Chronic stress can take a toll on skin health, causing signs of fatigue and promoting acne, redness or discomfort. But research shows that not all stress is bad for us. Some forms of stress may benefit our health – including the skin.
In fact, there is such thing as "positive stress." This is the brief stress we feel when we care about the task at hand, such as preparing for a race or helping our kids get to school. Studies have shown that positive stress can release oxytocin (aka the love hormone), which counters the effects of too much breakout-causing cortisol as well as neuropeptides that lead to itchiness.1 One study has also suggested that positivity may be correlated to faster skin barrier recovery, or the skin's ability to heal.2
Stress, Skin and the Mind-Body Connection
The skin contains a plethora of nerve endings that are in constant contact with the brain. This is why fear can lead to goose bumps, excitement can lead to sweat and embarrassment can lead to hot, flushed cheeks. While it's not possible to think your way to healthy skin, it can help to channel stress in healthier ways, which can have positive effects on your whole body – including your skin.
How to Stress Positive
At Dermalogica, we believe in "stressing positive," or embracing stress as an opportunity that leads to a positive outcome. Here are a few skin-healthy ways to stress positive:
Practice mindfulness.
Be aware of what you can and can't control. If you are feeling "stressed out," take a quick moment to shift focus to what you can control. Your skin may thank you.
Open your eyes.
Your eye area is often the first to show signs of stress. When you're about to take on a challenging task, give your eye area a quick massage with a hydrating product like Positive Eye Lift. This can help energise your skin and reduce visible signs of fatigue.
Breathe deeply.
Chronically stressed people often take frequent shallow breaths without realising it. This can make anxiety worse. Remind yourself to breathe deeply and slowly. Try misting an aromatherapeutic product like UltraCalming™ Mist beforehand to refresh your senses and hydrate your skin.
1. Aguirre, Claudia, and Annet King. "Skin and the Brain: Uncovering New Links." Skin Inc. 28 Sept. 2012: n. pag. Web.
2. Robles, Theodore F., Kathryn P. Brooks, and Sarah D. Pressman. "Trait Positive Affect Buffers the Effects of Acute Stress on Skin Barrier Recovery." Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association. U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2009. Web. 16 Jan. 2017.