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It’s that time of the year again… The matric exam season is here. Families who have gone through this process will be familiar with the preparation, sacrifices and stress associated with finals.
From cramming in months’ worth of information to finally mastering the equation that’s given you grief all year long, matrics are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While it’s essential to maintain a healthy study program, many experts have also stressed the need for a balanced life during exam time.
That means getting regular exercise, sleeping enough, following a healthy diet and taking regular breaks to prevent overstimulation and burnout.
For many matrics, stress is unavoidable. And while a bit of stress can sometimes boost motivation and focus, too much can take its toll on the mind and body. One of the areas it sometimes shows up on, is the skin.
Dr Judey Pretorius, a renowned Biomedical Scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare, explains how exam stress affects the skin, and what can be done about it:
There is so much that happens to the body when we get stressed out. Stress causes a chemical response in the body, which can make our skin more sensitive and reactive. This may result in various skincare concerns, including:
Acne and breakouts – when we stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that increases the skin’s oil production. When our skin produces excess oil, our pores can become clogged, leading to more breakouts.
Eczema flare-ups – if you are prone to skin conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, you may experience a flare-up when you go through a stressful time. Stress triggers inflammation, making skin more prone to irritation.
Hives – for some people, stress triggers an outbreak of hives, a rash which may burn or itch, and is characterised by raised, red bumps.
Dryness and dehydration – stress hormones can compromise the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and sometimes flakiness.
There are a lot of things to stress about during final exams, but the health and appearance of your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. By taking proper care of your skin and body, you can minimise (and even avoid) some of the most common stress-related skincare concerns.
Stay hydrated – when you’re studying for long hours, you may be tempted to reach for coffee or an energy drink to get you through the day. Unfortunately, caffeine-rich drinks are extremely dehydrating. Instead, opt for water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated. You can add natural flavours to make it more appealing. Fill a jug with water and add slices of lemon, cucumber or berries. Allow it to stand for a little while and enjoy.
Take regular breaks – there is a lot of exam content to get through, but your brain won’t retain all of the information if you overload it. Try to take study breaks regularly. Get some fresh air, go for a walk, paint, draw or listen to music. Try to do something you enjoy when you take a break.
Manage your stress – a little bit of stress is a great motivator, but it’s essential to keep it under control to avoid burnout. Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation when you feel overwhelmed. Stay in contact with friends and family; human connection is important during times of stress. Nourish your body with a balanced diet and as much exercise as possible.
Get enough sleep – try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night, regardless of how much work you have to do. When you get enough sleep, your memory improves, and your body handles stress better.
Prioritise a good skincare routine – when our bodies are under stress, it’s essential to pay a little closer attention to our routine to maintain moisture and avoid breakouts and flare-ups. That means diligently following a twice-daily skincare routine. You don’t need to follow a long or complicated regimen. Master the basics, and if you struggle with specific conditions like acne or eczema, treat them accordingly.
A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is your first skincare step, morning and evening. Biomedical Emporium Facial Cleanser deeply cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier or causing dryness.
If you’re treating a skin concern, apply your treatment product after cleansing. Biomedical Emporium Anti-Acne Serum is an excellent option for breakout-prone skin. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is enriched with breakout-busting ingredients, including salicylic acid, retinol, and tea tree oil. If your skin barrier is compromised due to stress, your skin is sensitive or reactive, then Biomedical Emporium Skin Repair Serum is the product for you. It immediately goes to work reducing redness and calming the skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Remember to apply a sun protection product every day, even when you are indoors. Biomedical Emporium Translucent Day Cream SPF30 is a reliable, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from sunburn, as well as skin cell ageing and photo damage.
One of the most important things we can do to alleviate stress is to talk about it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confide in a parent, teacher, friend or family member.
While your skin may not be your top priority during exam time, it is essential to take care of it so that it does not add to your stress. With a little bit of attention and healthy habits in place, you can enjoy a clear and healthy complexion this exam season.
For more information, visit www.biomedicalemporium.com
