Let’s Talk: How Stress Might Be Messing with Your Skin
Let’s Talk: How Stress Might Be Messing with Your Skin
Stress doesn’t just live in your mind—it leaves a signature on your skin. Whether it’s breakouts, dullness, or sensitivity, many of the skin issues we treat at Davi Aesthetics have one thing in common: stress behind the scenes.
This blog isn’t about blaming your feelings—it’s about understanding how your skin responds to them, and how we can help you reset.
What Happens When Skin and Stress Collide
When your body is under pressure, it releases a hormone called cortisol. In small doses, cortisol helps your body cope—but when it’s constantly elevated, it:
Pushes oil glands into overdrive (hello, breakouts)
Breaks down collagen and elastin (which support firmness and glow)
Weakens your skin barrier, making it more reactive, red, or flaky
Slows down healing and recovery from inflammation or acne
“Psychological stress can disrupt epidermal barrier function, delay wound healing, and trigger inflammatory skin conditions.”
— Journal of Inflammation Research
The Skin Symptoms No One Talks About
If you’ve noticed your skin feels “off,” even though you haven’t changed your products, it could be your nervous system talking. Common signs include:
Flare-ups in acne, eczema, or rosacea
Products that suddenly feel irritating or “sting”
Skin that looks tired no matter how much water you drink
Post-peel or breakout recovery taking longer than usual
How We Treat Stressed Skin at Davi Aesthetics
Plump + Protect: Our Most Calming Facial
This barrier-supporting facial is our go-to when your skin is overwhelmed. Featuring Codex Labs’ biotech formulas and Intelligent Elixirs’ antioxidant-rich hydrators, this treatment brings moisture, calm, and structure back to reactive skin.
When Peels Help (And When They Don’t)
If your skin is recovering from a stress flare-up, we may recommend Jessner or Glycolic acid peels—but only when the timing is right. Over-exfoliating is common with stressed clients. Sometimes, a deep cleanse and rehydration session is what you actually need.
Glycolic acid, when properly buffered and used conservatively, can support cell turnover and barrier strength.
— Dermatologic Therapy Journal
Laser with Less Stress
If you’re new to laser hair removal or nervous about discomfort, our Candela GentleMax Pro Plus offers a more soothing experience. Its Dynamic Cooling Device gently preps your skin before each laser pulse for increased comfort—especially for sensitive or anxiety-prone clients.
Homecare for Stressed Skin
Simplify. Don’t overdo it. Our top skin-soothing picks:
Codex Labs Bia Skin Superfood: Deeply nourishing with marshmallow root, ideal for dry, reactive skin
Intelligent Elixirs Soothing Cleanser: Keeps your barrier happy without stripping essential lipids
GlyMed Plus Oxygen Deep Pore Cleanser (1–2x/week): Targets stress-related breakouts without drying
Your Skin Isn’t Broken—It’s Burned Out
And that’s where we come in…. ♥️
If your skin feels like it’s spiraling, give it the same grace you’d give a friend under pressure. Our Midtown Atlanta studio offers a space to breathe, reset, and come back into balance—with real skin solutions and zero judgment.
Let’s bring your skin back into alignment—together.
BOOK NOW or explore our barrier-focused skincare collection.
Cited Sources
Journal of Inflammation Research – Stress & Skin Barrier Function
Dermatologic Therapy – The Role of Glycolic Acid in Clinical Skin Recovery
