The link between stress and skin are well-documented, while stability-disrupting events such as divorce, job loss, self quarantine and other emotional stressors are not as damaging to our health but to our appearance, the chronic stress impacts us negatively causing a myriad of health problems in addition to skin problems such as dark circles, acne and wrinkles.
Your Face Tells A Story
Our skin is a largest organ protecting us from the outside world. One study found that stress weakens the necessary barrier of protection, and increases transdermal water loss which causes skin irritation and dehydration. The skin immediately shows signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark circles and uneven dull appearance.
The good news is there is a lot we can do to reduce stress and have a clear and glowing skin. Here are some of my favorite stress-reducing practices meditation, massage and vacation in addition to a great nutrition that you can get from eating clean.
The truth is that 80% of our emotion-related stress start in the gut. We can improve gut health very quickly by sticking to a healthy diet and by digesting fermented foods which keep the good bacteria working. Some of have tried to become health conscious and by eliminating toxic foods from our diets we instantly have had more energy in addition to feeling less tense. Since the gut makes some of the feel good chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA which are used by the brain to process thoughts and emotions we benefit from immediate relief of anxiety. Stress can impact the delicate balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria which can lead to acne and also to inflammation in the stomach. Keeping a healthy microbiome balance is good for our health and good for the skin.
According to clinical nutritionist, Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., the most important skin nutrients are Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed, fish, nuts avocado, and other foods. They are essential for our health and can’t be manufactured by our own body and this is why they have to come from foods. The three most important are ALA, EPA, and DHA. ALA is mostly found in plants, while EPA and DHA are mostly found in animal foods like fatty fish. Algal oil is a good option for vegetarians.
Home face masks containing avocado are very beneficial for the skin. Avocado oil penetrates deep into the dermal layer of skin, which most moisturizers and oils are unable to do.
Home Remedies: Moisturizing Avocado Mask
ALA, alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant found inside every cell of the human body that supports cellular energy. Sagging skin or wrinkled skin for example lacks energy as the level of ALA decreases with age. We can supply our body with ALA by eating spinach, broccoli and tomatoes or apply it topically by using eye creams containing ALA.
For more help and professional acne treatments visit Yolanda Russo, skin care expert at Speranzi Facial Spa.
