Our skin is sensitive to stress, but the consequences of negative emotions may not immediately appear on it. Therefore, it is better to take care of her well-being in advance.
Inflammation, irritation, acne, redness, tightness, itching, and in serious cases dandruff, eczema, neurodermatitis – this is an incomplete list of skin reactions to stressful situations. And if the eyes are the mirror of the soul, then the skin is the reflection of our emotions. Their effect on the epidermis is understandable: skin cells in the human embryo have a common origin with brain cells. So these two bodies are somewhat close. And if one is going through hard times, then the other comes to combat readiness to protect him. In other words, he gives all his strength to his “brother”. This explains the deterioration of the skin during periods of stress. According to dermatologist Laurent Misery, this tension acts like a vise. It hinders the activity of cells and deprives them of the proper amount of oxygen. In chronic stress, this increases the concentration of free radicals. And different failures begin. For example, vascular reactions are disturbed, we blush because of any trifle. The skin becomes drier, tightness appears by the end of the day. These are signs of dehydration: the cells are damaged by free radicals and cannot retain moisture. Often, in moments of stress, itching of the skin of the face, body, head appears – this is a reaction of nerve endings.
That is why the topic of stress has become one of the main topics in cosmetology today. “Sure, because the cascade of oxidative reactions that occur in the epidermis when we panic ages us with the same intensity as ultraviolet,” said Didier Coustou, dermatologist and consultant at A-Derma Laboratories. But if modern protective filters save you from the sun, then what about stress?
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“Think of the close connection between the epidermis and the brain,” Laurent Misery urges, “there are few things that relax the mind like a facial massage, a pleasant aroma, a touch of the most delicate cream, immersion in a warm bath and a light breath of wind.” Therefore, almost all brands now rely on tactile and olfactory sensations. The task of their products is to deliver maximum pleasure to the skin, and therefore to our consciousness and the unconscious.
But in addition to cosmetics, which gives us just a pleasant feeling, there are also highly targeted anti-stress products. They contain special substances that allow the skin to cope with the effects of stress and prepare for the upcoming troubles. For example, the basis of the Hydra Zen line, Lancôme, which has recently replenished with a new night mask, is the NeuroCalm ™ complex. It is based on the extract of French rose, Chinese peony and other plants. The complex indirectly affects the nerve endings of the skin and reduces their response to stress. Many brands are struggling with the “disease of the century” with the help of aromatherapy. So, the new face and body oil Replenishing Treatment Oil, Shiseido, is fragrant with yuzu. This traditional fruit is considered in Japan as a symbol of peace and tranquility.
Of course, cosmetics are only an auxiliary means of dealing with stress, but still they can play a positive role.