August 12, 2009 | Medical Spa
5 minute read
Whether you’re facing deadlines, juggling home life, or just living through uncertain times, stress shows up in more ways than one—especially on your skin. If you’ve noticed sudden breakouts, dry patches, deeper wrinkles, or irritated skin, you’re not alone.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, we often treat patients who are experiencing stress-related skin problems. In fact, many report noticeable changes in their skin when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes: stress triggers a hormonal response. The body releases cortisol, a hormone that boosts energy levels by flooding the bloodstream with sugar. While that response is great in emergencies, like running from danger, it wreaks havoc on your skin in everyday life—breaking down collagen, inflaming acne, and disrupting hydration levels.
So how can you protect and treat your skin during high-stress periods?
Here are five dermatologist-approved skincare tips to help you de-stress your skin and restore your glow—straight from the experts at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
1. Hands Off! Stop Touching and Picking at Your Skin
This tip is simple but essential: stop touching your face. When we’re stressed, we tend to fidget—and many people unconsciously pick at pimples or touch their faces while working, scrolling, or thinking.
Why does this matter? Because every touch transfers bacteria and oil from your hands onto your face, which leads to more clogged pores and breakouts.
Pro tip: Ditch the magnifying mirror. It only makes you obsess over minor imperfections and encourages picking. Keep your hands busy with a stress ball or a pen, and remind yourself: touching your face delays healing.
2. Visit Your Physician for Pro-Grade Acne Treatment
Over-the-counter acne solutions might help with the occasional blemish, but persistent, stress-related breakouts require medical-grade intervention. Book an appointment with your physician or a qualified cosmetic specialist.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we offer:
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Prescription-strength topical treatments
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In-office facials tailored for acne-prone skin
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Chemical peels to detoxify and exfoliate
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Medical-grade skincare products you can’t get in stores
Early treatment makes a huge difference. Don’t wait until breakouts get worse—tackle acne at the source with help from professionals.
3. Treat Yourself (and Maybe Your Teen!) to a Facial
Even if you’re on a budget, investing in a facial can offer both cosmetic and emotional relief. Our facials deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and calm irritated skin—all while giving you 60+ minutes of uninterrupted self-care.
Better yet, bring your teenager along for a two-for-one skin wellness session. Many teens are also struggling with stress and breakouts, and a professional facial helps set them up with better skincare habits.
You’ll leave feeling refreshed, rehydrated, and more in control—your skin (and mind) will thank you.
4. Don’t Mix the Wrong Ingredients: Smart Skincare Pairings
One common mistake we see patients make under stress? Improperly combining powerful skincare ingredients. You might be layering multiple active products in desperation, only to make your skin worse.
Here’s a golden rule:
If you use benzoyl peroxide for acne, don’t mix it with hydroquinone (a common ingredient for fading dark spots) or copper peptides. These combinations can lead to irritation or reduce the effectiveness of both.
Instead:
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Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning
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Use hydroquinone or peptides at night
By separating their usage, you maximize benefits and minimize inflammation or chemical reactions. Stick to a consistent routine and let each ingredient work its magic at the right time.
5. Try a Chemical Peel or Therapeutic Mask
If your skin looks dull, flaky, or tired, a chemical peel could be your shortcut to a brighter complexion. Chemical peels gently remove dead skin cells, which clears clogged pores, smooths texture, and prepares your skin to absorb skincare products more effectively.
Even if you’re not ready for a peel, try a rejuvenating or anti-acne mask at home. The goal is to relax while giving your skin a boost. Pair it with a quiet night in, your favorite book or podcast, and a nourishing skincare routine.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of peels and masks tailored to your skin type, so you can de-stress both inside and out.
Bonus Tips: Lifestyle Habits That Impact Your Skin
Skincare isn’t just about what you apply—it’s also about what you do.
High-stress periods tend to bring out our worst habits:
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Poor sleep
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Overeating sugary foods
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Skipping water
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Consuming alcohol or caffeine in excess
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Skipping your skincare routine altogether
Try building better habits that support your skin’s resilience:
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Get 7–8 hours of sleep to allow your skin to heal overnight.
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Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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Eat a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet with leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins.
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Move your body—exercise helps regulate cortisol and boosts blood flow to the skin.
And most importantly, give yourself grace. Stress happens—but so does healing.
We’re Here to Help You De-Stress Your Skin
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, Oregon, we understand that life isn’t always smooth—and neither is your skin. But the good news? There’s always a path to recovery.
Our team offers a wide range of stress-busting, skin-reviving treatments, including:
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Custom facials
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Medical-grade skincare
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Chemical peels
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Prescription acne care
Need help creating a skincare regimen tailored to your lifestyle and skin concerns? Call us today at (541) 687-8900 or visit aestheticplasticsurg.org to request a consultation.
Let’s turn your stress into self-care—and radiant skin.