When it comes to getting ahead in the workplace, career-related stress can sometimes take its toll on our skin.
We spoke to dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos to get her expert tips on how to manage a busy lifestyle – without your skin suffering the consequences.
What are some of the most common problems linked to stress in the office and at home?
Spending too much time at the office and not enough winding down at the end of a long day isn’t only bad for our mental and physical health, it can lead to serious or recurring problems with our skin. In a bid to identify the main skincare worries linked to work-related stress, we asked dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos to describe the most common problems she sees among her busiest clients. According to Nina, symptoms of chronic stress tend to include breakouts and acne, as well as the complexion taking on a more generally dull or tired look. In addition to provoking these kinds of reactions on the skin’s surface, Nina tells us that exposure to long periods of low-level stress can also exacerbate existing skin conditions, potentially leading to changes in skin type and texture. For example, skin with a tendency towards dryness can become flaky or peeling, while oilier skin types may notice an increase in sebum production.
What can we do to look after our skin during high workloads or other stressful periods?
While everyone’s skin reacts differently when confronted with long-term stress or fatigue, Nina notes that women’s skin is, generally speaking, thinner and more sensitive than men’s, and is therefore quicker to display visible signs of stress or tiredness. She adds: “It’s important that we take steps to anticipate stressful or busy periods to prevent our skin from developing problems that may subsequently become difficult to treat.” When it comes to managing stress on a daily basis, Nina recommends incorporating breathing exercises into our daily routines: when combined with a regular form of exercise, such as walking or jogging, the skin’s microcirculation functions will begin to improve, getting you on the way to healthy, glowing skin.
What skincare should I be using to fight the signs of stress?
Finally, Nina recommends regularly using a gentle peel to help detoxify the skin, as well as consulting with a dermatologist as soon as symptoms of stress begin to manifest themselves. Vichy offers a clay mask to purify oily skin, as well as a mineral mask to help rehydrate parched, dried-out skin. When it comes to calming tired or stressed-out skin, Nina says: “The key is prevention rather than cure, so don’t wait until it’s too late to start treating signs of fatigue!” When combined with regular physical activity - itself a great way to relax after a stressful day at work -, choosing the right skincare will help your skin to cleanse itself of toxins, as well as helping to combat the effects of oxidative stress.
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