During stressful times our whole body can be affected, including hair, nails and skin. Stress causes a chemical response in the body that makes the skin more sensitive and reactive. For example, the product line you always used to use has suddenly developed a “burning or stinging” sensations when it is applied. It can also make it harder for exiting skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis to heal.
Perhaps you have noticed your face is breaking out more now than it ever did before? This is because stress causes your body to make hormones like cortisol, which tells the glands in your skin to make more oil. Keep in mind all the Oreos and Doritos you are eating are probably not helping either.
Now that we discussed what stress is doing to the skin lets talk about some things we can do to help improve the skin during stressful times.
- Don’t neglect your skin. Take care of it, even if you’re tired or stressed. See Antioxidant Blog for some action-packed products that can help.
- Get some exercise. If possible, get out for a walk and get some natural Vitamin D from the sun. I don’t mean for you to sit out and fry yourself for hours but doing a 20-30-minute walk around the block or on your favorite trail will be good for your right about now. If you are unable to get out doing a 15-30 minute routine in your living room is a great way to get the heart pumping.
- Take time for yourself to do something you enjoy. Even if you only get 10 minutes to yourself before the kids start banging down door, spend it doing something you enjoy. Epsom salt foot bath soak is a great way to spend those 10 minutes, you can even get the kids in on the fun! The magnesium in Epsom salt helps with the body’s immune system as well.
- Practice stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, guided mediation or visual imagery. One suggestion is to do this at night when all is quiet, and the kids are already in bed. Plus, bonus is you will sleep like a rock.
- Call a friend or family member just to chat. During this time of isolation and quarantine it can get lonely, especially for those who are single or have no children. You are not alone, pick up the phone and call a friend.
