What To Do With Stressed Out Skin

Our skin communicates with us - it lets us know when it's lacking, had too much, is bothered, etc. Our job is trying to interpret its cues and find solutions. Sometimes this is easier remedied than others, but below are some tips for managing stressed out skin.

First thing's first - if you have a persistent issue, please speak with your doctor/dermatologist about it first.  

What to do if...

MY SKIN IS RED, INFLAMED, STINGS WHEN ANY PRODUCT IS APPLIED - 

These are all signs that your moisture barrier is compromised. Your skin produces an oily substance called sebum which helps your skin retain hydration, provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory support, and overall protection. The overuse of exfoliants or other active ingredients, lack of hydration, or having an adverse reaction to a product can cause this. The first thing to do is stop using any exfoliants . Consistently follow a bare-bones routine of cleansing and moisturizing. You may find that your skin needs a richer moisturizer to help act as a barrier for skin that is especially vulnerable. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides and peptides to help strengthen and nourish the skin.

 

MY SKIN IS COVERED IN SMALL, WHITE BUMPS THAT WON'T GO AWAY -

This often is a sign that you are using too rich of a moisturizer. The excess moisture causes oil to become trapped and clog pores. The best solution is to introduce an exfoliation step if you are not already, and look for a more lightweight option for a moisturizer. The best form of exfoliation for these type of breakouts is a chemical or enzymatic one - especially salicylic acid as it helps clear pores and remove excess oil, but other acids or enzymes will do.

MY SKIN GETS SO OILY THROUGHOUT THE DAY - 

Your sebaceous glands create the sebum that makes you oily throughout the day, and they can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, or conversely - humidity and heat. This is why you tend to be more oily in the spring and summer months. These circumstances cause your sebaceous glands to work harder to keep the skin protected. When you are trying to reduce the amount of oil on your face these are the best solutions: be diligent about washing your face, add a lightweight hydrating serum or mist, use a lightweight moisturizer. You do not want to abandon a moisturizer altogether because your skin will create more sebum if it does not have proper moisture.

Navigating a skincare routine often includes plenty of trial and error and adjustments. If you are overwhelmed by the options and steps, we want to help you feel confident about the choices you are making! Please ask us any questions here!