Stressed skin, reverting to a teenager!

[TabithaTittlemouse]

I don’t usually get spots but my skin feels like it’s about to explode in spots!
I’ve been really stressed recently and wonder if that’s why?
Is there anything that I can do?

Have you had any hormonal changes (any change you're PG?) generally? My skin is pretty bad at the mo but then I've also got tender boobs and cramps and low mood - stupid vaccine triggered weird hormonal reaction. I don't know what to advise except the usual 'Drink more water' 'eat healthily' 'make sure you exercise daily' type thing.

No hormone changes and definitely not pregnant.
Definitely not taking care of myself so the water and exercise advice is good although I will need to make an effort to do it, thank you.

Yes stress increases cortisol which then increases sebum/oil production.

What is your routine?

I think stress definitely causes breakouts. My skin was awful in the months before and immediately after DH's death.

The think that really helps me is cutting out refined sugar, I think that helps my mood, my ability to cope with stress and my skin

I had this a month or so ago and it was awful - my skin was so sore and angry. I have Skin + Me and sent new photos and they changed my prescription, but I definitely think stress was the main culprit.

Yes, mine erupted recently when I had a very stressful house move. It has settled now though, mainly thanks to Treclin. I’m not sure what you can do about it apart from something prescription like that?

@VerityPJohnson I typed out a long reply but it disappeared so I’ll let you know my routine tomorrow.
Sadly my usual routine like everything else hasn’t happened in the last few weeks which probably explains my skin.

@DetailMouse I’m sorry for your loss. It’s rubbish isn’t it, you are already stressed and then your skin starts messing about. I’ll have a look at cutting out refined sugar!

@Judystilldreamsofhorses I’ll have a look, thank you.

@Hailsafe how easy was it to get a prescription?

Really easy online - I think I used the Independent Pharmacy. You have to upload a photo of your skin (yuk) and then a pharmacist signs it off. I was using Differin before but during the outbreak it had seemed to stop working. Treclin sorted it out really quickly, with only a bit of itching and dryness for a few days as a side effect.

Amy chance you had COVID? It can affect the skin quite badly.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon no, I test regularly due to my job.

Oh ok.

Because COVID really fucked my skin up when I had it.

@VerityPJohnson sorry for the late response but this is my normal routine.

Morning
Formula exfoliating glow toner or glow rapid morning mask
Elizabeth Arden visible difference moisturiser
Emma hardie protect and prime

Night
Emma hardie moringa
Ren overnight glow dark spot sleeping cream

Any advice?

@ChardonnaysPetDragon ohno! Hopefully not. Hope you are recovered.

Thanks, all better.

I just didn't expect it, that's all.

@TabithaTittlemouse

I’d perhaps use a mild cleanser in the morning, especially as the moringa balm is a pretty rich product with lots of essential oils. I think you are perhaps using too many strong products,

Cleanse
Moisture
SPF

Evening I’d recommend a salicylic acid. Either used every night or alternated with your AHA.

If things don’t improve you could look at Skin and Me or Dermatica.

You could also try spearmint or camomile tea.

Thank you @VerityPJohnson! I’ll have a look into those!
Do you have any recommendations?

Forgot to say that I do use Alpha H liquid rose gold a couple of times a week (when I remember). Is that an aha?

Liquid Gold is an AHA too yes. I definitely suggest paring back and using fewer products especially with acids.

I'd look at Cerave for cleansing and moisturising then maybe your glow toner OR Liquid Gold in the evening. Remember SPF.

Could fit salicylic in the morning. I think the Ordinary one is quite good but there are loads of options. Paula's Choice is worth a look. Kind of depends how much you want to spend on all this!

Thank you! You are a star!