How Stress Affects Your Skin - And How Facials Help

Stress affects the body in so many ways — and your skin is often the first place it shows. Whether it’s breakouts, redness, sensitivity, or dullness, stress can make even the healthiest skin suddenly feel unpredictable. At La Reina Aesthetics, we see this all the time: clients come in feeling overwhelmed, and their skin reflects exactly what they’re going through.

Understanding the connection between stress and skin helps you take better care of both your complexion and your overall well-being.

How Stress Shows Up on Your Skin

1. Breakouts and clogged pores

When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which increases oil production. This extra oil can clog pores and trigger breakouts — even in adults who normally don’t get acne.

2. Redness and sensitivity

Stress weakens your skin barrier, making it easier for irritants to cause redness, burning, or stinging. You may suddenly react to products that were fine before.

3. Dehydrated, dull-looking skin

Stress disrupts your skin’s ability to hold moisture. Even if you drink water and moisturize, your complexion can still look:

• flat

• tired

• uneven

• flaky

4. Increased inflammation

Stress can make existing conditions worse, including:

• dryness

• sensitivity

• congestion

• uneven texture

Your skin becomes more reactive overall.

Why Facials Help Reduce Stress-Related Skin Issues

Professional facials aren’t just relaxing — they’re one of the most effective ways to calm stress-affected skin.

1. Deep cleansing removes buildup caused by stress

Stress can lead to skipping steps in your routine or overusing products. A facial resets your skin with thorough cleansing that removes:

• excess oil

• impurities

• buildup

• environmental stressors

2. Gentle exfoliation reveals brighter, refreshed skin

When your skin is stressed, cell turnover slows down.

Soft, professional exfoliation helps restore glow without irritating your barrier.

3. Massage reduces tension and improves circulation

One of the biggest benefits of facials is the massage. It helps:

• relax facial muscles

• relieve jaw tension

• support lymphatic drainage

• increase blood flow

This promotes a healthier, more radiant complexion.

4. Customized hydration restores balance

Your esthetician chooses products based on what your skin needs that day:

• hydration

• calming

• barrier repair

• nourishment

This gives your skin targeted relief from stress symptoms.

5. A calm environment reduces overall stress

Just the act of lying down in a quiet, peaceful space signals the body to slow down.

Taking one hour for yourself can have a real impact on both your skin and your mental well-being.

The Bottom Line

Stress affects every part of you — including your skin. The good news? With the right care, you can soothe irritation, restore hydration, and bring balance back to your complexion.

A facial gives your skin a chance to reset, recharge, and breathe again — and gives you a much-needed moment of peace.

If your skin has been feeling stressed lately, we’d love to help you feel calm, supported, and refreshed.