How does pre-Christmas stress impact skin condition and how can it be restored after stress?

During stress, the nervous system sends the alarm signals to skin cells, which produce their own stress mediators in response. Thus, the protective barrier fails to perform its functions.

Along with that, stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels and initiates inflammation. After experiencing a stressful situation, cortisol levels normalize and inflammation subsides. However, if cortisol levels remain elevated after the threat disappears, it can lead to chronic inflammation.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the skin is influenced by many factors, as the body struggles to distinguish between physical and mental stress. Physical stress, such as trauma, causes short-term inflammation, while emotional stress can elevate cortisol levels for a longer period.

Here are the probable skin issues that stress can lead to:

• Increased sensitivity;
• Excessively dry skin;
• Rosacea and couperose worsen, localized redness appears as blood vessels condition gets worse;
• Stress also negatively impacts the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin in the skin, resulting in reduced skin elasticity;
• Free radicals freely damage skin cells.

How to reduce the negative impact of stress on the skin?

1. Psychological Resilience

   We will face stress throughout our lives, but there are proven ways to support ourselves in difficult moments, for example, walking in nature, finding small joys, psychological counselling and healthy sleep. Choose what best supports you.

2. Healthy Diet

   To help the body better cope with stress, there should be enough beneficial nutrients in your diet, especially B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and antioxidants. Add different types of cabbage, eggs, nuts, vegetable oils, grains, liver, fish, green leafy vegetables and berries to your menu.

3. Create Your Own Beauty Rituals

   A bath with thick foam can help release the cares of the day and restore the nervous system. You can also create your own home beauty ritual and follow it several times a week: combining a relaxing bath with exfoliating the skin using a scrub and nourishing the body with a cream butter.

4. Skincare + Massage

   This soothing beauty ritual will not only help skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, but will also serve as a way to relax after a challenging day. To improve the result, do a massage when your favorite relaxing music is playing.

5. Add Anti-Stress Products to Your Skincare Routine

   In order to restore the skin after stress, saturate it with antioxidants. Cosmetics containing organic oils and extracts are perfect for this purpose, for example, the ORGANIC CANNABIS line. Organic hemp seed oil, obtained through cold pressing, is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins. Hemp seed oil normalizes the moisture balance of the skin, rejuvenates epidermal cells and protects against the impact of free radicals.