Is your skin stressed out? Here are the products that will help calm it down

Here’s a list of must-have ingredients in your skincare if your skin has been struggling with stress and acting out.

By Ruth Chew - 19 May 2022

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To calm redness, niacinamide or vitamin B3 tones down ruddy skin and reduces the appearance of dry skin. Revive tired skin with vitamin C, caffeine and glycolic acid, while dry skin responds to hyaluronic acid, ceramides and vitamin E. If you feel a breakout coming, apply AHAs, BHAs like salicylic acid, and even lower concentrations of retinol.

Mathilde Thomas, founder of French skincare brand Caudalie, says: “Anti-stress skincare is not new, but it is growing in today’s world because of our constant lack of sleep, lack of hydration, and environmental pollution. A stable version of vitamin C, together with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like polyphenols, is your best cocktail for stressed-out skin.”

However, experts say there’s only this much skincare can do to manage the overall pressure. What matters in the end is adequate sleep, hydration, keeping healthy with exercise, and reducing screen time.

Dr Benjamin Yim of IDS Clinic says: “One could treat the symptoms of stress by applying medicated creams to treat facial acne, but the best way to manage overall stress is using lifestyle methods. Try relaxation techniques like breathing, and have ample rest.”

It sounds cliched, but there’s nothing like getting enough water, sleeping seven to eight hours a night, and working out 30 minutes a few times a week. Do that, coupled with anti-stress skincare to help your skin cope, and your body will thank you.

Our picks of the best anti-stress skincare:

Dr Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods Rescue Super Serum, $115

1/9

This serum is packed with superfoods like avocado, perilla sprouts, cacao, and coffee to correct the damage done by stress. It reduces the look of fine lines and regulates collagen production for firmer skin.

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Rationale #2 The Hydragel, $198

2/9

The gel moisturiser protects against environmental pollution, while hydrating and improving elasticity and texture. The formula includes vitamins A, C and E to neutralise free radicals and prevent premature ageing.

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This Works Stress Check Mood Manager, $39

3/9

A clever spritz with oils of ylang-ylang, neroli and patchouli to reduce your stress levels and induce an overall sense of calm throughout the day. It’s even suitable for young children who are feeling anxious. Tip: Try spraying this calming scent on your sheets before bedtime.

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Clarins Calm-Essentiel Restoring Treatment Oil, $100

4/9

Sensitive skin will rejoice with this lightweight oil, which provides immediate comfort for reactive skin, while providing intense moisture as it protects against pollution. Its blend of clary sage extract and organic apricot oil helps to relax as it nourishes thirsty skin.

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Bskin Vita Advanced Regenerative Night Cream, $109

5/9

Enhanced with camomile and magnolia extracts to soothe and minimise skin irritations, this also has liquorice to stop inflammation in its tracks. Its formula is further enriched with damask rose and cedarwood oils to diffuse tension.

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Lancome Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream-Gel, $98

6/9

An oldie but goldie, this oil-free cream-gel formulation combines rose extracts, moringa seed and peony root extracts with salicylic acid to protect against moisture loss, while it fights environmental aggressors like dryness and discomfort.

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Glowdrop 4-in-1 Facial Device with Nasa-inspired LED Lights, $120

7/9

This double-sided cleansing brush helps with sensitive skin, and uses red and blue LED lights to work on acne breakouts and angry skin. The warming light boosts serum absorption, while its sonic facial massage eases tension when held at key pressure points.

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Sigi Skin Youth Beam Anti-aging Night Serum, $99

8/9

This serum promises to undo the day’s stress with pre- and probiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome, which helps healthy bacteria flourish and resist outbreaks. Reishi mushroom extracts calm skin, while pine bark extracts help with cell regeneration.

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Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Overnight Detox Oil, $62

9/9

Caudalie’s antioxidant-rich polyphenols, combined with a stable version of vitamin C for better absorption,
allows this oil to work its magic overnight. Fused with five oils, including neroli, lavender carrot, white sandalwood and petitgrain, this helps to repair and plump tired skin.

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