Stress and skin: how to keep skin zen?

A stress-free skin is (almost) as possible

Over the next year in full swing, stressful situations tend to accumulate: departure or return to work, change of school, exams, change of job or moving ... 
Worse, the small daily stress come s' add to deeper stressors that are dissatisfactions our intimate and our inability to live in mindfulness (would we all neurotic?).

What impact stress on the skin? What practical solutions against the stress? And how to minimize its harmful effects on sensitive skin?

Stress and skin:

In dermatology, there are two types of stress have an effect on the skin:

Firstly, it is known famous oxidative stress is responsible for the alteration of our cells and of skin aging. This "physical" stress is caused by free radicals, which in turn generated following several external factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking or pollution. This is mainly because of him that wrinkles appear!

More recently, dermatologists were interested in the nervous stress or "psychological" which seems to have a significant impact on the functioning of the skin. The skin is indeed directly connected to the nervous system via the neuroendocrine component thereof. Everyone can see that, under the effect of stress, many skin conditions have experienced remarkable breakouts. This is especially true for eczema, alopecia areata or psoriasis. Many people have heard say after treatment failure with corticosteroids: "It is stress that is responsible!"

In reality, the body triggers nervous stress response a series of events (hormone or otherwise) that impact on the organs. The skin is not spared and she reacts. Blush or pale, itching, have hairs that stand or sweaty hands are well-known events of all. In some cases less scarce, the skin reacts pathologically (eczema, itching, dermatitis, ...).

Stressed out, my skin?

By dint of repeated stresses caused by stress, the skin's barrier function may be impaired. This gives a less comfortable and less well hydrated skin. In addition, stressed skin is more reactive: sudden allergies can occur, as well as irritation or itching that will be the source of eczema and of course the famous psoriasis (click pso tips).

Oxidative stress is also a factor of skin aging. Mature skin are therefore theoretically more "stressed" than others or have been.

How to reduce stress for my skin?

Zen without sun?

Against the oxidative stress first of all, it is clear that conventional beauty tips are even more valid: avoid the intense UV exposure, use sunscreen,
avoid sudden exposure to cold or heat, not smoking and drinking enough water are essential bases. diet can also enrich it with foods rich in vitamins, especially beta-carotene (a good antioxidant for the skin) found in fruits and vegetables colored (carrots, peppers, spinach, etc ...). Also think of drinking green tea freshly brewed, opt for red fruits in season, etc ...

The most documented vegetable oils for their antioxidant power are the perilla, evening primrose and to a lesser extent Argan and Rosehip. They may be added in the plate but also massage the daily serum on the body or the face below the cream.

There are plethora of antioxidants to the menu

To reduce the nervous stress, use aromatherapy (see below) but can also ensure that they spare moments of meditation during the day. If this is not possible, you can breathe easier exercise throughout the day. Breathing through the belly, deep and slow, can be practiced during the day or during bathing. Lying comfortably (e), one can see his body swell and release air.Within minutes.

The nervous stress may also be mitigated by various practices that relax and empty head: relaxation therapy, yoga or tai chi. The problem of stressed skin is often that of letting go. Think about it!

Aromatherapy

The essential oils mixed with the vegetable cosmetic slow and allow both need to treat a skin while also aligning nerve sphere.

Easy recipe: add 1 drop of essential oil of petitgrain bitter orange or 1 drop neroli your day cream dose. Heat the dose mixed in hands.Breathe calmly your palms before applying the treatment on the face and neck. A mini relaxation session for the skin.

Many essential oils blend perfectly nervous sphere. For dry skin, often found Damascus rose, neroli, frankincense or myrrh. For more oily skin, you may use true lavender, green myrtle or laurel. The petitgrain bitter orange is ideal for all skin types.

The grandmother tricks

You can also fight against the effects of the nervous stress on the skin by applying cold compresses soaked in chamomile tea, lime or hawthorn on the face, eyes or redness. 
More simply, you can also cool the palms of hands rubbing with ice before putting them on closed eyes and breathe deeply for a while. This is a gesture minute anti-stress for the skin!

Also reread my article of tips against allergies natural, some can help the skin to be more resistant to stress.

Intelligent cosmetics

Some products carry the Slow Cosmetics Mention

Several brands also offer cosmetic treatments that promise to desensitize the skin and make it more resistant to stress.

Attention opt for Slow Cosmetics. Your products should ideally not contain synthetic fragrances, synthetic preservatives or irritating surfactants. These treatments are therefore primarily good moisturizers that restore the barrier function of the skin. They are formulated with oils or soft vegetable butters (jojoba, calendula, shea or coconut) and contain active that soothe the skin so that the spirit (soothing essential oils, plant extracts of mallow, chamomile, etc.).

I advise you to choose your products only from those who received the Slow Cosmetics Mention (click to see the list). I have a crush on two anti-stress treatments: ADAPTARÔM Cream Balance at Pranarôm (which is really a must for reactive skin) and Love for 3 Oranges, soothing body oil of Sweet Angevines.