How to combat stress-induced ageing

Healthy skin and healthy ageing start from within, including nourishing your mind. Just acknowledging you’re stressed can help diffuse it. If you’re feeling stressed, step away and do a quick meditation exercise using a meditation app, or if you don’t have a lot of time, simply remind yourself to take deeper breaths, roll your shoulders, or listen to a song you love to help shift your emotional state. Being mindful and interrupting the flow of stress will help calm your mind.

If you’re wondering how to reverse stress ageing, you might be surprised that exercise and movement can be just as good for your skin as topical skincare. Lifestyle changes, such as incorporating an exercise routine and physical activity, can have overall positive benefits. Especially in today’s environment: Working from home may have increased our sedentary lifestyles. “Exercising helps promote circulation, and skin is the body’s largest organ. Increased blood flow helps carry oxygen to the cells and helps carry away waste such as harmful free radicals.” Exercise also releases dopamine and serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals that can also boost your mood and feelings of happiness (yet another way to be kind to your mind). And, stressing your body to gain muscle is an example of good stress that can help your body work more efficiently.

We’ve all had a snack attack during stressful times. While it’s okay every once in a while, Dr. Murad recommends sticking to healthy foods 80% of the time, and indulging 20% of the time. “Stress is far more harmful to your cells than a few calories from a piece of chocolate!” So, allow yourself the indulgences, but set your body up for health by eating nutritious, vitamin-dense and water rich foods so it’s better equipped to handle stress and the body’s responses to it.

If you’re curious about how to reverse stress ageing because you’re seeing the signs of stress on the skin, Dr. Murad recommends a skincare regimen that’s loaded with stress-reducing and super-hydrating ingredients that renew the skin, like a retinol night cream. “Neuropeptides are unique peptides specifically designed to address visible skin wrinkling caused by repetitive facial expressions. Wild indigo is used in Ayurveda for skin benefits because it helps quickly calm the skin’s stress signals. And, because dehydration is an effect of increased stress, I always recommend hyaluronic acid. It provides lightweight, immediate and lasting hydration benefits as well as a smoother texture.”

Murad products designed to target stress-induced ageing

Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops - A lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol oil that enhances skin firmness and elasticity while reducing fine lines. Stress can accelerate skin ageing, but these oil drops replenish hydration and promote a youthful glow.

Cellular Hydration Repair Oil Drops - This ultra-nourishing oil strengthens the skin barrier with ceramides and omegas, combating dehydration caused by stress. It helps restore suppleness and resilience to stressed, tired skin.

Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum - A deeply hydrating serum that reinforces the skin barrier, reducing sensitivity and irritation—common effects of chronic stress. It locks in moisture to maintain a plump, healthy complexion.

Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment - Powered by encapsulated retinal (a potent retinoid), this treatment lifts and sculpts sagging skin affected by stress and collagen breakdown. It supports overnight rejuvenation, improving firmness and elasticity.

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum - A best-selling retinol serum that targets wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of firmness—key signs of stress-induced ageing. Gentle yet effective, it renews skin for a smoother, more radiant look.

Vita-C Glycolic Serum - Combining vitamin C and glycolic acid, this serum brightens dull, stressed skin while gently exfoliating. It helps combat oxidative damage caused by stress, revealing a revitalised, even complexion.

Revitalixir Recovery Serum - Formulated to address the visible effects of stress, this serum reduces puffiness, fatigue lines, and dullness. It re-energizes the skin with niacinamide and peptides for a refreshed, youthful look.

Rapid Collagen Infusion - A fast-acting treatment that visibly plumps skin and reduces wrinkles caused by stress-related collagen loss. It delivers essential peptides to restore firmness and smoothness.

Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream - A rich, nourishing night cream with retinol and peptides that supports skin repair overnight. It counteracts stress-induced aging by replenishing hydration and strengthening the skin.

Intense Recovery Cream - Designed for stressed, compromised skin, this cream deeply soothes and calms redness. Shea butter and microalgae restore the skin barrier, making it ideal for stress-related dryness and irritation.

City Skin Primer Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - This multitasking primer defends against pollution, blue light, and UV rays—environmental stressors that accelerate aging. It protects while smoothing and prepping skin for makeup or wear alone.