How Stress Starves Our Skin, and Ways to Nourish it  
by Farrell Seah

Our skin is continually bombarded with the stressors of age, pollution, and harsh environments (wind, snow, sun, cold, heat). In particular, the skin undergoes a natural, continual process of cell breakdown and replacement. However, after about the age of 27, the rate of skin cell damage begins to exceed the rate of repair.

Dr. Janet de Grano, a dermatologist, says, "stress can trigger or aggravate a number of skin disorders." Falling hair, eczema, psoriasis, hives, unexplained itching, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff or skin scaling) and alopecia areata (hair loss in localized or discrete patches) are some of these skin disorders.

Also, when under stress, we frown, crease our foreheads or pout, all precursors of those dreaded fine lines and wrinkles.

The human body responds to stress by going into a fight-or-flight mode, diverting blood flow from elsewhere to support increased heartbeat and muscle activity. When our bodies are constantly on overdrive, the skin is inevitably starved of both blood and oxygen- essential elements of healthy skin.

STRESSING THE SKIN Stress effects our skin in a variety of ways.

Adrenaline redirects blood away from the skin and sends it to the muscles instead. This is why in times of relentless stress the skin becomes pale and "washed out".

Anger, irritability, excitement and frustration unleash chemicals, which stimulate the sebaceous glands into pouring out more oil. The excess sebum can block the pores and encourage the pimples to form. This is why we tend to break out in spots on the eve of an important occasion.

Chronic stress makes muscles tense up and become stiff. This prevents the flow of blood bringing enough oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin. Tension also is responsible for slowing the swift removal of wastes from the underlying tissue. Stressed skin lacks vitality and looks congested.

Strain slows down the rate of cell turnover so the fresh epidermal cells take longer to reach the skin surface and much of their moisture has disappeared. Under constant pressure the skin looks dull and sallow.

Continuous stress increases cortisone secretion, which suppresses the body's natural immunity. The skin's defence breaks down and allows the skin to be irritated by outside chemicals and pollutants.

Stress shatters serenity and fuels self-doubt. It is important to balance, regulate and compose your inner body environment and that will then express itself on the surface of the skin.

With poor nutrition and unhealthy eating habits, this breakdown process can begin at an earlier age, and can accelerate as you age. So what can we do to save our skin and stay looking youthful?

9 Stress Stoppers for Glowing Skin

1. Most importantly is the infamous water drinking- not only is it necessary for our bodies to function properly, but it is by far the best and most basic way to keep our skin healthy. Latest news seems to be a min of 2L of water a day for women and 2.5L for men. To make it an easier task try slipping a few slices of lime or lemon into your water, keep a jug in the fridge, and your water will be cool, refreshing with an extra added zing.

2. Healthy diet. A balanced diet pumps your body with stress-busting vitamins and keeps your blood sugar stable, reducing stress and keeping skin clear.

3. Exercise relieves stress and anxiety, reduces mental and muscular tension, and improves blood flow to the skin.

4. Enlarge your social circle and make more friends.

5. Humor. Laughter is perhaps one of the most effective ways to relieve tension- and even reduces stress hormone levels.

6. Massage. You don't have to troop to the spa every week. A daily self-massage can be very relaxing.

7. Muscle relaxation. Tense individual muscles as tightly as possible then relax each completely. For example, raise your shoulders to your ears for a count of five, then let them fall freely.

When we are better able to manage stress, then that much-coveted glow will not just be 'skin deep.'

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