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Get your skin out of stress with these dermat-recommended tips

Just like your body, your skin shows signs of stress too! Here’s how you can identify stressed skin, and heal with it.
Stress can lead to skin problems. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Geetika Sachdev Published: 26 Feb 2022, 13:00 pm IST
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Our lives are so fast-paced that we barely have the time to stand and stare. Of course, stress builds up over a period of time not just in your body, but also your skin. Yes, your skin can show up certain symptoms that indicate that something’s not right. To understand what stressed skin really means,

HealthShots got in touch with celebrity dermatologist Jaishree Sharad.

Here’s what she says, “When one is stressed, the cortisol levels increase and that stimulates the oil glands. Those people who have oily skin and acne-prone skin break out into acne, and those with dry and sensitive skin will have redness and rashes. Stress can also cause dark circles, hair fall, irritation, itchiness, lack of lustre, and dullness. Some also experience fine lines. The collagen breaks down, so there’s sagging, and early signs of aging will set in. Stress can also cause premature greying of hair. These are various things that can happen on stressed skin.”

Are there other types of stressed skin?

Dr Sharad says the other type of stressed skin is a kind that has gone through a lot. If you do a lot of layering on the skin, or apply a lot of product, or if you do a lot of packs and home remedies, or even very frequent facials, the skin can’t take it, because you are not allowing it to breathe.

Have you checked your skin’s health lately? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

“When you exfoliate too much, you damage the barrier layer of the skin, so that makes the skin more compromised, and makes it break into a rash, acne or hyperpigmentation,” she adds.

Are there ways to tackle stressed skin?

Yes, Dr Sharad recommends a few ways to deal with stressed skin. Here they are:

1. The first thing is to follow a simple skincare routine rather than using too many products. Do not over-exfoliate. Make sure you have a healthy diet, a lot of fibre, a adequate water, and a diet devoid of sugar.

2. “Make sure to use a soap-free face wash and use a gel or a water-based moisturizer, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Do not forget your sunscreen 365 days a year. This is even more important for stressed skin,” says Dr Sharad.

3. You can use aloe vera, if you are not allergic to it. This is because it helps to calm down stressed skin. Use pure aloe vera from the plant, apply it and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Wash it with normal or mildly lukewarm water, but never use hot water.

Wash your face gently to destress your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. “A papaya mask is very safe. If you have dull and dehydrated skin, papaya is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. So, it really helps in detoxifying the skin. Mash the papaya and apply it on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, and wash it off. You can do it twice a week,” says Dr Sharad.

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5. You must consult with a dermatologist, because sometimes you may need medication. You may need ceramide-based creams, vitamins C and E, which the dermatologist will decide.

Geetika Sachdev

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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