Did you know that stress and anxiety can do just as much damage to your complexion as they can to your emotional well-being? Whether it's work, school, relationships, or a global pandemic, the signs can show up on your skin in a number of not-so-desirable ways—think pimples, puffy eyes, premature aging, the works. Luckily though, there are tons of products out there that can help get your skin feeling good again fast, from CBD-packed serums to sleeping masks to soothing moisturizers. So if your complexion could use a little TLC, you've come to the right place. Ahead, we've curated an algorithm-approved round-up of the best products for stressed-out skin on the internet, all backed by best-selling buzz, editorial mentions, rave user reviews, and more. From luxury finds like Saint Jane's cult-favorite serum to an affordable facial cream from Kiehl's, keep scrolling to shop the calming and soothing skincare buys that deserve a spot on your top shelf. Opening image: @dermalogica
Love our 10 Best Products For Stressed Out Skin? Check out our 10 Best Under-Eye Patches and Masks for more top-ranked finds!
April 6, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Saint Jane Beauty Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
WHAT IT DOES: Packed with 500 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD plus 20 potent botanicals, this super luxurious serum will instantly calm, hydrate, and smooth your skin.
LOVED FOR: The antioxidant-rich formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it won't leave your skin slick or shiny like lots of serums and facial oils do.
Laneige Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask
BEST FOR: Laneige's sleeping masks constantly reach cult status, and this replenishing formula is no exception. Because it's packed with cica, it's a lifesaver for calming redness and soothing sensitive skin.
FUN FACT: There's a reason this mask is so much more effective than other cica products. Laneige uses a patent ingredient called fermented forest yeast extract, which provides more skin strengthening benefits than your standard formula would.
Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift Mask
WHY YOU NEED IT: From tacking dark circles to de-puffing, this cooling eye mask can hide the signs of stress in an instant.
USERS SAID: "I cannot say enough positive things about this product! It's moisturizing, it drastically reduced my under-eye puffiness, it brightened my eyes, and it just felt AMAZING. I have never felt any noticeable improvement from an eye product until this. It is worth every last penny."
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask
WHAT IT DOES: Containing a blend of four electrolytes (coconut water, sodium PCA, magnesium PCA, and prickly pear extract), plus fatty acids, squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides, this game-changing mask is a savior for your skin barrier. Apply it just once, and get ready to wake up to the dewiest skin of your dreams.
FUN FACT: No need to worry about irritation—like all of Drunk Elephant's products, this mask is free of essential oils, silicones, fragrance, and PEG.
Lord Jones Royal Oil 1000mg Pure CBD Oil
WHY YOU NEED IT: Meet the highest-concentrated CBD product at Sephora. Containing just two ingredients—broad-spectrum CBD and grapeseed oil—it's essentially a cure-all product. From eczema to bug bites to sunburn, this oil can tackle pretty much anything.
AS SEEN ON: Mandy Moore used this oil to soothe her aching feet before the Golden Globes.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream
BEST FOR: If you're desperate to soothe your dry skin, this facial cream is key. Packed with glacial glycoprotein and squalene, it continually absorbs moisture from the air in order to provide you with 24 hours of intense hydration. We're ordering this to fix our post-winter complexions ASAP.
USERS SAID: "OMG. This is the best impulse buy I’ve ever made! This is SO hydrating and nice on the skin. I put it on right before I go to bed and when I wake up, I feel hydrated and even notice that my redness is a bit toned-down. Seriously love this stuff."
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
WHAT IT DOES: With super soothing colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin, this award-winning cream will leave even the most parched and sensitive skin smooth and soft after just one use.
FROM THE EXPERTS: This product is clinically proven to increase hydration by 169% immediately upon application. Yes, you read that number correctly.
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus
WHY YOU NEED IT: With kojic acid, vitamins C, A, E, and retinol, this antioxidant-rich serum can treat almost any skin issue in the book—think acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and even insect bites.
HELPFUL TIP: A little goes a long way with this stuff, so we recommend applying it sparingly to affected areas.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum
WHAT IT DOES: Stress can have a major impact on the skin's aging process, and this serum aims to address that. With niacinamide, ashwagandha, and goji, the supercharged formula instantly goes to work on the biggest signs of stress-induced aging: worry lines, dullness, flareups, and compromised skin.
COMPLETE THE LOOK: According to reviewers, this is the perfect serum to use with your derma roller.
Avène Skin Recovery Cream
LOVED FOR: Sensitive-skinned gals, rejoice. This ultra-gentle moisturizer won't make you break out, and it can even soothe issues like rosacea and eczema overnight.
USERS SAID: "This is the only moisturizer I have found that leaves my incredibly sensitive skin feeling adequately moisturized but never overly oily or aggravated by the end of the day. When my rosacea is flared up or my skin is feeling particularly irritated, this moisturizer always feels soothing and never clogs my pores!"
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