In this month’s blog I want to talk about something that’s affecting far more than your mood, energy, or sleep. Something that shows up on your face, whether you want it to or not… stress.
If you’re over 40 and noticing more fine lines, puffiness, or that general tired look staring back at you in the mirror, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not just about ageing—it’s about what your nervous system has been through.
The truth is, chronic stress is one of the fastest tracks to premature skin ageing. But the good news? You don’t need to accept it as your fate. You can take back control—gently, naturally, and holistically.
Let me explain how it all works—and what you can do to find that glow again (without needles, filters, or expensive serums).
Stress & Your Skin: What’s the Link?
When we’re stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” While cortisol has its uses (hello, fight-or-flight!), long-term elevated levels cause real problems for your skin, such as:
- Collagen breakdown – leading to wrinkles and sagging
- Inflammation – which can trigger redness, flare-ups, and sensitivity
- Dehydration – resulting in dullness and dryness
- Tension in facial muscles – hello, frown lines and clenched jaws
Add in disrupted sleep and poor digestion (two more victims of stress), and it’s no wonder your skin feels like it’s ageing faster than you are.
But before you throw your hands up in frustration, let me remind you—your skin is a reflection of your inner world, and that means healing starts from within.
Holistic Ways to Reclaim Your Glow
Here are some of my favourite, tried-and-tested ways to soothe your nervous system, soften your skin, and find a bit more peace in your day.
- Face Yoga: Your Natural Stress Release
Facial tension isn’t just uncomfortable—it literally pulls your features downward. That tight jaw? Those furrowed brows? Over time, they deepen into lines.
Face Yoga is a beautiful way to release that tension, reawaken sleepy muscles, and boost circulation. Even just five minutes a day can melt away the stress held in your face—and the results show up quickly. You can read more here.
Try this: Place your hands gently on your forehead. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, smooth your hands outward, releasing tension. Repeat 3–5 times, breathing slowly.
- Gua Sha: A Ritual in Stillness
One of the most soothing things you can do for your skin and nervous system is to take your time with a Gua Sha ritual. It’s not just about lifting and contouring (although that’s a gorgeous side effect). It’s about slowing down, connecting, and allowing your body to exhale.
When done mindfully, Gua Sha stimulates the lymphatic system, eases muscle tension, and reduces puffiness caused by inflammation and water retention (common during stressful periods).
Glow Tip: Add a calming oil (like chamomile or blue tansy) to your evening ritual and stroke gently from the centre of your face outward. Breathe deeply as you do it—you’re telling your body it’s safe to relax.
- Create a “Peace Pocket” in Your Day
You don’t need an hour-long routine. In fact, sometimes all it takes is two minutes of mindful breathing, a cup of herbal tea in silence, or a quick face massage in the mirror with loving intentions.
Stress compounds when we’re constantly “on.” By building tiny peace rituals into your day, you start training your nervous system to come out of survival mode—and that shows on your skin as softness, glow, and vitality.
- Get Outside and Move Gently
Nature is the original healer. Even just 10 minutes walking in fresh air helps reduce cortisol levels. Gentle movement (like yoga, stretching, or mindful walking) gets your blood flowing, which delivers nutrients to the skin and flushes toxins away.
Bonus points if you do it makeup-free and let your skin soak up some natural light. It’s free, it’s healing, and it reminds you that beauty doesn’t come from a bottle—it comes from aliveness.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel at Peace
The world will always throw stress your way. That’s life. But how you respond is powerful.
As women, especially those of us navigating the changes of midlife, we are often told to just “cope” with stress and slap on another cream. But you deserve better. You deserve space, rituals, and tools that work with your body, not against it.
So if your skin is crying out for calm, listen. Slow down. Touch your face with love. Breathe deeply. Say no when you need to. Say yes to yourself more often.
Your skin will thank you—and so will your soul.
What's next...
Ready to calm your skin and rediscover your natural glow? Download my free guide: “10 Steps to De-Stressing Your Skin” and start your pro-age ritual today. Click Here
