Do not be nervous: how emotions affect the condition of the skin

Everyone knows: we literally glow with happiness, turn pale with fear, and blush with pleasure or embarrassment. In a word, our skin easily betrays innermost secrets, whether we like it or not.

The relationship between the state of the psyche and the skin

In dermatology there is a section of psychodermatology – a discipline at the junction with psychology. She studies the connection between skin diseases and our emotional background. And this is not surprising: the condition of the skin directly depends on the psyche.

Emotions and nerves

All processes in our body are controlled by the nervous system. At the same time, the strongest ties bind it with the skin, since they are real embryological twins. Let’s explain what this means. During embryonic development, the spinal cord, brain, peripheral nerves, and epidermis are created from the same material, the ectoderm, the outer germ layer of the embryo. And then these systems exchange an ongoing stream of messages throughout their lives.

The effects of stress

It is known, for example, that stress can worsen the course of such skin diseases as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. And, conversely, skin diseases, during which acne, irritation, dryness are observed, can cause severe stress. In addition, stress negatively affects healthy skin.

  • Some scientific papers have shown that against the background of stress, the permeability of the skin barrier is disturbed, i.e. the main functions of the skin – barrier and protective – deteriorate.

  • Glucocorticoids produced during stress reduce the rate of lipid formation, impoverishing the hydrolipid mantle.

  • There is evidence that stress also causes pigmentation disorders.

Today, appearance plays an important role in society. And therefore, any disease and pathological condition that affects the face can complicate social life.

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How does the skin react to stress?

Any excitement and experience affects the quality of the skin.

The complexion is changing

Bad news, a quarrel, an unfair reproach, fatigue – and now the ruddy, radiant face suddenly became gray and dull. All this, as well as insomnia, are stress factors during which catecholamine hormones are released. Peripheral vessels and skin capillaries narrow, the flow of blood and nutrients is reduced, so the skin turns pale, and dark circles form under the eyes.

There is swelling

Another striking example of the manifestation of stress is a violation of the outflow of fluid, manifested by a slight swelling of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. And now there is puffiness and pastosity, which, by the way, may not occur immediately, but after some time.

Long-term stress causes insomnia, which only increases swelling.

Decreased skin elasticity

Many note that against the background of stress, the skin loses its tone and elasticity. The face seems to be aging, the skin looks flabby and lifeless. Violation of microcirculation inevitably affects its elasticity. But the decrease in tone is also associated with a general change in the tone of the muscles of the face and connective tissue fibers – they lose their readiness to contract.

Usually, under the influence of stress, nasolabial folds and the so-called “sorrow zone” on the forehead begin to form.

Acne appears

Stress hormones cause acne, and the appearance of imperfections on the face makes you nervous and exacerbates the problem.

Increased skin sensitivity

The reverse side of stress is the development of dryness and hypersensitivity of the skin against the background of fatigue and nervous shocks. This is due to an increased level of cortisol, which entails a violation of lipid synthesis in the epidermis.

The characteristic signs of sensitive skin, such as itching and tightness due to stress, may become more pronounced. But as soon as the situation normalizes and there is no reason for unrest, these phenomena will completely disappear.
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Stress cosmetic ingredients

If you are stressed and understand that this condition will not go away just like that, choose cosmetics that include the following components:

  • niacinamide;

  • green tea extract;

  • red grape extract;

  • horse chestnut extract;

  • aescin;

  • caffeine;

  • routine.

Cosmetics with active substances help to resist stress.

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Cosmetic procedures and stress

Against the background of stress, the processes of regeneration and healing slow down, and the risk of complications increases significantly. Therefore, we advise you to avoid traumatic procedures. To help manage the effects of stress:

  1. face and neck massage;

  2. microcurrent therapy;

  3. lymphatic drainage massage;

  4. general body massage;

  5. Hydrotherapy.

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Funds overview

Phloretin CF High-Performance Antioxidant Serum, SkinCeuticals

Vitamin C fights the signs of age and stress and protects the skin.

Revitalizing night cream and mask for intense oxygenation of the skin Slow Age, Vichy

Resveratrol, baicalin and thermal water actively restore and protect the skin.

Cleansing gel-foam for normal and combination skin “Basic care”, Garnier

The product cleanses and refreshes. Grape extract in its composition fights toxins.

Eye Contour Cream Idéalia Eye Idealizer, Vichy

The caffeinated formula helps to reduce dark circles under the eyes and relieve puffiness.

Youth activator Génifique Nutrics, Lancôme

Provides nutrition and hydration to dry skin, ensures that problems do not worsen at the time of stress.

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