Hello, beautiful souls!
Welcome to The GB Edit, your go-to source for all things skincare, wellness, and self-care at Glow Boulevard!
I’m Ro, a licensed esthetician and the proud owner of Glow Boulevard, your sanctuary for radiant skin and inner peace in St. Louis, MO. With four wonderful years in the beauty industry, I’ve learned that skincare is more than just a routine—it’s a reflection of your mind, body, and emotions. That’s why I created The GB Edit, a self-care guide that includes our blog, newsletter, and podcast, all designed to inspire and empower you on your journey to glowing skin and a glowing soul. ✨
Today, we’re diving into something many people overlook—the connection between stress and your skin. Stress isn’t just a feeling; it manifests physically, and your skin often carries the burden. If you’ve ever noticed breakouts, dullness, or inflammation during high-stress moments, your skin might be asking for relief. Let’s talk about how stress affects your skin and, more importantly, how you can release it—both physically and mentally.
How Stress Shows Up on Your Skin
Stress triggers a chain reaction in your body, affecting everything from your hormones to your skin’s barrier function. Here’s how it manifests:
🌀 Breakouts & Acne: Stress increases cortisol (the stress hormone), which tells your oil glands to go into overdrive. More oil = more clogged pores = breakouts.
🌀 Inflammation & Redness: Stress can cause internal inflammation, worsening conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
🌀 Dull, Dehydrated Skin: When you're stressed, your body prioritizes survival over skin health, leading to poor circulation, dullness, and dryness.
🌀 Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Chronic stress can break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging.
🌀 Under-Eye Bags & Dark Circles: Lack of sleep + high cortisol = poor circulation and fluid retention, causing puffy eyes and dark circles.
Stress is inevitable, but letting it live in your skin is not. Here’s how you can release it.
Physical Ways to Release Stress from Your Skin
💆♀️ Facial Massage & Lymphatic Drainage Tension builds up in your face just like it does in your shoulders. Gentle massage releases tight muscles, promotes circulation, and flushes toxins through your lymphatic system.
Try this: Use your fingers or a gua sha tool to massage your face, focusing on your jaw, temples, and cheekbones.
💦 Hydration & Barrier Repair Stress weakens your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it prone to irritation. Focus on deep hydration with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and omega-rich oils to replenish your skin’s moisture.
Try this: Apply a hydrating serum before bed and lock it in with a rich moisturizer.
🛀 Steam & Heat Therapy Steam opens up pores, improves circulation, and physically relaxes your muscles. A simple warm towel over your face can melt away stress.
Try this: After cleansing, soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and press it gently onto your skin for 30 seconds.
🌿 Adaptogenic Skincare & Supplements Ingredients like ashwagandha, green tea, and chamomile help regulate your body's stress response and calm inflammation.
Try this: Look for skincare infused with green tea extract, or sip on an adaptogenic tea before bed.
Mental & Emotional Ways to Release Stress from Your Skin
📝 Mindful Journaling: “What Is My Skin Holding?” Your skin holds stress just like your mind does. Journaling can help you release what’s weighing on you.
Try this: Write down what’s been stressing you out, then list one small step you can take to ease it.
🌙 Nighttime Rituals to Unwind Stress doesn’t clock out when you do. A calming nighttime routine signals to your body that it’s safe to relax.
Try this: Light a candle, put your phone away, and take your time applying your skincare products with intention—this turns your routine into a self-care ritual.
🌬 Breathwork & Meditation for Skin Clarity Deep breathing reduces cortisol levels, bringing oxygen-rich blood to your skin.
Try this: Close your eyes, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat five times.
🙅♀️ Protect Your Energy Not all stress comes from within—sometimes, it’s the people, environments, and digital noise we expose ourselves to.
Try this: Unfollow accounts that drain you. Set boundaries. Create more space for peace in your life.
Let’s Take Action: Your Skin Deserves Less Stress
Your skin reflects your inner world. Stress will come and go, but the way you protect your peace will determine how deeply it affects you. Next time your skin is acting up, ask yourself—what am I holding onto that I need to release?
At Glow Boulevard, we create treatments designed to restore your skin and your energy. Whether you need a deep-cleansing facial, a lymphatic massage, or simply a moment of stillness, I’m here to help you reset.
✨ Ready to let go of stress and glow differently? Book your next appointment at GB.
Your skin, your peace, your glow. Protect them all. 💕
Stay Connected & Keep Glowing!
📩 Subscribe to The GB Edit for self-care tips, skincare secrets, and mindset shifts that elevate your glow. 🎙 Tune into The GB Edit Podcast for deep conversations on beauty, wellness, and personal growth. 📍 Follow us on Instagram [@glowboulevard] for daily glow inspiration.
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