On Stress and Hydration

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

It's no big secret that stress can take a toll on your skin, causing all sorts of wrinkles and blemishes. I'm pretty sure I aged at least two years in the last three months, which were comprised of finding a job, finding a new place to live, moving my belongings 300 miles, unpacking boxes, starting a new job, and adjusting to a new schedule.

I once read that the best thing to do for healthy skin is to relax. Oh, really? You don't say. I would love to soak in a bubble bath with candles, a book, and a glass of wine. But, um, I'm not sure where exactly that fits in when you are finding a job, finding a new place to live, moving your belongings 300 miles, unpacking boxes, starting a new job, and adjusting to a new schedule. And, anyway, I have no idea which box contains the candles and which contains the bubble bath (the wine glasses, on the other hand, were among the first items unpacked). Sure, I'd love to sit and listen to some music, but it seems just as stressful to sit there thinking about all the boxes I need to unpack instead of just unpacking them already.

My skin always looks its loveliest on vacation and I marvel at how dewy it is after two weeks in Paris or the Yucatan. But, let's get real, we can't always be relaxing in hammocks on the beach. Sometimes we need more than just a massage to get our skin looking pretty.

I don't have any secrets about how to de-stress for better skin (other than vacationing as often as possible!). What I can say is this: no matter how stressed I am there are three things I can do to help my skin. I fear what my skin might look like if I didn't follow these steps: 1) wear sunscreen, 2) drink water, and 3) moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. We may not always be able to de-stress, but it doesn't mean we can't fight the blemishes and wrinkles on a daily basis by staying hydrated, inside and out.

Feel like your moisturizer’s fresh feeling can’t last all day? New Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration instantly cools and leaves skin with a moisturized fresh feeling that lasts from morning to night. This oil-free daily moisturizer provides 7 anti aging benefits in 1 lightweight formula--complete with vitamins, minerals and cooling mint extract for an invigorating burst of freshness. For more information visit Olay.

For a chance to win $100 from the wonderful (and beautiful) folks at BlogHer, leave a comment telling me how you keep your skin looking so lovely. Then, visit the BlogHer.com Exclusive Offers page where you will find 14 other bloggers’ beauty stories and 14 more chances to win!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: (a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post, (b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post, (c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post, (d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
• Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 20, 2010.
• This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected

Check out the official rules, too, if you like that kind of legal stuff.

Comments

[Melissa O.]

I always wash my face and drink lots of water. Plus, I've never worn foundation in my life! Had to laugh about how relaxed being in the Yucatan makes you feel...believe it or not, I get SUPER stressed in Yucatan, because being there means we're visiting the in-laws and they DRVE ME CRAZY! Plus, my husband always wants to go-go-go when we're there, so I actually break out more!

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

[Becky Horn]

I wash my face often, but am beginning to get dry skin. I have tried an Olay sample and think I will be trying that out soon
[email protected]

[Becky Horn]

I tweeted on twitter
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/13512723992154112

[Timbo]

Y'know, I guess I'm weird, because I've been purposefully letting my skincare regimen become less stringent and just sort of let my skin care for itself :)

Please feel free to contact me at:

allrightyes at gmail dot com

[Timbo]

I just tweeted this giveaway here :D

http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/13584374964424704

Please feel free to contact me at:

allrightyes at gmail dot com

[april yedinak]

sleep, mild cleansers and moisturizer
ape2016(at)aol(dot)com

[ANGEL JACKLYN OF HYPNOTIC]

I HEARD IF YOU KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZED, WHETHER OILY OR NOT, IT WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING YOUNG. SO FAR SO GOOD! [email protected]

[ANGEL JACKLYN OF HYPNOTIC]

2ND ENTRY TWEET twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/13677779073630208 [email protected]

[julieh]

I keep my skin lovely by using moisurizer and sunscreen every day, no matter what.

[katfam95]

Water and moisturizer are key for keeping my skin looking great.

