Stress and taxes are inevitable in life. We all experience it to some extent (the stress, we mean).
That being said, high stress can extract its toll, not just in terms of how you feel but also you look. It can rob your life of radiance.
Studies show, around 56% of Asian women have high stress levels, which clearly reflects on their hair and skin. All those juggling acts - work, family, social commitments, and personal goals - can make you too stressed out and it shows.
Common manifestations of stress on the skin include dull skin and dark circles around the eyes, while hair changes include hair loss, patchy scalp, and hair pulling.
Stress can have a huge negative impact on the way your skin ages.
Stress hormones negatively impact the production of collagen and elastin and can also mask rejuvenation of the skin. This hastens the aging process, because of which your skin develops more fine lines and wrinkles.
Hair thinning and hair loss are other visible signs of stress. Though it may be a temporary phase, leaving it unaddressed can cause irreversible damage.
While we cannot eliminate stress from our lives, adopting different stress management techniques that focus on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being can help negate the effects it has on your body, especially on your skin and hair.
Here are a few ‘pick-me-ups’ that can help you effectively reduce stress and improve your skin and hair health:
Know what’s causing the stress
Sometimes too many commitments can make you feel tired and irritable. Once you identify the cause of stress, try and minimize it as much as possible.
Speak out
Try talking to your friend, relative, or a counselor if you feel too stressed out. Talking your feelings out is good for mental health and it reduces stress. Conversing over kopi with your friends or engaging in recreational activities at the community center in your area could be some great ways to unwind.
Take out some ‘me time’
Find some time out for healing and nurturing yourself emotionally. This can help you get more control over your life and bring down stress.
Exercise can be a good stress buster
Increasing physical activity enhances sleep. It further lowers stress levels. Regular exercise improves hair growth, blood flow to the skin, removes cellular debris, and improves vitality. Committing some of your morning time to Tai Chi can beat that stress.
Lower the villain through diet
The benefits of having a healthy diet go beyond improving your mental state. Fish, meat, eggs, lean protein, and nuts are your allies when lowering your stress levels. Getting your daily fix of vitamins, minerals, and water can further lead to hydrated skin and shiny hair. Healthy fats lock moisture that supports the health of the hair and skin.
‘MY’ pals can be supportive
‘Meditation and Yoga’ are well-known for their multiple health benefits. Lower your stress levels with deep breathing, slow movement, and stretching.
Choose the right dietary supplements
You can consider adding nutrients to your diet that promote hair and skin health.
Dietary supplements, especially those containing Ashwagandha, have stress-relieving properties and improve sleep.
Biotin-containing supplements promote hair and skin health.
While stress is an unavoidable part of your life, it does not have the right to play havoc with your hair and skin health.
Visit our products section to know more about NuEva Healthy Hair Gummies and NuEva Stress Relief Gummies.
To assess your wellness quotient, take a quiz that will guide you towards solutions for your personal health needs.
References:
- Anwar SS, et al. Perception, understanding, and association between psychological stress and skin aging: Quantitative surveys of Asian women aged 18-34 years, dermatologists, and psychologists in China and Japan. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(8):2297-2307.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Feeling stressed? It can show in your skin, hair, and nails. [Internet] 2022 [Cited 2024 February 28]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/news/stress-shows-in-skin-hair-nails.
- Kahan V, et al. Stress, immunity and skin collagen integrity: evidence from animal models and clinical conditions. Brain Behav Immun. 2009;23(8):1089-95.
- Can YS, et al. How to relax in stressful situations: A smart stress reduction system. Healthcare (Basel). 2020;8:100.
- Peters EMJ, et al. Hair and stress: A pilot study of hair and cytokine balance alteration in healthy young women under major exam stress. PLoS One. 2017;12(4):e0175904.