Stressed Skin Is Real: How Stress Affects Your Skin and What You Can Do About It

We’ve all had those days—tight deadlines, sleepless nights, emotional overload —and suddenly, your skin looks dull, irritated, or you break out overnight. That’s not a coincidence.

The mind-body connection is powerful, and stress shows up in your skin more than you may realise.

Let’s break down exactly how stress impacts your skin, why chronic stress accelerates aging, and what you can do—inside and out—to restore your glow.

What Happens to Your Skin When You're Stressed

When you're under stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, releasing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and inflammatory messengers. These biological changes affect every system in your body—including your largest organ: your skin!

The Most Common Skin Effects of Stress

• Breakouts and Acne

Stress triggers a spike in cortisol, which increases oil (sebum) production. This can clog pores and lead to stress-induced acne, even if you're not usually acne-prone.

Pro tip: Stress acne often appears on the jawline, chin, and cheeks.

• Redness and Sensitivity

Stress weakens the skin barrier, making it more reactive. If you notice more flushing, itching, or sensitivity, stress could be the root cause.

Skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis often flare up during stressful periods.

• Dullness and Dehydration

Stress diverts blood away from the skin to your vital organs, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery. This leads to a tired, dull complexion and dehydrated skin that’s rough or tight.

• Premature Aging

Chronic stress increases free radical damage and breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and smooth.

The result? Fine lines, sagging, and accelerated aging.

Yes, stress can literally make you look older.

• Delayed Healing

High cortisol slows down your skin’s natural repair process. That means blemishes, inflammation, and damage take longer to heal when you are stressed.

How to Protect and Repair Stressed-Out Skin

• Regular Facial Treatments

Professional treatments like lymphatic drainage, LED therapy, and custom facials calm the skin and counteract inflammation.

At Leonie Thorne Skin Studio, you can step away from the stress that may be affecting your skin. In our peaceful clinic where we offer customised facials that treat issues like aging, dullness, sensitivity, and breakouts—helping your skin and mind reset.

• Hydrate—Inside and Out

Use moisturisers rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day and cut back on caffeine & sugar, which can spike cortisol even more.

• Hack Your Nervous System

Daily stress management is a non-negotiable part of skincare.

Try:

· 10 minutes of breathwork or meditation

· Gentle yoga or stretching

• Prioritize Sleep

Your skin heals and regenerates while you sleep - Peaking between the hours of 11pm-1am.

Chronic stress often leads to poor sleep—and the vicious cycle continues.

• Try sleep biohacks like:

· Herbal teas (chamomile, lemon balm)

· Consistent bedtime routine

Your Skin Is a Mirror of Your Nervous System

Your skin tells your story—and sometimes it’s screaming for a break. Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts your skin health, barrier strength, and aging timeline.

At Leonie Thorne Skin Studio, we believe skincare isn’t just about products—it’s about caring for your whole self.

Feeling overwhelmed? Your skin doesn’t have to be!

Book a Skin Heath Consultation today - Let’s help your skin and nervous system breathe again.

Biohacking: How to Slow Aging from the Inside Out

What if you could influence how your skin ages?

Welcome to the world of biohacking: a science-backed approach to optimizing your skin’s performance. Aging skin isn't just about what you see—it's about what your cells are doing or not doing beneath the surface. While skincare routines play a major role, true skin health starts on a cellular level and biohacking is all about working smarter, not harder, to support that process.

Let’s explore how biohacking can transform your skin by boosting cellular energy, slowing aging, and restoring your natural glow from the inside out.

What Is Biohacking?

Biohacking is the art and science of optimising how your body functions. Think of it as upgrading your internal operating system to perform at a higher level.

When it comes to skin, biohacking focuses on helping to boost your skin cells function to delay visible signs of aging by enhancing cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen production, improve skin elasticity and hydration, increasing the cells’ Mitochondrial function - your cells energy source, control inflammation and reduce oxidative stress.

Think of it as future proofing your skin using treatments and ingredients to stimulate your skins own collagen production and regenerative abilities.

The Skin-Aging Connection

Aging skin is affected by both intrinsic factors (genetics, hormones) and extrinsic ones (sun exposure, pollution, lifestyle choices). Over time, collagen breaks down, elastin weakens and cell turnover slows – leading to wrinkles, sagging and dullness.

Biohacking tackles aging at the root: the cellular level. It promotes systemic health that shows up as improved skin tone, texture and resilience.

Why Collagen is the key:

Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm, plump and youthful. As we age, collagen levels naturally decline which is why skin becomes thinner, loses elasticity and you develop lines and wrinkles.

