The connection between healthy skin and stress
People helping people
Hello to our amazing global community! No matter where you live, one thing is for certain, we, as a global community, are all in this together. We are all doing our best to deal with the difficult circumstances resulting from this global pandemic. It has always been our mission statement at African Botanics to promote healthy and happy skin through the development, sourcing and production of products that embody the rich diversity and flora of the South African landscape. We know our global community is also made up of this same wonderful diversity. With this in mind and with our deepest appreciation and commitment to encourage and support each and every member of our global community, we embark on this series.
Stress is beyond skin deep
Whether due to a fear of contracting Covid-19, worry over the economic impact you and your family are now experiencing, fear over the future resulting from the pandemic, or anxiety over some other health, economic or family issue, we are all feeling stress at this time. Our skin is the first line of defense against any harmful virus, bacteria or the penetrating effects of overexposure to the sun. It also conveys the first signs of our emotions stirring beneath the surface. We have all seen and maybe experienced the red cheeks of embarrassment.
As the body’s largest organ, our skin, like a clearly visible neon sign, will always reflect the state of our mental, emotional and physical health and wellness. As an important indicator of the significant connection between the mind and our skin, a specialized field of medicine developed called, Psychodermatology. These highly specialized doctors help people who are dealing with various types of psychological related skin issues. Going back all the way back to the skin-to-skin contact between newborn and mother, it is believed that communication through the skin is a very important part of the development of feelings about self and the world around us. With all of these deep and intertwined connections, it is not hard to understand how our emotions can affect our skin.
The stress / skin reaction
Stress, depression and anxiety can contribute to many different types of skin issues like: acne, rosacea and eczema, to name a few. When under stress, our bodies produce more skin sebum, oily discharge that can contribute to clogged pores and aggravate acne. As a chronic inflammatory condition, eczema can be worsened by stress which is known to increase inflammation within the body.
Through various receptors and chemical messengers, neuropeptides, the brain and nervous system dramatically influence the skin’s immune cells and subsequently overall skin health and wellness. Continued scientific research has found that certain types of stress can interfere with the immune system which affects the skin’s ability to heal. It is not hard to understand how the current stress that we are all going through might be presenting skin issues for many of us.
Helping our stressed out skin
While we will explore these topics in more depth within our upcoming articles, there are many ways you can help to reduce your stress and promote healthy and happy skin. Of course the first step is to seek to reduce your stress. The reduction of stress will be different for everyone, but generally seeking time in your day to stop, sit and take a few minutes to relax and breath deeply focusing your thoughts on a simple and encouraging topic from your day, can help. Simple mindful meditation and focused breathing have shown to be helpful in the reduction of stress.
In addition to the reduction of stress, we can help promote healthy and happy skin by ensuring that we achieve optimal levels of rest, hydration and exercise. A healthy diet will also aid and help to equip our bodies to support us during these difficult and stressful times. Additionally, to help soothe, restore and revitalize your stressed out skin during this difficult time, we recommend our:
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Baobab Clay Oxygenating Cleanser
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As a Detoxifying and Balancing Cleanser, Baobab Clay Oxygenating Cleanser helps regulate stress induced sebum production and gently remove excess oil and reduces pore size while accelerating healing of acne and blemishes. Jasmine, Sandalwood and star of Anise help calm and stimulate cellular renewal. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Baobab. Fruit powder brightens and helps firm the skin. See link below.
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Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish
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This skin refreshing and clarifying exfoliant is rich in Lactobionic Acid (PHA) which is very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. This enzyme polish can be used as an enzyme mask for 3-5 minutes to help refresh and restore your stressed skin to a restored, radiant and soft condition. As an added benefit, its healing Micro-Algae and fine granules of ancient volcanic minerals can help to visibly refine texture and soften the look of fine lines and dark spots by buffing away dull skin. See link below.
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Pure Marula Oil
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As an essential part of your skin health and wellness routine, Pure Marula Oil is rich in many vital skin health antioxidants. Vitamin E and Omega 9 form a natural lipid barrier to strengthen the skin and protect from skin health and wellness destructive free radicals. Pure Marula Oil sinks in quickly to promote intense repair and seal in precious moisture delivering its nourishing and soothing restoration. See link below.
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Jardin Sauvage Botanical Body Cream
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As a complete skin-nourishing cream to provide entire-body skin stress relief, our Jardin Sauvage Botanical Body Cream is an important part of your entire-body skin health and wellness routine. Our deeply moisturizing, fast-absorbing body cream helps restore skin suppleness and softness while reducing the visible signs of skin stress and agitation like dryness and irritation. See link below.
Positivity, the pathway to protection
As noted above, stress can reduce our immune systems ability to protect us when we need that protection the most. The idea of whether you are generally optimistic or pessimistic can impact your overall health and wellness. Studies have shown that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can impact many areas of our health and wellness. Positive thinking that generally accompanies optimism is a key part of effective stress management and effective stress management is associated with many health benefits such as healthy and happy skin.
It can be very hard to find reasons to be positive during times like these. However, when we look around and all of our fellow citizens on this planet who are seeking everyday to help those struggling and the scientists and researchers who are making great progress towards effective treatments and vaccines to help bring an end to this pandemic, there are indeed reasons to be hopeful, encouraged and positive!
Next in the series
In the next article in this series, we will take a deeper look at a few of the more common skin issues that result from stress. Having a better understanding about these issues and some options to help promote and support a healing environment and the ultimate restoration of healthy and happy skin is our goal at African Botanics. Until next time, Be Well and Stay Safe!
