Our face is what we show the world and most of us want to put our best face forward. We may not be able to slow down our wrinkles or sagging skin, however we can give our skin the best chance we can at keeping it looking young, fresh and healthy.
Aside from the damage from the sun and ageing, there is another factor that also affect our skin. The way we handle stress and look after our body makes a difference to our skin.
We are used to living in a fast paced and stressful world. Sometimes we don't like it and sometimes we do. Stress has its place where we need that kick of adrenalin to get us going and to get us motivated. However, our modern living means that stress can be high and constant and it can cause damage to our mind and body. It even impacts our skin.
Stress creates many problems for our health and our skin due to the chemical changes that happen in our body. Ongoing stress makes it harder for the skin not to react and its ability to heal.
When my body is run down I get mouth ulcers. When I am overdoing it, feeling stressed or not taking care of my body as I should be, my skin breaks out in pimples and looks dull and feels dry. My skin is usually the first sign that lets me know to slow down. Lowering our stress levels has many benefits to our health and skin.
We know that stress affects us and we also know that we can do things to prevent it. Easier said than done to lead a stress-free life. Here are some tips for reducing your stress levels and boost your skin health:
Nourish from within
Overall good nutrition is vital for all your organs including your skin. Your skin needs to be nourished on the outside and also from the inside. Eating food or taking supplements of Omega-3 fats helps to boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture. It also helps the release of irritating substances including leukotriene B4 which is involved with skin problems. Vitamins are essential for healthy skin, especially Vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin E helps to improve the complexion when applied externally.
Drink more water
You have heard this many times I’m sure how important it is to drink more water. Water is essential for radiant, healthy skin. Drinking pure clean water will naturally detoxify your body. Water helps your kidneys, liver and intestines to efficiently cleanse your body. It helps the skin to remove impurities and wastes through your sweat. Drink often during the day every day.
Exercise
Exercise is a hero for many things including your skin. Having your heart beat faster helps to pump blood to all your organs including your skin. Exercise boosts the release of the feel good chemicals called endorphins that also helps to lower stress. It is a win win for our skin and our lifestyle.
Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is so under-valued. Not enough sleep does not just affect our energy it also impacts our weight, our stress levels and our skin. If you are short on sleep, your mind and body is not getting what it needs to handle the stresses of our modern world. Getting a good night’s sleep will delay the effects of ageing, aid in cell regeneration, restore and rejuvenate the skin and energise your body. Get a regular sleeping time and routine. Try to unwind before sleep with a good book rather than TV or electronic screens – the light emitted from transmitting screens can make sleeping more difficult.
Relax
Take time to unwind from your busy and stressful day. Even if it is for 10 minutes. Try some stress-management techniques like deep breathing or yoga. Even a nice warm shower or bath, meditation or even just to sit in a quiet place and be present. Create a routine of taking some time to relax and unwind.
We are busy bees buzzing from flower to flower and we need to take some time to make our honey and enjoy the sweetness of life. For a vital body and good skin health ensure that you take time to look after yourself from the inside.
