sebum, which creates the perfect breeding ground for breakout-causing bacteria.
In today’s busy world, the increased pressure to do more at a faster rate makes it hard to limit chronic stress. But for those who are prone to breakouts can benefit from incorporating stress management and self-care activities such as yoga, breathing techniques, regular exercise, quality sleep. Even a walk with a friend during the day can help manage chronic stress.
Cutting back on sugar can also help manage breakouts, as can a daily and nightly skincare routine that treats breakouts. We know that during times of stress, it can be harder to get good quality sleep. Sleep is a vital time for our skin, during the night-time our skin heals and repairs itself. If we do not get enough good quality sleep, this can make breakouts worse.
Fight breakouts whilst you sleep by using our Clear Start breakout clearing booster — Dermalogica NZ. This fast-acting booster, formulated with Salicylic Acid, helps combat breakout-causing bacteria for rapid skin clearing. Patented TT Technology and Phytoplankton Extract work with skin’s natural microbiome and help prevent over-drying.
You can also apply post-breakout fix — Dermalogica NZ. This gel-cream spot treatment helps fade and brighten the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka red and dark spots) that popping leaves behind. Featuring Salicylic Acid, Hexylresorcinol, Carob Seed Extract, and Squalane, these powerhouse ingredients work together to even skin tone and fade post-breakout marks while stabilising the skin's barrier to prevent future damage. It can be used on any of your stubborn marks, both new and old.