From work woes to boy trouble, there’s always something making us want to scream. And this stress plays havoc with our looks, too. There’s a scientific link between looking good and feeling good – the less stressed you are, the prettier you are, and vice versa*. It’s time to break the cycle with de-stressing, beautifying products…
Pretty pills
Vitabiotics Perfectil Plus Skin, £18.20
STRESS-BUSTING SUPERPOWER
Tension slows nutrient absorption in the stomach, which means your bod may not be getting the vitamins and minerals it needs for glowing skin. Unless you’re feasting on bowls of berries, dark-green veg and oily fish every day, it’s a good idea to take a supplement to help out. As well as providing a super supply of antioxidants, B vitamins, CoQ10 and omega 3 – all great skin saviours – these pills also keep hair and nails healthy, so you’ll be pretty from head to toe. Win.
Skincare shrink
LP Skin Therapy Multi-Task Day Cream, £35
STRESS-BUSTING SUPERPOWER
Dr Linda Papadopoulos is an expert in psychodermatology – the study of how the mind affects the skin. “Stress can affect the health, condition and ageing process of our skin,” she says. With this in mind, Linda has developed her own skincare range. We heart the day cream as it’s packed with grapeseed oil – which helps boost mood – and shea nut butter, a top hydrator.
Frankly, we say relax
Sanctuary Spa Therapies Relax Warming Body Oils, £10.25
STRESS-BUSTING SUPERPOWER
Apparently, 97 per cent of women feel that not being able to relax has an adverse effect on their lives**. Start your “me time” with these oils. Pop the tubes into warm water for a few minutes, snap open and massage into skin. They’ll hydrate and smooth, plus the cedarwood helps promote a sense of clarity.
Spot check
OXY Clearlight, £39.99
STRESS-BUSTING SUPERPOWER
Acne isn’t just for teens. Heightened stress causes an increase in testosterone, raising skin’s oil production and resulting in breakouts. This device uses blue light therapy, which triggers a biological reaction in skin that kills spot-causing bacteria, clearing up problem areas as you gently move the device over your face. And relax…
Calm crusader
Trilogy Very Gentle Calming Fluid, £28.50
STRESS-BUSTING SUPERPOWER
When we’re tense, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol – causing weight gain, high blood pressure as well as sensitive skin. Your face may be red or dry, but this SOS super-serum fights back. The gentle formula reduces the inflammation of irritated skin with calming camomile, meaning you’ll go from glowering to glowing.
