Stress And Our Skin

Stress! We all feel it at some point. Whether it be about family, work, money, illness etc. stress seems to raise its nasty head and everything looks intolerably hard!

I'm sure most of you have heard of the internal effects of stress. Things like raised blood pressure, headaches, fatigue, aggression, depression and anxiety, obesity and even the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. So if stress can cause such dramatic effects internally, what is it doing to your skin?

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

It is assumed that there are a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors that cause psoriasis. It is very common that psoriasis sufferers are members of the same family, but it's believed that the immune system plays a major role. Despite research over the past 30 years looking at many triggers, the "master switch" that turns on psoriasis is still a mystery.

Natural Treatment

Although I always prefer the natural approach for the treatment of skin conditions, psoriasis has proven to be difficult. Many of the treatments I will tell you about have worked for people, but unfortunately, there are also many that is has done nothing for. With psoriasis it is all about "trial and error", and if non of my suggestions help you, please see your GP or Physicians for further advice.

Dead Sea Salts

Dead sea salts are a traditional natural healer and can offer dramatic clearing and/or remission of the disease. The evidence of the benefits of the Dead Sea for the treatment of psoriasis is far reaching. The unique combination of therapeutic elements at the Dead Sea results in an amazing rate of patients being able to not only completely clear their psoriasis, but also make subsequent recurrences of the disease less severe.

Food

There is not a particular diet that has been proven to help psoriasis, but in general, whatever makes you feel healthiest seems to be helping other sufferers. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise has shown to decrease symptoms dramatically.
 
Homoeopathy

Used as a means to target the source of the problem without negative side effects, doctors of homoeopathy believe that substances which produce certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure diseases causing similar symptoms. This type of psoriasis treatment is quite diluted and will not cause any side effects when they are used.

Eczema

Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis however, there are many different forms.

Eczema can affect people of any age and around 85% of those affected have an onset prior to 5 years of age. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Atopic dermatitis is believed to belong to a group of related diseases including food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis that tend to develop in sequence, suggesting that atopic dermatitis early in life may lead to or predict later allergic diseases.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but a defect of the skin that impairs its function as a barrier, possibly combined with an abnormal function of the immune system, are believed to be important factors. Studies have shown that in people with atopic dermatitis there are gene defects that lead to abnormalities in certain proteins that are important in maintaining the barrier function of normal skin. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewellery, or sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, can lead to outbreaks of eczema in some people.

Natural Treatment

I have personally suffered from eczema my entire life and cannot stress more that if you are trying to treat eczema naturally, use gentle and fragrance free products, otherwise you will just worsen the issue!

Calendula Oil

I have spoken about Calendula Oil before but I will tell you again. Calendula has many healing properties and when used all over your body it will moisturise, heal and nourish your skin, reducing itch, redness and pain caused by eczema.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine is a type of alternative medicine based on a belief in vitalism, which posits that a special energy called vital energy or vital force guides bodily processes such as metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation. Naturopathy favours a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment by encouraging minimal use of surgery and drugs.

Acne

Acne is a disease that involves the oil glands of the skin. It is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars. Your skin has pores which connect to oil glands located under the skin. These glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. Sebum, an oily liquid, is produced by these glands. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of your skin and a small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked. 

Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels - androgen is a type of hormone. Androgen levels rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Natural Treatment

Diet

Simply changing your diet can help to reduce the severity of your acne. Try to avoid refined, processed or fatty foods. Trans fats should especially be avoided. Omega 3 can be extremely beneficial for people that suffer from acne and these can be obtained from cold water fish or flaxseed oil.  Whole foods that have not been processed are best, and acne sufferers should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain foods.

Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, it is believed that whatever cleans the blood will also help to cure acne. There are two main preparations that are recognised as being useful for acne - Neem and Haemafine syrup. Neem is one of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers, and is often used to help maintain healthy skin. Haemafine syrup is used for all types of skin disease and, as well as giving the skin a healthy glow, it also improves the complexion and helps to cure acne.

Naturopathy and Homoeopathy

As with the above ailments, homoeopathy and naturopathy have proven very successful in reducing acne.

Hives

Hives are also known as urticaria, welts, wheals, or nettle rash. It is a red, raised, itchy skin rash that is sometimes triggered by something that produces an allergic reaction. When there is an allergic reaction the body releases a protein called histamine. When histamine is released our capillaries (tiny blood vessels) leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and causes a rash. Allergic reactions, stress, chronic infections and metabolic diseases all contribute to the onset of hives.

Natural Treatment

Aloe Vera

Applied topically, Aloe Vera reduces inflammation, provides a protective coating, cools the tissues and relieves itching, redness, stinging and pain. When taken internally it stimulates immunity and elimination of inflammatory toxins.


Turmeric

Turmeric stimulates the body's natural anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and is a very effective natural antihistamine and antioxidant for hives and a variety of inflammatory skin ailments.

Ginger

Consuming ginger in your food rapidly quells the onset of hives, itching or other allergic responses. It is a very potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine, it improves skin circulation, relieves swelling and carries way inflammatory waste products.


 
Stress

Okay, so now to the point. When you are stressed, your body releases a number of hormones, some of which, coincidentally are major contributing factors in the above ailments. For example, our immune defence drops and androgen levels rise which are both believed causes of psoriasis and acne. So if that's all there is to it, stop right?

Unfortunately not. Sometimes the issue that is causing us to get stressed is not going to just go away, but we can try to relax. So here are a few tips on helping us "stress less".


Chamomile Tea

Studies in animals have shown chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system that anti-anxiety drugs affect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

A daily cup of steaming chamomile tea can be just as good for your skin as for your stomach and psyche. Each day at the same time, take about 15 minutes to relax and drink a hot cup of chamomile tea. Breath the steam and hold your face toward the mug as you relax.

Fitness

When I say fitness, I don't mean start going to the gym, or even running around the block. I mean try and find 30 minutes in your day, or even just an hour in your week to go for a nice walk. Remember though, location is important. The city or busy suburbia is not going to help you relax, so go somewhere that calms you, such as the beach or a Forest and walk at a pace that doesn't cause strain.

Breathing

It is as simple as that, just remember to breathe! If you find yourself getting worked up and stressed, take a few moments to take some big deep breaths, ground yourself, and carry on.

No Stimulants

Avoid caffeine and sugar if you get stressed easily. These increase blood pressure and produce some of the same hormones that are released when you're feeling anxious or stressed. If there is a lot going on that is unsettling you, drink chamomile tea instead.

Yoga

Practising yoga for 30 minutes a day has proven to relax the body as well as increase your fitness levels. But for better results, do your yoga before you go to bed, this should help you sleep better at night.

 
Sleep

Sleep is so important for decreasing the effects of stress. Without sleep you are guaranteed to become stressed. On average an adult needs at least 8 hours of sleep a night. I really recommend changing your sleeping routine if you can, by going to bed earlier and rising earlier. Even if you can't fall asleep, lie in bed with a book instead of watching television (it stimulates you brain and causes you to feel more awake) or just lie there, I promise you will suddenly drift off.

And that's it. You don't have to feel stressed, even when it feels like your world is up-side-down! Practice even just a few of these things and you will feel all the more better, just remember to breathe!

For further information or if you'd like to have a look at my products you can contact me at thesixthscentskincare@gmail.com or find me at The Sixth Scent.


Thanks so much for reading and have a HAPPY SKIN-HEALTH DAY!

The Sixth Scent.