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Pimples, irritations, peeling, redness… Few people think that their common cause is not the natural features of the skin, but stress. And these problems need to be addressed both locally and globally.
Today it is customary to flaunt: I am so used to living in stress that I do not notice it. If so, then your skin may have a different opinion. Go to the mirror: dullness, wrinkles, tired look, rashes, itching. Of course, all this can be ignored and masterfully camouflaged. Fortunately, the makeup possibilities are endless. But here’s the bad luck: once the usual tone can cause discomfort, and mascara can cause pain in the eyes. The effects of stress on the skin can be stronger than you think.
All our experiences are reflected on the face – this is not just a figure of speech. Skin cells and cells of the nervous system are formed from the same embryonic layer. In intrauterine development, a fertilized cell begins to develop in three directions. From the ectodermal sheet, bones, muscles and connective tissue are formed. From endodermal – internal organs. And from the mesodermal sheet – the nervous system and skin. Allegorically, they can be called twins suffering in separation and exchanging “telegrams”.
That is why all experiences and negative emotions have a depressing effect on the skin. The “bare” nerve endings that permeate the dermis send erratic impulses that disrupt blood circulation, cell function and sebum secretion. They can also trigger allergic reactions to seemingly familiar remedies. Or, on the contrary, to dull the vigilance of the skin, forcing it to skip harmful substances, increase moisture loss, and release pigmentation out of control.
Changes in life – changes in the face
“I always had pimples,” recalls 30-year-old Maria. – But when I started working after the institute, there was no salvation from inflammation. It turned out that the nervous situation, the demanding boss and business trips were to blame. Then I got married, quit my job, started my own business and became an adept at yoga. As soon as everything calmed down in life, the appearance became normal again.
What changed? The girl found harmony with herself, and the skin instantly reacted. But what if at the moment there is no way to find a safe haven? Try to adapt to the circumstances and level the effects of stress. After all, a great many options and means have been invented.
Increased susceptibility
In relation to strong excitement, the skin behaves like a naughty child and uses the language that is available to it to scream about problems. Therefore, acne, redness and dry zones appear. Even 100 years ago, a Swiss doctor with Russian roots, Nadia Payot, said that skin sensitivity is an increased susceptibility to the effects of physiological and emotional factors.
The word “stress” in those years has not yet come into vogue. At the same time, Nadia created her iconic cream Crème No. 2 according to a recipe that combines the achievements of phyto- and aromatherapy. This product, of course, improved, is still one of the best sellers of the Payot brand and still effectively soothes sensitive skin, relieving irritation and redness.
The most delicate face creams and masks
Relief funds
Today’s products, leveling the effects of skin stress, have a different composition, but the goal is the same – to calm the nerve endings in the dermis and “persuade” it to function normally. For this, aromatherapy, targeted neuromolecules, plant extracts, and minerals are used. For example, magnesium and selenium ions perfectly relieve irritation. And recently it has been proven that a change in the microbiome, a set of microorganisms that live on the surface of the epidermis and perform, among other things, a protective function, also leads to increased sensitivity.
With changes in the microflora under the influence of various factors (UV radiation, stress, hormones), the skin begins to react painfully to external influences and even to cosmetics. Therefore, some new products are designed to restore the balance of skin microflora. In addition, to ensure the microbiome is as comfortable as possible, refuse aggressive peels, alcohol lotions and do not test new products during periods of stress. Under normal circumstances, they may suit you. But when the skin is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, their powerful impact can be perceived as an invasion.
Reflection of repressed emotions
But sometimes the epidermis sends us signals, the meaning of which is not immediately clear. Jungian psychologist Ann Maguire believes that the skin is a kind of mirror that reflects any mental disorder. Fears, anxieties, repressed emotions, unconscious complexes – we literally constantly experience all this “on our own skin”.
As an example, the psychologist told about two cases from private practice. A middle-aged woman suddenly developed an allergy to a perfume that she hadn’t used in months. The expiration date was correct. It was a present of a beloved man, after a long relationship, he left her in an unworthy way. And now the skin has rejected his gift.
The second story is about a girl who once held a high position in the fashion industry. Due to circumstances, she was forced to become a cashier in a cheap bar, communicate with tipsy people and drearily wait for the end of the working day. One day her hands became covered with eczema. It turned out to be an allergy to nickel, a metal found in coins. The skin of this woman rejected the work of the cashier, because she herself did not realize the stubbornness with which the psyche resisted the current occupation.
Complete relaxation
The skin knows what happiness is
An interesting fact: studies in the field of neurodermatology have proven that the skin, like the brain, is able to secrete endorphins, the so-called hormones of happiness. French neurophysiologist Laurent Misery explains: “These substances stimulate, on the one hand, the activity of the cells of the superficial layer of the skin, and on the other, the dermal fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of its key fibers.”
In other words, if we are pleased with the texture, aroma and sensations that a product gives, then these are not just emotions. The pleasure of the beauty ritual increases the effectiveness of the product. That is why today all manufacturers pay a lot of attention to the consistency, fragrance and design of products. Thus, the packaging of the new Essential Energy line, Shiseido, was inspired by ceramic raku cups, an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony. The model for them was made of clay. The surface of each jar is warm, slightly rough, as if charged with positive energy.
How to help the skin?
First of all, pay more attention to the psycho-emotional state. Everyone has their own recipes. Yoga and meditation help someone, cooking courses and spa rituals help someone. Healthy sleep, physical activity, satisfaction in professional and personal life, healthy nutrition are very important. But even if these tips annoy you more than motivate you, at least try to change your skin care routine.
Choose a cream with a pleasant aroma, master a few self-massage passes, cleanse your face in several stages, secluded from the household. It is important to take care of yourself not on the run, somehow rubbing the funds with quick movements. In addition to improving the functioning of skin cells, your task is to give maximum pleasure to both her and the nervous system. After all, this is where anti-stress begins.