De-stress your way to looking younger

Working hard, running around and being super-mum can take its toll on your skin. And while we like working hard and playing hard, we certainly don’t like it to show on our face and body.

There are a number of things you can do to help de-stress your skin, so that no matter what life throws at you, you’re always looking your best.

1. Diet

It is important to put the right things in to your body so you get the results you’d like to see on the surface. As you can’t avoid stress you need to make sure you are in the best possible health to deal with it. Skipping meals and too much caffeine can stimulate adrenaline production that can clog pores. Instead eat plenty of leafy greens, fruit and high protein grains and lentils as well as healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil.

Stress is one of the main causes of increased free radicals in the body and these have been shown to cause premature ageing. Fruit and vegetables are high in antioxidants that are perfect for combating this.

2. Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can show on the skin with dark circles under your eyes and dull looking skin. Ensure you get the rest you need to make sure you always look your best.

To find out how to get a good nights sleep take a look at our sleeplessness section.

There are a number of things you can do to help de-stress your skin.

3. Exercise

Have you noticed how the world can look much brighter after some exercise? 15 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise releases those feel-good endorphins. And it doesn’t have to be running; anything that gets your heart rate up such as walking, yoga, tai chi, stretching or even the housework can count. Keeping active can provide a physical outlet for your frustrations, keeps you healthy and makes you feel good about yourself.

Just make sure you don’t over do it!

4. Massage

Self-massage is a quick and easy way to help de-stress yourself and can be done daily. Just use massage oil and lubricate the skin making it soft and smooth. Add aromatherapy oils to create your own personal de-stressing blend or try RESCUE® Cream as an alternative to oils.

5. Relaxation

Sometimes dealing with stress is about quietening your mind and re-grouping so you are in a place where you can better cope with what’s required – take 30 minutes to meditate, relax in the bath, listen to soothing music or read a magazine with a cup of tea to help you do this.

By actively practising relaxation you can build up a resistance to stress over time.

6. Exercise your face

When you’re feeling under pressure the "fight-or-flight" mechanism directs the flow of blood to our vital organs such as the heart and lungs and away from non-essential ones like the skin. This reduces the oxygen flow to the skin meaning toxins aren’t flushed away as regularly.

One way to help combat this is by exercising your facial muscles. This can help tone them while also increasing the circulation of blood flow to your muscles, tissues and skin.

7. Moisturise

Protecting your skin from environmental stresses is also essential to keeping it looking great. Be careful of the delicate eye area and anti-agers containing retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. Some people find these effective for removing dead skin cells and treating age spots and wrinkles however they can be very irritating to the skin. Also don’t forget your lips; many dermatologists recommend a flavour-less lip balm such as Rescue Balm as women tend to lick their lips more when they’re wearing flavoured lip products.

Take the stress test

Take the RESCUE® stress test

Take the Stress Test

RESCUE^® Skincare

RESCUE Cream and Balm are designed to soothe dry, rough skin with six flower essences

RESCUE Skincare