De-stress your skin

The human body is designed to handle normal levels of stress as part of our survival mechanism. In fact, studies have shown short bursts of stress are actually beneficial. It heightens our senses and makes us more alert; it makes us think about our circumstances and helps us make better decisions to resolve it. But stress can be harmful to the mind and body if it goes unchecked or if it isn’t dealt with. If it’s chronic, as many modern-life stresses are, it can be particularly harmful, affecting every part of the body, and the rate at which we age.
Unfortunately, stress has become ubiquitous in our lives. At work, in our relationships, driving through rush-hour traffic — most of us take it for granted that there is nothing unusual about stressful situations occurring on a regular basis, day after day.
Like termites undermining a structure, stress works insidiously to undermine body, mind and emotions. But the results can become all too obvious, by showing up on your skin.
While dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that stress definitely triggers or aggravates skin conditions such as acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis, warts, cold sores and blisters.
Ongoing day-to-day stress adversely impacts your immune system.
This makes your body susceptible to attack, like fertile ground in which seeds take root easily. The skin is an organ, widely connected to the rest of the physiology as well as the mind. It is natural that like the rest of you, your skin is also affected by stress.
And even if stress does not actually show up on your skin as one of these conditions, it is one of the chief contributors to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which, in turn, has been discovered to be a major cause of premature ageing.
Emotional or mental trauma can cause you to screw up your face or frown or pout, and constant muscular contractions can eventually become permanent fine lines and wrinkles.
The “fight-or-flight” mechanism is the body’s built-in way of responding to stress. In times of “fight-or-flight,” the flow of blood (and nutrients) is directed to the areas of the body considered vital for responding to the stress and withdrawn from areas considered non-essential, such as the skin. So is the flow of oxygen, making it difficult for the skin to “breathe.”
When “fight-or-flight” situations become frequent, the skin is consistently starved of both blood and oxygen, making it dull and lifeless, less supple, less hydrated and more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.
Lower stress = healthier you = healthier skin
Here are some techniques to lower your stress levels:
-Exercise moderately and regularly. Exercise improves blood flow, and muscle tone throughout your body. Plus, it helps normalise blood sugar and hormone levels. Overexertion can be stressful, too, so don’t overdo it; 
– Get adequate sleep. Lack of it can exaggerate life’s stresses. Adequate supply of quality sleep increases our tolerance to stress and illness;
-Eat properly, and avoid excessive levels of sugar, caffeine and junk foods;
l Proper nourishment is very important to keep stress hormones in check and to maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin C has been shown to be especially important, as has the herb, Siberian Ginseng. 
-Practice stress-relieving techniques, like meditation or aromatherapy. Form positive mental images of the situation for a calming effect – it will alleviate the stress and help you deal with it;
-Take up a hobby you enjoy. It will take your mind off your worries and help you relax; 
– Is anger a factor in your stress? Practice anger-management techniques. Some psychological experts say that unresolved anger is at the root of all our problems, and we all know that anger leads to stress;
-Keep expectations reasonable. Don’t over schedule or over-extend yourself.
-Deal with any emotional issues you may have. If you deny and bury them, they tend to fester and grow even bigger. Often, the effort to avoid a situation is more stressful than the situation itself;
-Do something nice for yourself, like get a massage or a facial. They can have a very positive effect on our well-being;
-Reach out to a family member or friend, or seek professional help if the stress in your life seems overwhelming.
A feeling of being connected with family, friends, even strangers contributes to a sense of well-being, and talking about the situation can help relieve stress;
-Last, but not least ~ smile! It’s been proven to have a positive effect on your attitude and those around you. And if it puts a few wrinkles around your eyes… don’t worry, we can help you with that.
Ultimately, you do have control over the stress in your life. Your skin is directly connected to your emotions and stress level. Avoiding and resolving stress may be some of the best and most effective skin care available.
Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate is an SOS essential treatment which soothes sensitive or irritated skin.
This highly concentrated plant-based product can be applied before other products to calm, repair and restructure the skin. It rapidly desensitises irritated skin; reduces blotchy appearance; helps repair and restructure weakened tissue; strengthens the skin; nourishes and softens.
Life is more beautiful with Clarins.
– For all your queries or tips or to be added onto our database, send us an e-mail on: missk@zol.co.zw