The stress we feel undoubtedly takes it’s toll on our emotional well being, our body, and our skin. It's challenging to calm our inner thoughts when the world is consumed with the uncertainty we are faced with each day we wake up. But we have to try. Believe me, I know it may be easier said than done. Having an emotional outlet and a way to calm your mind is important. Otherwise, you may exchange one stress for another, including skin ailments. I've been receiving a lot of messages recently regarding various skin irritations; flaky eyelids, unusual breakouts, redness, dry patches, and acne have been the common themes.
When we experience a stressful situation, the body goes into fight-or-flight mode and responds by increasing production of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. But when the body produces too much cortisol, it can suppress the immune system and cause an inflammatory response in the skin. Likewise, this same imbalance of hormones and chemicals can increase oil production. - Eek for acne prone skin! People living with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or a new dermatitis (perhaps on the eyelids) may experience a flare-up in the company of stress. Because everyone's skin reaction to stress can be different, I encourage you to reach out if you experience any unusual irritation. I have also received the message, 'I feel like my skin is aging!' Well yes, our skin is aging... everyday. Wait... you're not looking into a magnifying mirror, are you?!?! ;) Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves and some wear them all over their face (this is definitely me!) Stress inevitably finds a way to make permanent evidence of our emotions for the whole world to see. Smile lines, crows feet, an “11” in the mid brow… those appear after repeated facial movement. So what’s one to do about it? We can't walk around void of all expression! Gua Sha is an amazing massage technique that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Facial Gua Sha is designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face, boost blood circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage to help reduce inflammation. By targeting the facial muscles we subconsciously use every day, through massage techniques in high-tension areas such as our foreheads, brows, and jawline, we can counteract developing wrinkles and leave skin flexible and resilient. I love the included video demonstration! And the music is so calming. <3 Guess what I'll be doing soon? ;) Food for thought... Stress does not manifest the same in every person, but every person does experience stress to some extent. While we can’t control the myriad of ways stress rears its head at us, we can control the way that we choose to react to it. If that means tackling your acne flare-ups or fine lines (as few as they are), do it. Remembering to care for ourselves, and for our skin, is one of the small ways in which we can reclaim at least some control. Choose to care for yourself when you need it.
