STRATEGIES FOR SOOTHING STRESSED SKIN

WHAT CAUSES STRESSED SKIN?

Stress is one of the most common triggers for skin irritation and inflammation. When the body is under stress, its adrenal glands respond by producing more cortisol. Though cortisol typically benefits the body by regulating metabolism and controlling the inflammatory response, high cortisol levels can suppress essential skin lipids if they stay elevated for prolonged periods.

This suppression weakens the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage, inflammation, water loss and dehydration.

A stressed body doesn't always result from a stressed brain. Factors like environmental aggressors, lifestyle habits and hormone imbalances can also contribute to skin stress.

To properly care for your clients, it’s important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of stressed skin. The most common include:

• Redness and inflammation
• Dryness and flakiness
• Breakouts and congestion
• A dull complexion
• Sensitivity to touch or pressure

5 WAYS TO TARGET YOUR CLIENTS’ STRESSED SKIN

To effectively soothe and rejuvenate stressed skin, implement targeted strategies that restore and maintain the skin's natural balance.

1. GENTLE CLEANSING AND HYDRATION

The first step to calming the skin is gentle cleansing. Avoid harsh cleansers and opt for a mild, non-active cleanser like our Foaming Cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural oils. Follow up with our hydrating Daily Repair Cream moisturizer to replenish lost water and protect against environmental aggressors.

2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

Incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into your clients’ skincare routines can significantly reduce redness and inflammation. Ceramides and lipids are critical for repairing a stressed barrier—incorporate products that use these ingredients effectively. Also look for products with soothing botanicals, including:

• Horsetail
• Aloe vera
• Chamomile
• Green tea

Or nutrients with natural anti-inflammatory properties like:

• Vitamin E
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• Positively charged amino acids

Our Barrier Repair Cream with Amino Acids combines many of these ingredients to restore the skin's natural protective barrier. Stock your treatment room with this professional skincare product to give your clients the ultimate healing experience.

3. PROTECTIVE SKINCARE PRACTICES

Encourage your clients to adopt protective skincare practices, such as wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding harsh exfoliants and scrubs. These practices can help reduce harm from UV rays and prevent further stress on the skin. For optimal results, recommend our broad-spectrum Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 15, which uses green tea and chamomile to soothe the skin while preventing free radical damage.

4. CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT PLANS

Every client's skin is unique, and their stress levels may vary. Take the time to identify their skin type and skin conditions to create a treatment plan that targets their specific needs. This personalized approach will yield better results and leave your clients feeling cared for and rejuvenated.

5. LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Find the root cause of your clients’ stress to determine the best course of action. If their stress symptoms are caused by lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep, poor diet or smoking, encourage them to make necessary changes. You can also recommend relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, aromatherapy or daily journaling.

CARING FOR STRESSED SKIN

Caring for stressed skin goes beyond topical solutions; it requires a holistic approach that addresses both internal and external factors. Accelerate your skincare knowledge to better aid your clients by becoming a GlyMed Pro. With access to empowering aesthetic courses and higher education, you’ll expand your expertise and elevate your treatment offerings to help your clients achieve glowing stress-free skin.