Stress Free Skin
Ever have one of those hair-pulling, nail-biting, last thread, end-of-the-rope kind of days? We’ve all been there … It’s when those days begin to pile up that we start feeling an unnecessary and certainly unwelcome emotion called ... stress. As a result, we experience lack of sleep, lack of motivation, anxiety and a number of physiological symptoms. What many of us don’t think about is that stress can seriously take a toll on our skin.
When we’re stressed, our body releases pro-inflammatory hormones, which can worsen cases of psoriasis and rosacea, cause inflammation and persistent breakouts, dry our skin out and impair our skin-barrier function, leaving our skin vulnerable to irritants, allergens and infections.
Bottom line – stressing out causes our skin to stress, and we all know what happens when our skin is stressed … breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, or even worse, wrinkles (that’s right, I said it!).
Most of us are lucky enough to experience minor effects from stress - a breakout here, a little dryness there – we often don’t realize our skin is feeling the effects of stress. It’s important to remember that these minor lapses in our skin’s condition can add up quickly, taking a toll on our skin’s overall health.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to stress … IMAGE is here to help. With just 3 Simple Steps, you can be well on your way to stress-free skin.
Step 1: Get Moving
Exercise is so important to your health and well-being. As little as 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week of getting your dance on in Zumba class, or going for a peaceful walk can improve your brain-power, boost circulation, decrease tension and keep your inflammation in check. Remember those pro-inflammatory hormones? Say “buh-bye” to those for good. Exercise also gives you endorphins, which improves your mood, boosts your energy, and gives your mind a break from the chaos.
Step 2: Get Some Zzzs
Sometimes it’s hard to fit in the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night when there’s just so many good (or bad) things going on during the day! Stress can actually cause restlessness and lack of sleep. To combat current stress and keep it away for good, it’s important to get those hours in.
Having trouble sleeping at night? Try turning off your TV and electronic devices an hour before bedtime. This helps calm your mind and free it of all outside stimulation that’s keeping you awake until the wee hours of the morning. Can’t go to bed without your favourite late-night show? Try adjusting the brightness of your screen at bedtime. Still having trouble falling asleep? Switch your workout routine to the morning, and drink some warm de-caffeinated tea before bed.
It may seem like sleep is not that big of a deal, but getting sleep sets the pace for the rest of your day. Wake up refreshed and ready to go for the day, and you’re already a step ahead of stress.
Step 3: Pamper Yourself
Okay… now for the good stuff. Pamper yourself!
Pamper: to indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness. -Dictionary.com
That’s an order! If you’re feeling stressed (or even if you’re not), treat yourself to a little at-home pampering. Give your skin some TLC with IMAGE’s Ormedic Line. This line of skincare products is clinically proven to repair and rebalance skin for a stunning, moisturized look and feel. Ormedic is also effective for all skin types, which makes it perfect for undoing those signs of stress, no matter what they are. Balance and refresh your skin with Ormedic’s Facial Cleanser, Anti Oxidant Serum, Eye Lift Gel, and Balancing Gel Masque.
Still Feeling Stressed?
If you’re in need of some serious TLC, make an appointment for a full body massage, or spend some time in your spa’s steam room. Another wonderful tip for calming your stress is to keep a small bottle of peppermint oil on hand. One whiff of this magical stuff can instantly calm your mind and alleviate stress and tension. Try it some time - it really works!
It’s not always easy being fabulous. All that hard work can cause stress from time to time. No need to panic, though. With a few changes in our daily routine, we can tackle stress like it’s our job, and enjoy the benefits of happy, healthy skin.
