Stress seems to make the modern world go round. We have accepted it as an essential part of life and if someone is not stressed, they are an exception rather than the rule. Being stressed is normal these days, and somehow people have learned to live with this “normality” – but it is still responsible for many things that happen to us. It is no coincidence that stress is the cause of many illnesses, poor health, nervousness, irritability and so on.
Of course, it is true that stress is a common condition people face in everyday situations, but its negative consequences are often mistakenly brushed off as only affecting our mental state, when in reality stress also negatively affects our physical body, including the condition of our skin, hair and nails. It is one of the factors that affect our body in a comprehensive way.
To combat stress, Hemptouch recommends CBD Oil Amber, more about this later in the blog.
CBD Oil Amber 600 mg CBD 20 ml (3%) A full-spectrum hemp extract with an exceptional balance of all naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. Optimal synergy for.. Details €29.00
The skin is a reflection of our health
A saying that holds very true! The skin and the nervous system are tightly interconnected, so our skin is also very sensitive to our emotional state. Our organism tracks and reflects the changes in our mental state through our physical body. You have probably experienced a strong, unexplained breakout on your skin, increased hair loss or weak and brittle nails after a period of intense stress or sudden shock at some point in the past; that is the “mirror” that communicates internal imbalances.
Conditions like stress, anxiety or depression can contribute to the onset of new skin problems or worsen existing ones. They can also create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break, as skin problems themselves can lead to anxiety, nervousness and low self-esteem, all of which can be a new source of stress for us.
When we are stressed, our sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol is responsible for increased oil production in the sebaceous glands, which increases the chances of acne. Chronic stress can lead to a constant increase in the levels of these hormones, which negatively affect your skin. Sounds familiar? Just think back to stressful exam periods - surely you can remember the pimples that kept peeking out during those days. ?
Stress is also one of the major players in the development of inflammatory changes. This is because the moment our body detects a negative change, the immune system sends out a response to control it, and this response is usually inflammation. The latter acts as support and protection of the body against microbes, but stress can lead to the same immune reaction as well; when the immune system detects a “dangerous” situation, it triggers a defence process that responds with inflammation.
It can also be reflected through the gut-skin connection because it affects the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can be one of the causes of inflammatory changes. Inflammation that takes place inside our body can be reflected externally in skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and so on.
Psychodermatology has been researching the link between mental health problems and the skin during the recent years.
How stress affects the skin
Stress is the physiological response of the body to both external and internal factors. When a person perceives a potentially threatening situation, the sympathetic nervous system is triggered, the parasympathetic nervous system is inhibited and the corticoadrenal pathway (fight/flight) is activated. In prehistoric times, this mechanism was essential for survival, but today, when stressors are primarily psychosocial, its impact is predominantly negative for our health. One of the areas that is affected the quickest and in the most noticeable way is certainly our immune system, as I’m sure you have experienced first-hand at some point in your life.
As mentioned above, the main coordinators of change are the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
- Cortisol leads to increased production of skin oil and thus worsens the condition of combination and oily skin - outbreaks of pimples and acne may occur in response to the reaction.
- Stress activates our body’s immune response, which leads to various forms of skin reactions, such as eczema, itching, hives and similar.
- Besides that, it can have a negative effect on already existing skin problems, which is why conditions like acne, dermatitis or psoriasis often get worse during periods of increased stress.
- Stress makes us nervous, restless and anxious so we touch and scratch our skin more often, thus causing further damage to it
CBD drops relieve skin problems
Humans are a collection of factors that work together in an integral way, and one thing is for sure - the skin and the nervous system are closely linked to each other. This is why our skin is particularly sensitive to our emotional state. There are indications linking certain skin problems to stress-emotional triggers to quite a large extent:
- rosacea 94%
- pruritus 86%
- atopic dermatitis 76%
- psoriasis 62%
- acne 55%
Source: Tisserand (2018)
Clinical observations show that stress prolongs the skin renewal process, weakens the immune system and, consequently, provokes the onset of various skin diseases and conditions.
CBD drops help the skin from the inside out
CBD drops are an effective support for these conditions, not only at the skin level, but also as internal support system. You can choose between a version that includes the full spectrum of cannabinoids (including the legally allowed content of THC) – CBD Oil Amber – or CBD Oil Gold that contains all the key cannabinoids with the exception of THC, which is expelled during the extraction process. The choice is entirely up to the individual. You can read more about the skin’s endocannabinoid system in our blog.
CBD Oil Amber 600 mg CBD 20 ml (3%) A full-spectrum hemp extract with an exceptional balance of all naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. Optimal synergy for.. Details €29.00
CBD Oil Gold 500 mg CBD 10 ml (5%) A broad-spectrum hemp extract with the synergy of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes, THC free. Natural support for hea.. Details €31.00
How to remain calm and fight stress and its negative effects
Easier said than done, right? But there are a few simple ways that might save you from some of the stress-induced woes. Just don’t let these tips cause you extra stress - it is worth remembering that many small steps lead to a big leap.
We have put together some simple suggestions that work for many people:
- Make sure you get enough physical activity every day, as it works wonders - especially if it involves exercising outdoors.
- Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
- Use relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, meditation, yoga ...).
- Get enough sleep - at least 8 hours per night to help your body fully recover and regain lost strength.
- Don’t follow the daily news.
- Socialise in positive company that relaxes you and makes you happy.
- Laugh! You know what they say - laughter is the best medicine.
- Learn to say no - listen to your inner voice and follow it.
- Find a hobby; this is often the best channel for relaxation.
- Take care of yourself, because when you’re taking care of your skin, you’re also taking care of your spirit.
- CBD Oil Amber can help you effectively support your skin from the inside out and alleviate the negative effects of stress on the physical body. CBD is also used as an effective support during prolonged stressful situations due to its ability to bind to endocannabinoid receptors, as it has a soothing and relaxing effect.
- Keep a diary; a diary of events and feelings gives us insight into daily situations and the associated reactions that leave a mark.