Studies show that we start losing collagen from our mid 20s, by the age of 40, some people will have lost up to 25% of their natural collagen.

THE GOOD NEWS! We can help you biohack your skin and bank collagen with our custom treatments at Leonie Thorne Skin Studio:

• Supporting Collagen Production

Collagen gives your skin structure and bounce. As you age, collagen production slows down—but biohacking can help jump-start it naturally.

Biohack It With: Microneedling + Growth factors + LED Light therapy or Exosome 75

Combined with either growth factors or exosomes, controlled micro injuries stimulate your skins natural repair process, promoting fresh collagen and elastin production resulting in firmer, stronger, more resilient skin.

• Boosting Mitochondrial Health

Your mitochondria are the power plants of your cells. As you age, they become less efficient, leading to slower skin regeneration and increased signs of aging like dullness, fine lines, and sagging.

Biohack It With: Celluma LED light therapy which is part of our Custom 75 & 90.

Red and near-infrared light penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate mitochondrial activity, boosting collagen and elastin production by x4 after one 30 minute session.. Studies show regular use can reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture and speed wound healing.

• Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of premature aging, a process called “inflammaging”. It breaks down collagen, damages the skin barrier, and accelerates oxidative stress.

Biohack It With: Oxygen infused Custom 75 or 90

Keeping inflammation in check supports a calmer, clearer complexion and slows skin degradation.

• Activating Autophagy

Autophagy is your body’s natural cellular detox system. It clears out damaged cells and stimulates the growth of new ones—a key factor in skin renewal.

Biohack It With: Contour 90

Activating autophagy = smoother texture, more glow, and fewer age-related changes.

Biohacking bridges the gap between science, skincare, and self-care – It’s one of the smartest ways to invest in your skins long-term health

Why start now? The power of collagen Banking

Just like saving for your financial future, saving collagen now means your skin will have a stronger defence against future ageing.

Collagen banking is about building a solid foundation of skin health in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond so your skin stays firmer and younger for longer.

When done consistently, with the right treatments, collagen banking can dramatically slow the visible effects of aging making you less likely to need more invasive treatments later on.

At Leonie Thorne Skin Studio, we’re here to help you glow smarter—not just harder.

Menopause and Your Skin: Understand the Aging Connection

Menopause marks a major milestone in every woman’s life—a natural, biological transition that signals the end of menstruation. But while the conversation often revolves around hot flashes and mood swings, one aspect is often overlooked: How menopause affects your skin.

The truth is, menopause doesn’t just change your hormones—it changes your skin’s structure, function, and appearance. Understanding these changes can help you take proactive steps to keep your skin healthy, resilient, and radiant through midlife and beyond.

How Menopause Triggers Skin Aging

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, and during this time, oestrogen levels drop significantly. Oestrogen is a key hormone in maintaining skin health, and its decline has a domino effect on several skin-related processes.

• Collagen Loss

Oestrogen stimulates collagen production, which gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Once oestrogen declines, collagen production slows dramatically. Research shows women lose about 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years after menopause.

Result: Skin becomes thinner, less firm, and more prone to sagging and wrinkles.

• Decreased Skin Hydration

Oestrogen also plays a role in maintaining skin hydration by boosting hyaluronic acid and supporting the skin barrier. Without it, skin can become dry, rough, and more sensitive.

Result: You may notice flakiness, itchiness, or a dull complexion—even if you never had dry skin before.

• Thinner, More Fragile Skin

Lower oestrogen levels can thin the epidermis (the outer skin layer), reducing its protective barrier. This makes skin more vulnerable to environmental damage and slower to heal.

Result: Bruising more easily, delayed wound healing, and increased sensitivity.

•  Increased Pigmentation and Age Spots

Hormonal fluctuations, combined with cumulative sun exposure, can lead to uneven pigmentation and age spots. While hyperpigmentation may have started earlier, it often worsens during and after menopause.

Result: More visible dark spots and uneven tone.

• Loss of Fat and Volume

Fat pads under the skin, especially around the cheeks, eyes, and jawline, start to diminish during menopause. This volume loss leads to hollowing and a more tired appearance.

Result: A shift in facial contours and more noticeable fine lines.

How to Support Your Skin Through Menopause

THE GOOD NEWS? Understanding what’s happening gives you the power to adapt your skincare and treatment routine to meet your skin’s evolving needs.

Upgrade Your Moisturiser

Look for creams that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide. These ingredients support hydration, skin barrier repair, and collagen stimulation.

