A recent study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology explored how internalizing psychological stress can age skin. But for most of us, the idea that stress negatively impacts our skin isn’t news. We’ve instinctively known this since puberty, when — like clockwork — we broke out before a big exam. The real issue isn’t how or why stress ravages our appearance, it’s what we can do to stop it!
In the study, researchers examined a natural cosmetic ingredient extracted from tephrosia purpurea, which is clinically proven to guard against stressors like UV, pollution and stress, all of which contribute to signs of aging in our skin. This extract helped decrease the skin’s release of cortisol, the stress hormone, while inducing the production of β-endorphin and dopamine. All this activity ultimately boosted the skin’s antioxidant and renewal process, resulting in a lightening of dark under-eye circles. You can find tephrosia purpurea in a variety of skin care products, and here at Belle Marin, we carry a wide range of medical-grade skin care products — Environ®, Alastin Skincare®, Coola® Suncare, Belle Marin Rx, and DefenAge® Skin Care — all of which are packed with clinically-proven skin enhancers that are as effective as tephrosia purpurea at protecting the skin against stress and enhancing its health and vibrance. Retinoids, for example, are the most widely studied and proven skin enhancer on the market. This vitamin-A derivative has been around for decades, helping to speed cellular turnover and boost your skin’s collagen and elastin production for stronger, younger-looking skin over the long term. Other proven ingredients you’ll find in our skin care lines include antioxidants for fending off free radicals, alpha hydroxy acid for clearing away dead skin and other debris and stimulating collagen renewal, as well as revitalizing peptides. All these proven ingredients work synergistically with our professional skin treatments to reveal dramatic complexion improvements over the long term.
Other ways to fight stress and save your skin:
Diet
Just as antioxidants in your skin care products help protect and enhance our skin, antioxidants in your food work the same way to help strengthen your skin from within, so to speak! Eating the rainbow is an easy way to pack your diet with plenty of antioxidants. Other skin-saving foods include extra virgin olive oil, salmon, nuts and avocados, all of which contain healthy fats and nutrients your skin loves for enhancing collagen growth, elasticity and moisture in your dermis. For what it’s worth, foods to limit for better skin include dairy and sugar, which can have an inflammatory effect on the body.
Lifestyle
Are you moving much these days? While the gyms are closed, keeping yourself active is more vital than ever. As you know, exercise is a cure-all for almost everything, lowering your risk for disease, helping you manage your weight and enhancing your complexion by boosting blood flow and lowering your stress level.
Joy
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” We love this famous quote because it’s right on the money! Attitude is everything. According to mind-body studies, happy people are more likely to live longer and look younger. So, not matter what the day brings, make a point to do something that brings you joy, and don’t forget to laugh often! Laughter is the best medicine.
We hope you are having a wonderful August so far! We look forward to helping your skin look amazing! If you’re ready to reverse the signs of sun damage and stress, our clinically proven skin care treatments including BBL™ and Halo™ are exceptional! Professional skin rejuvenation treatments, combined with medical-grade skin care, is an unbeatable pairing for maintaining youthful, vibrant skin.
To learn more, please give us a call at 415.887.8718, send a note to hello@3.145.127.199 or request a consultation online today! Thank you for your patience and support throughout this challenging time. Please be aware that we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
Sources used in blog:
How Stressing Out Causes Skin Aging; and a Way to Reverse It
