We all feel stressed from time to time. Life isn't easy, and we often find ourselves under pressure, which causes our bodies to release stress hormones.
This release of hormones doesn't always cause long-term damage. In fact, they can often help us. They can give us the adrenaline we need to make it through the last few minutes of a sports class or give us the extra boost to give a presentation. Afterward, our bodies calm down and our hormones regulate themselves.
However, when our bodies are exposed to frequent stress over extended periods, it can have long-term effects that compromise both our mental and physical health. This also applies to the condition of our skin. At Forest Spa Finland, we are interested in how adaptogens can help combat the effects of stress on our skin and our well-being. In this blog, we will explore the science behind stress, how it can affect us, and how we can better respond to it.
Why does our body produce stress hormones?
Our body produces certain hormones when we are stressed because it perceives this stress as a threat. Evolutionary science shows us that these stress hormones, known as "fight or flight" hormones, have helped us survive in dangerous situations. Our sympathetic nervous system is activated, and we may notice all sorts of symptoms. For example, our heart rate may increase to provide our body with the energy and oxygen it needs to respond quickly to danger.
We may notice that we begin to shake because our muscles are tensing in fight-or-flight mode. We know that this survival response doesn't always correspond with the severity of the situation. In reality, our body rarely needs to react this way. Rather, these symptoms can overshadow our rational thinking and exacerbate our response. This is likely to make the situation much worse and more stressful.
How does stress affect the skin?
The stress hormones released in our bodies can affect the health and appearance of our skin.
These hormones usually direct immune cells from the bloodstream to the skin or stimulate inflammatory skin cells. This increased inflammation can then trigger countless skin problems. These skin problems include:
- Skin irritations - including itchy rashes and dry skin patches
- Rosacea - typically this manifests as blushing or reddening of the skin, as well as visible blood vessels on the face
- Acne breakouts - especially if the skin is already prone to hormonal acne or long-term acne
- Dullness of the skin - the skin lacks radiance and its structure may become uneven
- Accelerated signs of skin aging - including fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, dryness and a rough texture.
Aside from the skin problems mentioned above, we're also likely to feel unwell when we're stressed. This feeling can then trigger negative lifestyle habits, such as touching our faces more often, not making time for skincare routines, poor nutrition, or lack of sleep.
How to help stress-plagued skin
There are many ways to combat stress. Small steps like taking supplements can reduce the intensity of stress hormones in your body and promote better immunity by regulating hormonal responses.
Our supplements are designed to easily incorporate the power of adaptogens into your routine to help you feel your best. For more information, follow us on @forest_spa_finland or order your first supply of our innovative Nordic Adaptogen Supplement.
Many people also find short periods of regular meditation and mindfulness helpful. Others discover the benefits of talk therapy or other mental health interventions to change their mindset about the situations that cause them stress.
Supplements can also be taken alongside these lifestyle changes to support an overall healthier response to stress. When our bodies are able to suppress and regulate stress hormones, our bodies, minds, and skin respond accordingly.
We've spent a long time researching how to do this in Finland. Our supplements, known for their natural remedies and holistic approach to wellness, use adaptogens derived from the purest Nordic forest plants to regulate the body's response to stress. Because when our entire system is affected by stress hormones, it's worth defending our bodies against their effects.
FOREST SPA FINLAND 's supplements are designed to easily incorporate the power of adaptogens into your routine to help you feel your best. For more information, follow us on @saundaycom or order your first delivery of the innovative Nordic Adaptogen Supplement.
