Let’s be real—stress shows up everywhere, and your skin is no exception. From surprise breakouts to dullness and flare-ups, your complexion often reflects what’s going on beneath the surface. The good news? Once you understand how stress affects your skin, you can build a routine that brings back the balance.

Here’s how stress can mess with your glow—and what you can do to fight back:

1. Breakouts on Breakouts

When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol (aka the stress hormone), which can lead to an increase in oil production. That extra oil can clog your pores and trigger breakouts—especially around the chin and jawline.

What to do:

Reach for a gentle cleanser, stay consistent with your routine, and don’t skip moisturizer (even oily skin needs hydration!). Products with salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help keep things clear without being too harsh.

2. Dull, Tired-Looking Skin

Stress affects your blood circulation, which can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. It can also mess with your sleep—which is when your skin does its best repairing.

What to do:

Focus on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C to restore your glow. Check out our cruelty free skincare products with these ingredients. And don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep—try winding down with a calming skincare ritual or facial massage to relax before bed.

3. Sensitivity and Redness

Ever notice your skin flares up more when you’re overwhelmed? That’s because stress weakens your skin barrier, making it more reactive to products, weather, and even pollution.

What to do:

Simplify your routine. Stick to soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, or oat extract. Avoid trying too many new products at once, and give your skin time to chill—literally and figuratively.

4. Stress Can Age You (Yep, We Said It)

Long-term stress can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and loss of firmness. It also increases inflammation, which can speed up signs of aging.

What to do:

Add antioxidants to your routine—like vitamin C, green tea, or resveratrol—to protect against damage. SPF is also a must, every single day.

5. It’s Not Just Products—It’s Lifestyle, Too

Skincare isn’t only about what you put on your face—it’s also about how you care for your body and mind.

Try this:

• Stay hydrated (your skin will thank you)

• Move your body (even a short walk helps circulation)

• Meditate or journal (helps calm that mental chaos)

• Take breaks from your screen (yes, that includes social media)

Glow Tip:

Create a “Stress Reset” routine with your favorite calming mask, soft music, and maybe even a glass of water or herbal tea. Make skincare your self-care.

Final Thoughts:

Stress is part of life—but it doesn’t have to take over your skin. The key is listening to your body, simplifying when needed, and treating yourself (and your skin) with extra kindness. Because glowing skin starts with feeling good from the inside out.