Add Retinoids

Topical retinoids are proven to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen—but they can be harsh on sensitive, menopausal skin. If irritation is a concern, try bakuchiol, a gentler plant-based alternative.

Stay Sun Smart

With thinner skin and heightened pigmentation, sun protection is non-negotiable. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily—even in winter or on cloudy days.

Hydrate Inside and Out

Drink at least 2 litres of water a day to help maintain skin moisture levels.

Aging Gracefully, Not Passively

Menopause may be a turning point, but it’s not the end of vibrant, beautiful skin. With the right skincare and treatment plan, you can continue to feel confident in your skin during this new chapter.

Want personalised skincare and treatment tips for menopause?
I’d be happy to create a custom routine tailored to you and your skins needs.

The Truth About UV Rays: How They Harm Your Skin

We all love the feeling of sunshine on our skin—but what’s really happening beneath the surface when we soak up those rays? The truth is, UV exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging—and its effects are often invisible until the damage is already done.

If you're aiming for youthful, glowing skin, understanding UV radiation and the role of professional treatments can be a game-changer in your skincare routine.

What Are UV Rays—and Why Are They So Harmful?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays of energy emitted by the sun. There are three types, but only two reach your skin:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the dermis (the skin’s thickest layer) and are responsible for photoaging—causing wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sunspots.

• UVB rays: These affect the outer layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

How UV Rays Damage Your Skin:

• Break down collagen and elastin → leading to sagging and fine lines

• Trigger melanin overproduction → causing age spots and uneven tone

• Create free radicals → which accelerate aging and cellular damage

• Weaken the skin barrier → making skin more vulnerable to dehydration and irritation

And here’s the kicker: up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure—not genetics.

The Role of Professional Skin Treatments in Repairing and Protecting Skin

While daily SPF and a solid home routine are non-negotiable, professional skin treatments go deeper. Think of them as your skin’s reset button—a way to detox, restore, and rejuvenate after sun exposure.

• Deep Hydration Treatments

UV rays strip your skin of moisture. Leonie Thorne Skin Studios Custom Facials use hyaluronic acid, peptides, and soothing botanical masks to help restore hydration and repair the skin barrier.

Bonus: We offer oxygen infusion within the Custom 75 & 90, which promotes healing and gives the skin a post-sun glow.

• Chemical Peels and Exfoliation

Dead skin cells caused by sun exposure can clog pores and dull your glow. Medical -grade chemical peels safely slough off damaged layers, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin.

Tip: Our Algae Renewal 60 stimulates the creation of new collagen in 24-48 hours, reducing the skins natural renewal process from 6 weeks to just 72 hours.

• LED Light Therapy

Red LED light helps repair UV-induced damage by stimulating collagen and reducing inflammation. It’s non-invasive and a favourite for anti-aging and sun damage reversal.

• Custom Treatments for Pigmentation

At Leonie Thorne Skin Studio we can tailor treatments to target sunspots, melasma, and discoloration.

• Professional Guidance

We can help you understand your skin type, spot early signs of sun damage, and build a protective routine moving forward. Think of it as having a coach for your skin’s long game.

Why Consistent Visits Matter

Think of your Leonie Thorne Skin Studio visits as preventive maintenance. Just like you go to the dentist to prevent cavities, you go to the Leonie Thorne Skin Studio to prevent deep, irreversible skin damage. Plus, the relaxing environment helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), which also plays a role in skin aging.

Benefits of Regular Skin Care:

• Boosts collagen production

• Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Detoxifies the skin from pollution and sun by-products

• Enhances product absorption in your daily routine

• Supports long-term skin health and resilience

Sun Protection Still Comes First

Treatments are powerful—but prevention is always better than cure. Here’s what you can do every day to guard against UV damage:

• Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (yes, even on cloudy days)

• Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors

• Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats

• Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)

  Treat the Damage, Then Protect the Glow

The sun is beautiful—but it doesn’t play nice with your skin. UV rays silently chip away at your skin’s vitality over time, leaving behind wrinkles, spots, and sagging. But with the right combination of daily protection and regular skin treatments, you can defend your skin and even reverse some of the damage.

So yes, book that facial. Your skin isn’t just an outer layer—it’s a living, breathing organ that deserves expert care and consistent attention.

Ready to give your sun-exposed skin the attention it deserves?
Call the Leonie Thorne Skin Studio and ask about our treatments tailored to UV repair—or for a custom post-sun recovery plan!