Ah, the blissful, laid-back days of August. There’s little to worry about… or is there? When do the kids need to be picked up from camp again? Who left the garden hose running all day? Unexpected demands on our time and energy can spring up at any moment, and the impact of prolonged stress can linger on our faces far beyond the summer months. Understanding how stress affects your skin can help you put your best face forward this season with some practical tips.
Our adrenal glands release hormones like adrenaline (triggered by immediate threats, activating our “fight or flight” response) and cortisol (linked to ongoing stress like deadlines, parenting, or traffic). These hormones can jeopardize our appearance.
Crisis #1: Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Dark circles can take a beautiful face and make it look tired. Research shows that inadequate sleep and stress are two key factors contributing to this issue.
Dr. Nayumi Saiki, a naturopath from Toronto, explains: “Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels are lowest when we sleep and peak shortly after awakening. When we’re stressed, these levels become unbalanced, leading to disrupted sleep.”
Solution:
A daily cup of chamomile tea has been shown to help alleviate fatigue and improve sleep quality. Chamomile is known for its calming effects, perfect for soothing stressed nerves. Additionally, cooled chamomile tea bags can be placed on tired eyes to help reduce puffiness.
Crisis #2: Damaged Skin
The relationship between stress and skin is both profound and immediate. Stress can worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis, lead to collagen breakdown, and is associated with wrinkles and slow healing.
Solution:
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and skin repair. Load up on vitamin C-rich foods during your next grocery trip:
- kiwis
- oranges
- red peppers
- lemons
“Lemon is a great source of vitamin C, and don’t forget the power of the peel!” suggests holistic nutritionist Carley Simandl. She recommends blending a whole organic lemon into your next smoothie for a potent skin-boosting drink.
For topical care, treat your skin with high-antioxidant oils like rosehip. Simandl advises diluting one drop of helichrysum or frankincense essential oil in five drops of rosehip oil. “These oils are like liquid gold for skin healing, rich in compounds that brighten dull skin,” she notes. Be sure to check for sensitivities before applying and always dilute essential oils properly.
Crisis #3: Thinning Hair
Thinning hair can lead to heightened self-consciousness, even among the most confident individuals. Cortisol impacts hair follicles, and excessive hair loss is often linked to thyroid issues.
Solution:
The thyroid requires both zinc and iodine to function optimally, both of which support healthy hair growth and help combat stress. Seafood and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of zinc, while adding sea vegetables like kelp can provide a boost of iodine.
