Ever wonder if your stressful week is to blame for a sudden skin breakout? Or lament why your skin is looking sallow after an all-nighter or a red-eye flight? There’s no doubt that stress and lack of sleep can make your body feel run down, not to mention it may also affect the appearance of your skin. Follow along as we explore the relationship between stress, sleep and skin and answer questions such as:

• What are the effects of stress on your skin?
• What are the effects of no sleep and skin?
• What products can I use to promote rest and relaxation?

The Effects of Stress on Your Skin

Anyone who’s had a swollen pimple pop up before a stressful event can attest that stress effects on skin feel very real. But is there any science to back the connection between stress and skin?

“Does stress cause acne? Well, not directly, but it definitely plays a role,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Schlessinger. Clogged pores and the bacteria P. acnes cause acne. “When you’re feeling stressed out, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can trigger your oil glands to produce more oil,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Excess oil can contribute to clogged pores, causing pimples to form.

Sufferers of eczema may find that their symptoms are worse during times of stress. This is because stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can also cause an inflammatory response in the body, which can trigger or aggravate chronic skin conditions such as eczema.

The Effects of Lack of Sleep on Your Skin

Can sleepless nights affect the health and appearance of your skin? One look in the mirror after a bad night of sleep might be all the evidence you need, but researchers have actually conducted studies to examine the relationship between sleep and skin.

“Sleep deprivation absolutely does have an effect on several processes in the skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Studies show that sleep deprivation over time can hamper skin barrier function and collagen production. “This could cause your skin to feel more dehydrated, making it appear dull and less youthful,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Dark circles under the eyes can be another one of the side effects of no sleep on skin. Lack of sleep can cause blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, which can make the skin under your eyes appear darker, also known as “dark circles.”

6 Products to Promote Rest and Relaxation

Looking to help reduce the side effects of stress and no sleep on your skin? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite destressing products that you can incorporate into your evening routine to promote rest and relaxation.

1. Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil

Wind down for the night with this lightweight massage oil suited for all skin types. It’s formulated with an array of essential oils—geranium, rosemary, lavender, chamomile and more—that provide a soothing, spa-like scent. To use, dispense a small amount into the palms of your hands, rub them together and smooth onto your neck, arms and legs for a relaxing massage.

2. Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

Help improve the appearance of tired eyes with this revitalizing eye treatment. For best results, use the cooling massage applicator to smooth the cream-gel formula under and around your eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps plump dehydrated skin, while arctic algae works to help depuff and wild indigo seed brightens dark under eye circles.

3. Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence

Slipping into a bath before bedtime can be a thoroughly calming ritual. To maximize your next soak, fill up the tub and add a capful or two of this bath oil. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin while a trio of oils—jojoba, avocado and sweet almond—help seal that moisture in to keep skin feeling soft and smooth from head to toe. It also contains lavender oil, which research suggests has a calming, relaxing effect.

4. LATHER Quiet Night Pillow Mist

Prime your pillow for a restful night’s sleep using this linen spray. It contains organic lavender oil—known for its calm-inducing qualities—as well as organic ylang-ylang oil, cedar oil and lemon peel oil for a comforting bedtime scent.

5. Sothy’s nO2ctuelle Chrono-Destressing Sleeping Mask

Minimize the effects of stress on your skin and relax after a busy day by applying this overnight facial mask. Enjoy the anti-aging power of this nighttime formula as intense moisturizing agents go to work while you sleep. Formulated with vitamin C to help boost skin’s collagen production for a smoother, more youthful texture, while phyto-endorphins from chaste tree extract help stimulate cellular activity for more radiant-looking skin.

6. Avene Thermal Spring Water

Feeling dehydrated after a night of bad sleep, or just looking for a quick skin refresher? Reach for this natural spring water spray. The mineral-rich thermal spring water helps rehydrate parched skin, leaving it looking smoother and softer. For best results, just close your eyes and lightly spray the mist all over your face and neck.

Now that you know all about the side effects of no sleep and stress on your skin, are you in need of a skin care regimen for acne? Find out which products could help clear your skin in our blog post, Your New and Improved Acne Regimen.