Ah, the leisurely and relaxing days of August. Nothing to worry about … oh wait, when is the last pickup from camp? And who left the garden hose on all day? Unexpected demands on our energy can arise at any time, and the repercussions of extended stress can linger on our skin for a long time. Discover how stress impacts your skin and learn to showcase your healthiest face this summer with these insightful tips.
The adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline (which kicks in during immediate threats, activating the “fight or flight” response) and cortisol (responsible for managing sustained stress, such as deadlines, parenting, or traffic jams). These hormones can significantly affect our appearance.
Crisis #1: Dark circles beneath the eyes
Dark circles can transform a beautiful face into a tired one. A study identified inadequate sleep and stress as two key contributors to the occurrence of dark under-eye circles.
Toronto naturopath Dr. Nayumi Saiki highlights the connection between stress and sleep: “During normal circadian rhythms, cortisol levels dip to their lowest during sleep and peak shortly after waking.” However, under stress, cortisol levels can become unregulated, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.
Solution:
A nightly cup of chamomile tea has been found in recent research to alleviate fatigue and improve sleep quality. Chamomile’s calming properties can help pacify stressed minds. For added relief, chilled chamomile teabags can be placed over tired eyes to diminish puffiness.
Crisis #2: Deteriorating skin
The relationship between stress and skin is notably direct and immediate. Stress can worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis and lead to collagen breakdown. It is also linked to an increase in wrinkles and slower healing of wounds.
Solution:
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production and skin repair. Next time you shop, be sure to include these vitamin C-rich foods:
- kiwis
- oranges
- red peppers
- lemons
“Lemon is a great source of vitamin C, especially the peel!” mentions holistic nutritionist Carley Simandl. She suggests blending an entire organic lemon into your next smoothie to create an excellent skin-boosting beverage.
For topical care, nourish your skin with high-antioxidant oils like rosehip. Simandl advises mixing a drop of helichrysum or frankincense essential oil with five drops of rosehip oil. “These essential oils are considered liquid gold for skin healing and are rich in brightening properties for tired skin,” she notes. Always check for sensitivities before use and ensure proper dilution of essential oils.
Crisis #3: Hair thinning
Experiencing hair thinning can make even the most self-assured individuals feel uneasy. Cortisol can impact hair follicles, and significant hair loss may be related to thyroid irregularities.
Solution:
The thyroid requires zinc and iodine for optimal health, both essential for promoting hair growth and mitigating stress. Seafood and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of zinc, while incorporating sea vegetables like kelp can enhance your iodine intake.
The power of flowers
A study demonstrated that inhalation of rose essential oil (Rosa alba) can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress on skin and protect against the deterioration of the skin barrier.
Add several drops of rose essential oil to a diffuser filled with water for a delightful aromatic experience!
