How Stress Shows Up on Your Skin (and 3 Ways to Reverse It Naturally)

Over the past few weeks, as I’ve been writing about skin health and wellness through seasonal transitions, peri-menopause, and now stress and how it affects the skin, I’ve actually been experiencing a combination of all of these things myself, and let me tell you, it hasn’t been fun.

I’ve been quite blessed throughout the years with skin that hasn’t been prone to severe breakouts or many of the challenges I often see in clients. But periodically, depending on what’s happening in life, my skin definitely likes to show what’s going on inside.

I practice a lot of different health and wellness rituals regularly, but based on my age (42), hormones, the stress of running a business that has been expanding rapidly over the past year (so grateful!), and going into the tween years with two strong-willed twin gals (love them to pieces), let’s just say my stress levels have been a little higher than normal, and the hormonal changes don’t help.

Lately, my skin hasn’t been very happy. I’ve broken out more over the past couple of weeks than I have in a long time, which has a strange psychological effect , almost making the stress feel more real. When that happens, I remind myself of two things: if I didn’t focus on my health in the ways that I do, it could be worse, and even though I think I’m giving myself enough self-care, sometimes a new season calls for more.

So if you’re going through your own season of stress, noticing sudden breakouts before a big event or dull, tired-looking skin after a long week, it’s your body’s way of saying, “Slow down.”This one’s for you.

1. How Stress Affects Your Skin

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone designed to help you respond to challenges. But when stress becomes constant, cortisol levels stay elevated, and that’s when skin issues start to show up.

Here are some common signs:

• Breakouts or acne flare-ups: Stress hormones increase oil production, which can clog pores.

• Dull or dehydrated skin: Cortisol breaks down collagen and weakens your skin barrier.

• Redness or irritation: Chronic tension triggers inflammation, making your skin more reactive.

• Faster aging: Less collagen and poor sleep = more visible fine lines.

  
  

I’ve also been dealing with my own sleep challenges this season, which has been contributing to my skin issues. It’s my reminder to return to the self-care rituals that support deep rest, the ones that can easily slip when life gets busy.

2. Why It’s Not Just “In Your Head”

Your skin and nervous system are deeply connected and they actually originate from the same embryonic tissue, which is why emotions can so easily impact your complexion.

When stress becomes habitual, your nervous system stays in “fight or flight” mode. Blood flow moves away from the skin toward vital organs, slowing repair and renewal. The result is skin that looks tired, inflamed, or less radiant.

We can’t avoid stress completely, but we can control how we respond and the level of self-care, stress management, and wellness rituals we bring into our lives during those times. This is one reason our busiest spa seasons tend to be pre- and post-holiday, when everyone’s stress is running high, the body craves restoration.

3. Three Natural Ways to Reverse the Effects

1. Regulate From Within

Start with your nervous system. Daily rituals like deep breathing, infrared sauna sessions, or guided meditation can help shift your body back into “rest and repair.” Yoga, walks, and light exercise are also powerful ways to regulate stress hormones.

I have my usual daily rituals like morning breathwork, lemon water, outdoor walks or runs, healthy meals, and Thursday night hot yoga, but lately, I’ve realized I need even more intentional stress management. So I’ve added short midday yoga breaks, 10-minute outdoor breathwork sessions, and evening sauna rituals to help reset my body and mind during stressful periods.

2. Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Support your skin with nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory care. Look for ingredients like:

• Niacinamide for barrier repair

• Omega-rich oils (rosehip, sea buckthorn, or hemp seed)

• Antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea extract

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Since my skin has been irritated, breaking out, and inflamed, I’ve started using Glo Skin Beauty’s Phyto-Calm Flower Mist and Phyto-Calm Aloe Hydrator, and it just makes my skin happy.

The Phyto-Calm Flower Mist is a soothing botanical toner infused with calendula, chamomile, and rose extracts. It instantly calms redness, hydrates, and helps rebalance skin that’s feeling reactive or stressed. I love using it throughout the day, especially when my skin feels tight or warm. You can even keep the mist in the fridge so it’s extra cooling and refreshing.

The Phyto-Calm Aloe Hydrator layers perfectly on top. It’s a lightweight gel-cream that delivers deep hydration with aloe vera, shea butter, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. It gives that soft, dewy finish without any heaviness, exactly what my skin needs when it’s feeling sensitive or unbalanced.

For a Full Anti-Inflammatory Reset

If you’re looking for a deeper way to soothe inflammation and restore balance, our Glo Anti-Inflammatory Facial is truly delightful. This treatment is designed to calm redness, irritation, and dryness, all common side effects of stress-induced inflammation that can accelerate aging over time.

We use Glo Skin Beauty’s Phyto-Calm line, infused with botanical anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients like aloe, rose, chamomile, and calendula to nourish sensitive skin and restore harmony to both skin and spirit.

This facial also incorporates soothing cryotherapy, stress-relieving massage, and the healing nature of touch for deep relaxation that promotes overall well-being and balance.

Each service includes a private infrared sauna session to encourage full-body detoxification, reduce inflammation, and enhance your skin’s natural glow from within.

90-minute facials include Light Therapy and an additional customized mask for enhanced results.

3. Prioritize Rest

Your skin heals while you rest. Create nighttime rituals that help you wind down, like dim lighting, comfortable bedding that brings you joy, reading a good book, sipping a calming tea, or ending the day with a little soothing yoga and a lavender essential oil blend.

A mindful skincare routine at night should feel like relaxation and rejuvenation, not another task on your list.

Stress is part of life but when you take time to regulate your nervous system, nourish your body, and honor your skin as part of your overall well-being, your healthy glow becomes the natural result.

If your skin (and mind) are asking for calm, we’d love to help you restore both. Reserve your Glo Anti-Inflammatory Facial at Citron and experience the ultimate reset, inside and out.

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