Why Stress Might Be Messing Up Your Digestion (And How to Fix It Without Stressing More!)

This calms my nervous system -and my skin 

Ever notice how your skin knows when you’re stressed — before you do?

The breakouts. The dry patches. The sudden oiliness.

I used to think it was just bad timing or hormones. But after a few emotional breakdowns and more pimple patches than I care to count, I realized:

Stress was showing up on my face.

Here’s what I’ve learned about how stress affects skin — and how I gently fought back.

⚠️ 

Disclaimer:

This post is based on personal experience and what’s helped me as I navigate hormonal skin and stress. I’m not a dermatologist or doctor — please speak to a professional for medical advice tailored to you.

How Stress Affects Your Skin (It’s Not Just in Your Head)

When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol — your main stress hormone. Sounds normal, right?

But here’s what it does to your skin:

• Triggers excess oil production (which can clog pores)
• Weakens your skin barrier (hello dry, sensitive skin)
• Slows down healing (so that breakout stays longer)
• Increases inflammation (acne becomes redder and angrier)

Even stress from relationships, finances, or deadlines can quietly affect your skin — I saw it firsthand.

When stress starts showing up on my face 
I listen 

What My Stress Breakouts Looked Like:

• Deep, painful bumps on my cheeks and jaw
• Sudden oiliness even after washing my face
• Breakouts that took forever to heal
• Skin feeling “tight” but still greasy

At one point, I thought my products had stopped working. Nope — it was my nervous system acting up.

What Helped Me Calm My Skin (and My Life)

I didn’t overhaul everything — I couldn’t afford to. But these small shifts helped:

✨ 1. Swapped Coffee for Rooibos or Ginger Tea

Less caffeine = less cortisol = calmer skin

✨ 2. Focused on Gentle Skincare

I kept it simple:

• Cream cleanser
• Niacinamide serum
• Light moisturiser
• Sunscreen

👉 Here’s what my chaotic-day routine looks like

✨ 3. Ate More Skin-Loving Foods

Especially during PMS or high-anxiety weeks:

👉 What I Eat When I’m Stressed (and Trying Not to Break Out)

✨ 4. Journaled or Walked Instead of Scrolling

Stress doesn’t always disappear, but movement helped me release it without turning to junk food or crying into my pillow (every time 😅).

Real Talk: Skin + Stress = You’re Not Alone

If your skin is breaking out more when life gets messy, it’s not you being dramatic — it’s your body asking for support. You don’t need a 10-step routine. Sometimes, your skin just needs calm, consistency, and compassion.

Have you noticed a link between stress and your skin too?

Drop a comment or share your go-to de-stress rituals — I’m always looking for new ideas 🌿

👇 Tell me:

• What’s your skin like when you’re anxious or burnt out?
• Have you found something that helps — even a little?
• Do you want me to share my calming skincare checklist?

Let’s trade tips — because the glow-up doesn’t have to be lonely.