How to adjust your routine in case of stress or lack of sleep

When the days grow longer and the nights shorter, the skin inevitably shows. Stress and lack of sleep make it duller , more sensitive, and sometimes even more reactive. You might notice tightness, redness, and a somewhat lackluster complexion—as if it's not breathing as well. This is normal: when the body is tense, the skin produces more cortisol, a hormone that disrupts its natural barrier and accelerates water loss. But it is possible to help it get through these periods more gently.

The first instinct is often to try and "catch up" on tiredness by piling on the skincare routine, when the opposite is true: slow down . Simplify your routine, soothe your skin, and give it time to heal. Start with a gentle cleanse, free of perfume and sulfates, using lukewarm rather than hot water. The idea is to purify without irritating.

Next, opt for comfortable, enveloping textures. A hydrating serum based on hyaluronic acid or niacinamide replenishes moisture reserves, while a cream rich in ceramides or peptides strengthens the skin barrier. This duo restores the skin's suppleness and that feeling of comfort we had somewhat forgotten.

Now is also the time to lighten up the rest of your routine: avoid harsh exfoliants, new active ingredients, and overpowering fragrances. Sugar, fried foods, and ultra-processed foods tend to exacerbate inflammation and dehydration. It's better to focus on simple meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and fiber—everything that soothes from within.

And if you're still a little sleep-deprived, compensate in other ways: drink plenty of water, diffuse a few drops of lavender before bed, and take deep breaths between emails. These small gestures may seem insignificant , but they have the power to soften the day—and your skin will thank you.

Ultimately, taking care of yourself when you're tired isn't about adding more things to do, it's about removing them. It's about listening to your skin, treating it with patience and kindness.

Because balanced skin always starts with a calm mind.