STRESS SKIN
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it!
The mind skin link is what experts call psychodermatology, it is this science that explains why external skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea are often triggered by internal stress and linked to stress levels.
These visible conditions often affect our self-confidence, and in turn our stress levels soar even higher, as a result the mind skin link becomes a damaging vicious cycle.
Stress reduces our skin’s ability to heal wounds by around 40% therefore any acne/breakouts you develop can take longer to recover.
Our heart rate accelerates blood flow to the brain and muscles and the conditions inside the stomach become painfully acidic and even the structure of our collagen & connective tissue is damaged. The body assumes we need it here to survive which removes the vital nutrients from the skin which help to heal and resolve the acne/breakouts.
It is impossible to live without some stress it is a natural physical response. When we enter the vital fright/flight mode we experience a surge in the hormones; adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline and this prepares us to survive a threat in our lives.
Although some stress is good for us triggering our ambition, competitiveness, and energy, most of us are living with too much stress.
More stress = increase in hormones = increase in oil production in our skin. More insulin released triggering hormones called androgens which in turn are responsible for blocked pores and breakouts (for more information on the role of hormones in skin refer to my ‘Hormonal Skin’ blog).
What can we do to help?
Cleansing & the Double cleanse
Cleanse once in the morning & double cleanse in the evening – the first cleanse removes all excess sebum and grime and/or make-up from the skin to allow the second cleanse to penetrate where it is needed. Choose a cleanser containing a combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and hydrating is important also. The Skin Geek Salicylic Wash is my go-to for exactly this. Combined with the Skin Geek Cleansing Mitts for added assistance.
Choose a copper or silk pillowcase
Refer to my pillowcase blog for more info.
Do not pick or squeeze
you will only cause damage, allow more bacteria to enter and spread the problem.
Switch to Mineral make-up and SPF
My go to would be the CLINICCARE Dermo Corrective Cream with an SPF of 50 and self-adjusting pigment to give protection and a light foundation. It has active ingredients which are working away under your skin. Or the clear Sun shield Cream SPF 30. (foundations and BB creams which contain sun shield only have an SPF of 15 which is not adequate).
Lymphatic drainage massage
The Skin Geek Cryo Roller, the sub-zero hero!
Assess our Diet
‘We are what we absorb’ (another blog) but think essential fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamins A, C, E, and soluble fibers. Try herbal teas such as sage, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, lemon balm, milk thistle or fennel. Try supplements probiotics can help boost the gut bacteria (see probiotic blog for more info).
Increase water intake
Throughout the day, to help flush and hydrate the skin. The skin is our largest organ however the body takes water to other vital organs first and the skin last.
Stress reducing activity
Even just taking the time to concentrate on breathing or grounding.
· The Breathing Method - controlled breaths, unclench your jaw, relax your tongue from the roof of your mouth, sit upright & drop your shoulders from your ears, inhale deeply through your nose slowly for around 4 seconds, hold this breath for 1 or 2 seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth over about 4 seconds, wait 2 or 3 seconds before taking another breath (for teenagers 5 to 7 seconds), repeat this at least 5 to 10 breaths.
· Grounding – using the environment and senses to help reset focus and reduce anxiety triggers, identity around you, 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can feel and 1 thing you can taste, by focusing on the immediate world around you it can help reset the focus on what is important in the moment.
Professional treatments
From gentle enzymatic exfoliating peels, to deeper more targeting AHA/BHA peeling, and pharmaceutical/cosmeceutical skin care regimes. AHA is water soluble, BHA is oil soluble and can be invaluable in aiding the problems with oily/congested skin concerns.
For gentle enzymatic peel, my go-to is the CLINICCARE Instant Painless Peel, this is also provided in a snap sample of 2ml, as part of your full homecare bundle and I do include the snap sample in the purchase of the EGF Sheet Masks.
You do not want to over exfoliate (see the blog on exfoliation for more info), Instant painless peel should be used no more than once per week! It is a great kick starter to a new skin regime or to boost your skin regime, with the ‘Pure’ soothing EGF sheet mask applied following the enzyme peel.
