The invisible link between mind and skin
In a world where we are constantly busy juggling work, family, and personal commitments, it is no wonder that stress has become an integral part of our everyday lives. But what we may not always realize is the significant impact that stress can have on our skin. In addition to the emotional and mental strains, stress can actually also affect our skin physiologically.
What is stress
Stress is a natural reaction in the body, which is very good when you have to perform in demanding situations or are in a hurry. The stress response has allowed us humans to survive for thousands of years, because it activates what we call the fight or flight response . A reaction that was a prerequisite for our ancestors who lived on the savannah to survive. But stress is made to be activated for a short time, to be followed by recovery so that other important bodily functions will have space. If the stress goes on over time without recovery, we can develop chronic stress, which in turn can lead to exhaustion syndrome and damage the body's organs.
What happens when we stress
When we are exposed to stress, a cascade of stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline are released from the body's adrenal glands into the blood. Their task is to ensure that the pulse and blood pressure are raised and that there is enough sugar and energy for the muscles and the brain. The blood flow is therefore redirected so that the muscles and the brain receive more blood, while the digestion, skin and other organs that are not needed for the struggle for life and death receive less.
How can prolonged stress affect the skin
An organ that does not receive enough blood for a long time does not feel well, remember that the skin is the body's largest organ. Several clinical studies have documented how long-term stress can affect various aspects of skin health. For example, stress hormones can stimulate sebum production, which in turn can lead to enlarged pores in the skin, as well as an increased inflammatory response in the skin, but the first thing that often happens is that the skin loses elasticity and shine.
How to deal with stress-related skin problems
The link between stress and skin health is not only negative. Research has also shown that methods of stress management can help improve the condition of the skin.
Firstly, it is important to get out of your stress and find strategies to deal with stress in our daily routines. It can include mindfulness yoga exercises, deep breathing exercises or just time for relaxation and recovery. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, adequate sleep and a balanced diet can also help reduce stress levels and improve overall skin health.
At Moonsun we have simple, pure natural products that also have different scents that can stimulate peace and tranquility. Creating a simple and conscious skin care routine can, in addition to nourishing your skin, be experienced as meditative and provide a moment of presence to yourself and beneficial recovery for your own body. Try yourself to slowly anoint yourself with e.g. Moonsun Body Lotion with half-closed eyes and just concentrate on the scent, the feeling on the skin and the joy of touch.
Take help
Stress has become one of the major public diseases, according to the Public Health Agency , as much as 37% of women aged 16-29 state that they feel stressed, among men this percentage was about half as high. If you are one of those who feel that stress has taken over your life, you are not alone. If you find it difficult to get out of your situation yourself, get help.
If you want to address your skin health related to stress, a dermatologist or a skin therapist can provide guidance.
Stress and skin health
In summary, the connection between stress and skin health is clear and relatively well documented. By dealing with stress in a holistic way, we can not only promote our mental health, but also our skin health. So let's give our skin the love and care it deserves by reducing the stress in our lives and promoting a sense of inner peace and balance.
If you want to learn more about stress, we can recommend Anders Hansen's series about your brain - stress, which was broadcast in 2019 on Svt.
Moonsun has only natural ingredients that help stressed skin gain increased balance - read more about our 3 favorite ingredients
Photo by madison lavern on Unsplash