[Megan]

I keep my skin looking lovely by 1) inheriting great genes ;) and 2) not putting anything harsh on it. :)

[Megan]

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/megans_madness/status/13718684266668032

[Suzanne Lewis]

I wash my face morning and evening to keep it clean, and I moisturize to keep my skin from being dry.

txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

[Gina]

I try to apply makeup in the mornings to get my day started off right - feeling good about myself :) Little things like makeup really DO make a difference.

gina.m.maddox AT gmail.com

[Gina]

http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/13734680893333505

tweet tweet!

[Claire]

I cleanse and moisturize in the morning and then cleanse again and use anti-wrinkle cream in the evening.

[Thuong Pham]

I always moisturize and wash my face. And I avoid makeup when not needed. And my makeup is pretty light.

[Thuong Pham]

Tweet
http://twitter.com/5teapea/status/13793508359933952

[Daniel M]

no routine other than a shower a day

[Debbie C]

I only use mineral makeup now and I can tell a difference now that I don't use any chemical types.

dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

[Debbie C]

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/DchrisG3/status/13874222048739328

dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

[Happi shopr]

I get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated and moisturize.

[April]

Actually, the past two years of tons of stress have really affected my skin. Currently I use Olay beauty fluid as a base and another moisturizer over that. I don't wash my face other than a rinse in the shower as I don't wear makeup. I do exfoliate about once or twice a month though.
april dot vrugtman at g mail dot com

[Karen M]

As I've gotten older I've realized how important to take care of my skin and have started using moisturizer. I hope it's helping. Thanks.

[Jamie]

I make sure to moisturize every day. That keeps my skin looking young.

[CaseyDeuce]

I'm big on using a sugar scrub, its really helped get rid of my dry skin!!

[PBPD]

I don't have much of a routine for my dry skin, even though I probably should get in the habit.

[Patricia Treskovich]

stay out of the sun and moisturize

[Patricia Treskovich]

tweeted Latest: http://sliceofpink.typepad.com/reviews/2010/12/olay2.html comment and win less than 5 seconds ago

[Ellie W]

I don't have a lot of time for a beauty routine. A lot of times I just grab a baby wipe to wash my face, then moisturize, and apply makeup.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

[Ellie W]

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/14102805249789952

[Crystal F]

I don't. My skin is really acting up right now and I can't find anything to help it get better. Thank you!

[Georgia]

All I do is cleanse, moisturize lightly and get the sleep I need most of the time.

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

[catherine copeland]

I actually keep my skin looking loveley by getting enough sleep, drinking enough water AND using oil of olay. I always have

teechbiz at gmail dot com

[Georgia]

Tweeted here too

http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/14124659926630400

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

[rebecca]

I haven't found a way to keep it lovely, but I fight the desert call skin with lots of moisturizing.

[Phyllis]

I use moisturizer every single day.

[Jill L]

I really don't do anything. I don't wear makeup every day. When I do, it's just a little mascara, eye liner and lipstick.

[Jill L]

Tweeted http://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/14154991044403200

[kelly mcnichol]

I try to mask at least once or twice every couple of weeks. It really makes a difference.

[Debbie Bellows]

i wash my face both morning and night and i moisturize at least once a day

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

[Debbie Bellows]

tweeted about the giveaway

http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/14164185411756033

[Aisling]

I wash my face at night with a gentle cleanser and moisturize. In the morning, I just rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize for the day. It's quick and easy and has worked well for me over the years.

[Margie]

I have a few things I do for a basic routine... including moisturizer, night cream, and I use Olay products too.

[Jill H.]

I drink lots of water and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

[Jill H.]

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/14171352101556224

Thanks

[lilshuga2001]

I MOISTURIZE AND DRINK LOTS OF WATAH!!!

[Darcy Bishop]

I wash my face and moisturize both morning and night and I always use sunscreen. I try to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. I never go to sleep with my makeup on and I take my vitamins.
[email protected]

[Denice P]

i try to keep my skin looking nice by exfoliating at least twice a week. I also put on coca cream lotion as soon as i get out of the shower to keep it nice and soft.

[Denice P]

tweeted:

https://twitter.com/#!/doozercries/statuses/14195960842289152

[Erica C.]

I use an exfoliating face was everyday and I make sure I use a moisturizer with an spf.

