If you are stressed, it can be visible from your skin. Research has found that both acute and chronic stress can have adverse effects on the skin’s overall wellness. Stress can also worsen certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and acne. Studies have indicated that the skin and hair follicles produce their stress-inducing signals through intricate mechanisms. These stress-inducing signals can travel to the brain and triggering a stress response.
Stress and the double-edged way between the brain and the skin
One of the common ways we experience temporary acute stress response is when we get nervous and start sweating. This reaction shows that there exists a link between the brain and skin. Science has shown that by having repetitive contact with environmental or psychological stressors, this can cause long-term effects on your skin, which could negatively affect your general well-being. There is an interconnected, bidirectional brain-skin axis capable of translating the brain’s psychological stress to the skin and vice versa. Stress activates a trio of glands that have an essential role in the body’s response to stressful events. These glands are referred to as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA). The activation triggers the production of local pro-inflammatory factors, including cortisol and other vital hormones in the stress response of flight or fight, referred to as catecholamines, which can stimulate pro-inflammtory skin cells or direct immune cells from the bloodstream to the skin. Some of the main types of pro-inflammatory skin cells in the brain-skin axis are the mast cells. Typically, mast cells respond to cortisol hormone via receptor signaling and directly contribute to various skin conditions, including itching.
The fact that the skin is continually exposed to the outside world makes it more vulnerable to environmental stressors than any other organ. The skin responds to the stressors by producing hormones. For instance, when the skin is exposed to temperature and UV light, it creates stress hormones, sending the signal to the brain. Typically, psychological stressors can result in stressed skin, while on the other hand, environmental stresses through the skin can cause psychological stress, which perpetuates the stress cycle.
Other ways that stress affects your skin
Research has also shown that psychological stress disrupts the skins top layer, responsible for protecting the body’s internal parts from microbes and locking in moisture. To maintain healthy skin, it’s vital to have an intact epidermal barrier. A disrupted epidermal can result in irritated skin and chronic skin conditions such as eczema or wounds. Psychosocial stress is directly linked to the worsening of these conditions. There also has been found that a relationship exists between acne flares and stress.
How to manage skin stress
While theoretically, it’s said that reducing one’s levels of stress help in easing destructive effects of stress on the skin. There is inadequate data about the efficacy of this intervention.
Personal care is critical when it comes to managing skincare. If you need to source personal care products, you can read about Skyn Iceland. Some products you can use to de-stress stressed skins include;
1.OSKIA LONDON
This Oskia’s Intense Biomimetic Hydration is a beauty award winner, with a comforting and calming blend of amino acids, electrolytes, hyaluronic acid and oat ceramides which helps support the skins barrier function and mantle and replenish the skins vital nutrients.
2.THE SERUMS
This is an Institut Esthederm Intensive Spirulina Anti-Fatigue Face Serum specifically made for stressed skin and helps revitalize and nourish the skin by offering all the vital elements for the cell’s metabolism, including minerals, vitamins, salts and trace elements.
3.THE CLEANSERS
This is a gentle oil to milk formula with plant oil rich in fatty acids and vitamins. It also helps reduce redness and balance the skin while dissolving surface oils, including spf, makeup, pollution, and dirt.
4.THE MASKS
This is a product made by Aurelia’s. It has been made to soothe blemishes and irritation while also functioning as a skin nourisher and moisturizer. It is made up of a fusion of probiotics and plant-based extracts to offer deep hydration while restoring stressed and dry skin.
5.ENVIRON
Environ is a multi-functional masque made with innovative botanicals together with Japanese Charcoal. It helps absorb the impurities of pollutants and purifying skin that has been stressed out.
This article offers the reader great insights about stressed skin and some products to use on such.