In short, yes and no. There are definitely skincare products out there containing specific ingredients that will make you look less stressed out, so that’s a yes. But, in the long run, you also need to practise self-care to avoid signs of stress on your skin. So yes, skincare products can minimise the signs of stress on your skin but a bit of help from you will make their effects even more obvious.

Your facial skin is usually one of the first to suffer when we’re stressed. The body decides the vital organs are in need of more oxygen and thus the face suffers – as the skin there gets less oxygen and nutrients, due to decreased blood flow.

Stress also releases a hormone called cortisol and this leads to increased oil production, which then leads to breakouts, pimples, or acne. Of course, when you see those, you get even more stressed – a vicious cycle, indeed.

Cortisol causes even more reactions when it comes to your skin. It breaks down collagen, causing wrinkles and dry skin. Skin elasticity goes for a loop. Additionally, the skin does not slough off the dead skin cells as well as normal, leading to a dull complexion.

If you’re stressed, you don’t normally sleep too well either. And this leads to bags and/or dark marks under your eyes.

All of this makes you feel even worse and more stressed out than before. However, there are skincare products that can help and, lately, new stress relieving products are being introduced.

The most important is to ensure you moisturise, preferably using a gentle, calming product with soothing properties. The same goes for cleansers – ensure they are gentle and hydrating.

Look out for products that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid which will hydrate and soothe your skin. Other ingredients to include in your skincare regime should include antioxidants to protect your skin and peptides to improve collagen deficiency.

If you have pimples, breakouts or acne caused by stress, then you need products that contain salicylic acid, which unclogs pores and reduces oil build up; or benzoyl peroxide, which is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial; and retinols to speed up cellular turnover.

There are products available that specifically target under-eye bags, which contain ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, retinol, or Vitamin C, all of which can help to reduce puffiness, improve circulation and increase collagen and elastin production.

These ingredients will definitely help your skin look less stressed out and, of course, there are any number of cosmetic make-up products that help to ‘hide’ the effects of stress on your skin. Just be sure to cleanse religiously if you use them.

It’s worth pointing out, though, that the effects of any skincare product will be increased dramatically if you practice some self-care too.

Get as much sleep as you can (at least 8 hours) as skin rejuvenates while you sleep. Drink lots of water. Eat healthily and try to avoid salty foods, alcohol and sugar. Do at least half an hour of exercise every day. Calm your soul by listening to music, meditating, or using aromatherapy oils.

These self-care routines will enhance and increase the effects of the skincare products you use. And, finally, remember that you are important and caring for yourself should be a number one priority.