My stress has been at its peak lately. No one is immune to the disruptions that can occur in daily life, such as managing household finances, work deadlines, and the daily commute. And if you notice that your skin is looking a little dull or you’re having more breakouts than usual, it’s not just your imagination. Stress can have a huge impact on the way your skin looks and feels. So what can you do to lower your stress levels, improve your overall health, and get your skin back to its naturally glowing state? Read this article to manage your stress and feel good inside and out Please find a way.
Effects of stress on the skin
much of what we know Effects of stress on the body It is caused by symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle stiffness or tension, low energy, and digestive problems. But stress also plays an important role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you’re experiencing tension on a chronic level or not. So how does stress show up on your skin?
skin inflammation and rash
When you experience stressful situations or chronic stress, your immune system weakens, which compromises your skin’s barrier. The skin barrier, the outermost layer of the body, is essential for protecting the body from environmental irritants and free radicals. The health and strength of this protective barrier can be compromised by factors such as excessive sun exposure, humid or dry environments, excessive exfoliation and stress. Stress levels affect the skin barrier and immune system, and can even lead to flare-ups of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema in some people.
dry skin and wrinkles
Stress affects the skin at a molecular level and affects cellular aging. For example, stress hormones ( adrenaline and cortisol) Causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin, making it difficult for the skin to rejuvenate and maintain its suppleness.According to neuroscientists Dr. Tara Swart“Cortisol can be very dry all over the body because it promotes inflammation, so you may notice that your skin is really dry or that you have skin problems. Your skin is just a part of your body. Stress often shows up on the skin because it’s not just physical boundaries, but also the body’s psychological boundaries.”
When the turnover of healthy skin cells slows down, fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. This, combined with repeated facial expressions during stressful situations, such as furrowing the eyebrows, can lead to even more fine lines and wrinkles.
Fluid retention and dark circles
For many people, stress disrupts their sleep patterns. Insomnia and sleep problems This is a common symptom of stress, and poor sleep quality affects many systems in the body, including the skin. Lack of sleep increases signs of aging, especially bags and dark circles under the eyes. As elastin and collagen are lost, the skin and muscles under the eyes become weaker and fluid retention becomes more noticeable.
Stress hormones and skin health
What are stress hormones? Are they bad? Not exactly. From suppressing inflammation to regulating metabolism to controlling sleep cycles, we need stress hormones to live optimally. Ideally, cortisol and adrenaline levels should be stable, but as the body responds to internal and external stimuli, hormone levels can rise or fall beyond recommended ranges.
When your nervous system experiences a surge of stress hormones, it triggers a variety of reactions throughout your body and skin, including:
- skin glands produce more oil
- delayed digestion in the intestine
- Skin aggravation or anger due to inducing inflammation or inducing autoimmune diseases
- Sleep disturbances cause fatigue and reduce cognitive reasoning.
Does stress cause acne?
In one word, “yes”! When the adrenal glands release excess cortisol due to chronic or acute stress, another hormone (corticotrophin-releasing hormone, or CRH) is stimulated to release oil from the sebaceous glands. These small glands are located next to your hair follicles and release oily sebum to keep your skin naturally moisturized. Excess sebum production mixes with dead skin cells deep within your pores, causing them to become clogged, leading to buildup, inflammation, bacterial growth, and, you guessed it, acne.
Understand the connection between mind and body
The mind and body are closely connected, and you can tell from the sensations such as when your face turns red when you’re embarrassed, when you sweat when you’re nervous, or when you feel itchy when you’re stressed. As much as we notice the condition of our skin when we’re stressed, research has shown that our skin cells and hair follicles generate their own stress signals that are transmitted to the brain.
brain-skin axis
To explain briefly, brain-skin axis It is the pathway that transmits stress messages from the skin to the brain, and from the brain to the skin. As we’ve already learned, stressful experiences and environments cause hormones like cortisol to be released into the body, causing problems like irritability, dry skin, and acne. However, exposing the skin to certain stressors (such as ultraviolet rays from excessive sun exposure) can send stress signals from the skin to the brain, increasing the likelihood of psychological stress.
