Skin Longevity - Stress Management

‍

‍

High levels of stress can cause our immune system to cause inflammation as a result of stress. This inflammation can increase skin sensitivity and oil production, leading to acne, or increase acne and skin problems such as rosacea. Excessive stress can also affect our lifestyle and habits.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but prolonged and chronic stress can have devastating effects on the skin. When stress levels rise, the body releases hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to a range of skin problems. These include acne flare-ups due to increased oil production, premature skin aging leading to fine lines and wrinkles, increased skin sensitivity, and even worsening conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Acute stress can cause itching, redness, or rashes, while chronic stress worsens them and can lead to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and even hair loss. In addition, in response to external stimuli such as ultraviolet radiation (UV), the skin itself can produce stress hormones and send signals to the brain that trigger the activation of the HPA axis.

Stress can not only lead to changes in our brain and body chemistry, which lead to skin changes, but also in our general behavior. For example, some people touch their face when they are nervous and bring everything they have on their hands to their face, which makes acne worse. We also tend to deviate from our healthy habits under tremendous stress. We may spend less time taking care of ourselves by sleeping less, eating an unhealthy diet, abstaining from exercise, and not washing our faces regularly. All of these behaviors can have a negative impact on our skin.

Meditation can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Getting enough sleep is important because the skin regenerates and repairs itself during this time. Maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is another important aspect of self-care. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting your skin's health and resilience.

‍

‍Our top tips for stress management

• Take breaks: Take time for yourself between times of the day - for example with a short walk, to breathe properly.
• Priorities and time management: Leave room for the unexpected in your day. Prioritize urgent tasks and don't try to do more things at the same time.
• Mindfulness and breathing exercises: Use special breathing techniques that relieve cramps and thus ensure that the brain is better supplied with oxygen. There are great meditation apps (Headspace, Calm, Insight timer) that can help regulate stress through mindfulness exercises.

‍