Whether it's rocketing bills, putting on weight or not sleeping properly, you won't be surprised that whatever worries we have in life they show up on our skin. It's funny, however much we tell ourselves we're ok our complexion always reveals the truth. Mine becomes oilier and more irritated than usual and I notice more break-outs. You might find your eczema or psoriasis flares up, or the bags under your eyes become more noticeable.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. If you’re feeling tense you’ll notice more spots, due to higher levels of cortisol, which increases the skin's oil production; while sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on collagen growth, hydration and texture.
TOP TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS
A good night's sleep ... it gives our body time to rest and recuperate, repairing and rebuilding skin cells. While you’re in the land of nod collagen and antioxidants are replenished, giving your complexion the chance to recover. Lack of sleep really does show on your face; skin becomes imbalanced, leading to dehydration, redness and spots as well as dullness and dark circles under your eyes.
Eating well ... ditch the grazing and cravings and opt for balanced meals that fill you up. Constantly eating the wrong things throughout the day quickly leads to weight gain and feeling sluggish, which can leave you feeling even more stressed.
Over-thinking ... no one else has the monopoly on your thoughts, only you, so focus on the good things and write a daily gratitude journal. I remember someone once saying to me "don’t rely on anyone else to make you feel happy, because you then give them the power to make you feel sad."
Up your vitamins ... you are what you eat, but you are also what you put on your skin. That's why I put things like beetroot and carrot oil in my cleansers, B6 in my Age Defiance Cream and so many of my products contain vitamin C.
Get outside ... Mother Nature has a way of healing our soul, especially as spring is in full swing. Enjoy a walk with friends or lace up your trainers, grab your headphones and escape with your favourite feel-good playlist.
And breathe ... There are many different breathing techniques designed to help you relax. My favourite is to take a deep breath through your nose then breathe out through your mouth while drawing a square with your eyes.
SO, WHAT PRODUCTS CAN HELP?
The skincare benefits of taking collagen are well documented, but there are also plenty of studies that show it can help with weight loss too. This is because it keeps you fuller for longer and helps suppress your appetite. My new Collagen Drops contain no additives; instead, they are made from a skin-boosting combination of high-intensity marine collage, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
Psoriasis is exacerbated by daily grime and pollutants so remove them morning and night with Hydro Cleansing Milk. Created with delicate organic jojoba, it helps to balance and condition while being gentle enough for all skin types. You can then apply Lia Oil Serum to reduce redness and rejuvenate damaged and dull skin.
Sleeping on silk not only means the most luxurious shut-eye, but it is renowned for its skin-saving benefits too. Heaven’s super smooth 100% mulberry silk pillowcase means you don’t get those tell-tale ‘crush’ wrinkles you get from lying on cotton. And because silk absorbs less moisture it helps keep skin more hydrated.