A vicious cycle: stress triggers and skin health
Short-term and long-term stress can affect skin health and can manifest as dry skin, visible lines, wrinkles, bags under the eyes, and inflammation. Plus, just seeing how stress affects your skin adds another layer of stress to manage.
Reduce your body’s internal and external symptoms and manage your body’s reactions to different situations, whether you work or live in a stressful environment or are simply experiencing a period of stress. There are things you can do to help.
Establish a skin care routine during stress cycles
If you’ve been going through a stressful period and your skin is becoming more reactive, it’s a good idea to get your skincare routine back to basics. By using soothing ingredients and gentle care, you can keep your skin healthy without irritating the skin barrier. Simple habits are often the best way to manage stress as it manifests in your skin.
Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle formula like Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser, which contains activating ingredients like rosemary, chamomile, and grape leaf extract. Echinacea Recovery Cream is packed with nourishing ingredients like evening primrose oil, echinacea, and yarrow, making it the ideal moisturizer to soothe and hydrate your skin after cleansing.
If your breakouts are caused by stress, consider a deep cleansing mask to absorb excess sebum and prevent pores from becoming clogged. Clear Skin Probiotic Mask contains soothing yogurt, cucumber, and kaolin clay to cleanse, soften, and soothe irritated skin. customer, veronicareviewed this mask online and said, “I’ve never used a face mask that actually gave me results like that. I use it whenever I have a breakout or am about to get a breakout. But it really saves my skin. I love it!” ! ”
Look and feel better using stress management strategies
Although it’s not ideal, stress is a part of everyday life. The best way to keep stress at bay and reduce the production of excess stress hormones is to implement stress management strategies that work for your situation and lifestyle. Learning how to deal with stress will help you cope better with whatever comes your way and keep your skin and body in good condition.
meditation, mindfulness, relaxation
There is so much noise in our lives, both literally and figuratively. The best way to balance that out and calm your body is to practice daily mindfulness and meditation. Practicing these techniques can help you become more aware of your environment and emotions, which can help ground you and calm your mind during stressful times. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Anything that helps you eliminate distractions, calm your body and mind, and relax. Good options include solitary activities such as taking a walk, listening to a guided meditation, drawing or reading.
exercise
Exercise has a positive effect on your body in many ways. It not only lowers stress hormone levels and reduces anxiety, but also improves sleep quality. Even something as simple as cleaning the house, gardening, attending a training class, or lifting weights can be beneficial activities to add to your daily routine for stress management. Deep breathing exercises are another powerful tool you can use as a way to reduce stress, as they lower cortisol and revitalize your body’s functions. parasympathetic nervous system (The rest nervous system is equivalent to the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system).
Eat healthy (and stay hydrated!)
Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants will help your body cope with the effects of daily stress. Nutrients repair damaged cells, boost your immune system, regulate stress hormone levels, and give your body the energy it needs to overcome daily stressors. the study Fiber-rich vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids have been suggested to be particularly helpful in balancing stress hormones. Additionally, a healthy diet has a positive impact on the overall health of your skin.
quality sleep
Sleep is the perfect opportunity for your body to repair and reset. Good sleep also improves cognitive performance and mood, which are important for managing stress. To improve sleep hygiene, keep your bedroom free of electronics and distractions, avoid sugary foods and drinks before bed, and create and stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
More relaxation tips and techniques
Need more tips to relax and reduce stress? In addition to the practices listed above, consider some of the following relaxation techniques.
- aromatherapy
- Massages and other spa treatments
- deep breath
- yoga
- Visualization
- hydrotherapy
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to affect the health of your skin. By engaging in daily stress management techniques and using skin care ingredients that address your concerns, you can successfully navigate life’s curveballs without worrying about acne, wrinkles, or bags under the eyes.
Looking to reduce stress in your life? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn how to minimize stress and restore your radiance.
