Whether you’re dealing with demanding deadlines at work, preparing for a big life change or juggling crazy family schedules to squeeze in laundry day, life can be stressful.
Stress can impact our mental and physical health, from loss of sleep and appetite to increases in blood pressure, but have you ever wondered how it can impact your skin?
In honor of Self-Care Awareness Month this September, we asked our Chief Dermatology Advisor and all® free clear partner, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (AKA, Dr. Z), to offer helpful advice on supporting our sensitive skin health during stressful times.
“Stress is intimately linked to our skin's health,” says Dr. Z. “Stress can manifest itself in skin symptoms such an increased inflammation, redness, itching or pain. Additionally, skin on its own can also be a source of stress, especially for those who suffer from chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis or other skin sensitivity troubles.”
Dr. Z also shares that while stress can impact the outer appearance of our skin, the initial causes come from deeper inside the body. “Stress can increase certain hormone levels that increase inflammation and target collagen and elastin. It can also disrupt our epidermal barrier, or our protection to the outside world, which can lead to chronic irritation and make our skin more susceptible to harmful microbes.”
With stress having such a direct impact on our skin, it’s important to understand the best ways to mitigate stress-induced skin complications.
There are several ways to reduce the impact of stress on our skin, according to Dr. Z. “Take time to focus on your mental wellbeing and consider meditation, breathwork or something that gets your body moving like a daily walk or exercise class,” says Dr. Z. Additionally, she mentions ways to protect our skin daily. “It's also important to do what you can to improve your skin's epidermal barrier, such as using moisturizers with ceramides that are naturally found in skin to help prevent further water loss.”
In addition to daily moisturizers that strengthen the skin’s barrier, Dr. Z encourages reducing external stressors to our skin like the clothes we wear and the laundry detergent we use. Clothes that are made with polyester, wool, nylon or other synthetic fabrics can aggravate sensitive skin. Instead, choose fabrics like cotton, bamboo, silk or cashmere. Dr. Z recommends washing these fabrics with all® free clear, as it provides an effective clean that is gentle on the skin.
all® free clear is 100% free of dyes and perfumes, hypoallergenic and removes 99% of top every day and seasonal allergens*. Additionally, it’s the first laundry detergent to be awarded the National Eczema Association (NEA’s) Seal of Acceptance™. “Everyday stress is unavoidable, so choose the right detergent to help make laundry day more stress-free with a laundry detergent that won't irritate your skin."
While life can be stressful, choosing the right laundry detergent doesn’t have to be. We hope you can use these tips in your laundry room and beyond to make life a little easier. For more from Dr. Z and to learn more about all® free clear and where to purchase, click the link here.
*Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.
Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky is a board-certified dermatologist and a partner of all® free clear. You can find her on TikTok and Instagram at @dermguru.