[Mrs. R]

What do I use to keep my skin looking lovely?? I am told a lot that I have beautiful skin. And I am 51 years old!! I use my homemade soap daily. I don't need to use lotions or creams. My soap gifts were so well received and I got so many positive comments that I started selling it! See my current soap offering on my blog!!

cushlas.treasures AT gmail DOT com

Blessings,
~Mrs. R

[Breanne]

I drink tons of water and wash my face

[trish]

moisterizer and water!!!

[jen gersch]

i drink 10 glasses of water daily

[Geoff K]

I try to keep my skin looking its best by using plenty of moisturizer and sunscreen, drinking tons of water each day to keep my skin hydrated and fresh, and to get plenty of sleep to ward off the dark circles. Simple but effective strategies work for me!

[Geoff K]

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/14297637448585216

[Terri]

hi

[Betty C]

I don't do much in the way of a routine. I occasionally moisturize and use Cetaphil cleanser but usually its more of just wash and go. I'm allergic to many skin care products so it's just easier to avoid all of them.

[Betty C]

Tweet - http://twitter.com/willitara/status/14315429241556993

[Emmi]

Just the basic soap & water Im not a big believer in trying to improve on what God has made

[Kerry]

My dermatologist helps a lot! I have some rosacea, so I love Clinique's redness reducer too.

[Kerry]

tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14320082163339264

[Shelley Mitchell]

I have been using more moisturizer on my skin for the last 5 years! Trying to prevent some of those wrinkles!

msjem2001 at yahoo dot com

[April Kennedy]

I don't think my skin looks so lovely :) I need something new.

[Auriette]

It doesn't look as lovely as it used to, but I rarely wear make-up, and I wash cosmetics off thoroughly after wearing them. I sometimes use witch hazel, or if I'm particularly oily rubbing alcohol, for the final clean. If my skin feels overly dry or tight after cleaning, I'll use a dab of body lotion.

[Diane Baum]

Ouch...I try by keeping it moisturized 3 times a day

[Lisa G.]

I try to keep my skin looking lovely with am/pm acne clearing wash and oil free moisturizer.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

[carol y l]

I always moisturize after washing my face and eat very well.

[carol y l]

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/14344919762075648

[Lisa G.]

I Tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/14345003962728448
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

[M.A.]

Regular washing and good hydration.

[charline]

I cleanse daily and moisturize too.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

[justine]

I keep my skin looking good by always moisturizing my neck and face without fail! I also use sunscreen and wear a foundation with sunscreen :D

[justine]

I tweeted

http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/14396268868534272

[Deb K]

I wash with plain water on my face and then add a good moisturizer.

deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com

[R Hicks]

I moisturize twice a day morning and night

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

[R Hicks]

tweet

http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/14412359867047936

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

[barbara wright]

My skin looks lovely when I take off my glasses - LOL (I'm almost blind without my glasses). I drink lots of water, but have never found any products that work

[barbara wright]

I tweeted http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/14420375622389760

[Chrysa]

My #1 tip is to STAY OUT OF THE SUN. I always wear SPF 15 at a minimum (usually 30) and don't tan! It really helps.

[Chrysa]

tweet http://twitter.com/LuckyJinxy/status/14429192355577857

[PauleyD]

I use moisturizer and sunblock to keep my skin looking healthy.

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

[PauleyD]

http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/14441848596602880

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

[Judith]

i have a hit and miss routine but I always moisterize.

[Judith]

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/14443425340325888

[Rosey]

I initially thought that I don't do anything to keep my skin healthy, but after reading your post, I realize I do because I drink a ton of water and I always wear sunscreen. That's it, though I do put Night Olay around my eyes every so often before I go to bed. I have those paper thin wrikles forming and want to combat them as best I can.

[Rosey]

Tweet

http://twitter.com/mail4rosey/status/14481404331036672

[Shannon]

I don't do anything special, just try to get enough sleep and stay out of the sun

[Heather W]

I wash off makeup every night and use Olay night cream. Its inexpensive and works better than the pricey-er stuff!
Lovefool827 (at) yahoo (dotcom)

[Charlene Kuser]

I stay put of the sun for the most part,not much sunbathing and when I do go out I use
sunscreen.I would rather have smooth,younger
skin than tanned aging skin.I do use a moisturizer everyday

[email protected]

[Shawnna]

Just washing it daily.