No matter your age, gender or race, skin issues can mess with your self-esteem. Sometimes it’s a zit that feels like it’s the size of a golf ball. Other times it’s the dark spots or hyperpigmentation that occurs with acne scarring. And somehow these confidence stealers always seem to visit when you have a big job interview or date, right?

 

Plus, we don’t need to tell you that modern living doesn’t help with your skin esteem. Dr. Nisith Sheth, of the British Skin Foundation, says that ultra HD cameras, high standard filters and live video streaming pile on the pressure for constant perfection.

“Increasingly there is a disconnect between how people perceive their own skin and how others perceive them,” Dr. Sheth states. “This is has been exacerbated in the world of social media where altered and increasingly unrealistic images are ubiquitous and lead people to believe that having skin problems is abnormal. In reality, research by the BSF has shown that 60% of Britons have had skin problems.”

 

Here are a few great ways that can help you regain your skin esteem.

 

• Get a handle on stress: The miserable truth is that stress can distress your skin in countless ways. Simply put, stress causes inflammation, which leads to big-time skin mayhem. Richard Fried, M.D. Ph.D., of Yardley Dermatology says it doesn’t matter whether you’re being chased by a saber-toothed tiger or freaked out by a big deadline – the stress response is the same. “Your immune system gets ready to do battle. It does this by releasing chemicals like interleukins, which, in order to help protect your health, cause inflammation. Stress is a general trigger that can make the skin misbehave in whatever way it’s prone to misbehaving.”

 

Enough said? Manage your stress with exercise, meditation, laughter or binge-watching on a mindless Netflix series … your skin will thank you!

 

• Go to bed: You know those tricky stress chemicals from #1? Well, not getting enough sleep can also cause you to over-produce cortisol, which causes inflammation. It also floods your body with glucose, which triggers breakouts. Equally bad, when your skin is chronically inflamed, it starts to lose elasticity, giving you a drained look. Hello, it’s called beauty sleep for a reason!

 

• Eat healthy foods and hydrate: We know, we know … you’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating and here’s why. According to the New York Times a healthy gut makes for healthy skin. Too much sugar and junk food will wreak havoc on your lovely complexion. Beauties, you know the drill: eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, etc. And while you’re at it, keep yourself hydrated. Sufficient hydration is crucial as your skin needs moisture to stay supple and glowy.

 

• Practice sweet self-care: Skincare experts recommend taking some time to find products that nourish and nurture your unique skin issues. If you suffer from acne, hyperpigmentation or dull/ashy skin, there’s an excellent soothing mask called Gleamin™ Vitamin C Clay Mask that addresses all your woes. This skin-confidence boosting mask features Aloe Vera and a superstar lineup of proven natural ingredients for fading dark spots, including Turmeric, Vitamin C and Australian Yellow Clay. It promises to revitalize your complexion so you can put your best face forward.