In an unprecedented global COVID-19 environment that’s impacted day-to-day life with social distancing indoors, stress and anxiety are two normal reactions to the upheaval of routine that many people are experiencing. Stress is one of the leading causes of skin concerns that is often a visual indicator of one’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. However, with an understanding of how stress affects one’s skin, there are a slew of remedies that will alleviate the symptoms so one can literally (and figuratively) keep calm and carry on. Noble Panacea sat down with Medical Director Dr. Anne Chapas to learn more.
What Is Stressed Skin:
“When we no longer feel safe or in control, the skin can respond as if it is under attack,” explains Dr. Chapas, “Any form of stress, especially oxidative stress, increases our cortisol levels which affect our skin’s natural defenses.”
Oxidative stress causes inflammation, which ultimately leads to accelerated skin aging if left untreated. People under stress have a reduced physical ability to counter oxidative stress and it causes the body to produce hormones, specifically cortisol, that signals an upsurge of oil production on the skin. This overproduction, combined with accumulated dead skin cells, could lead to trapped bacteria that result in breakouts and blemishes. Inflamed skin compromises the skin’s natural defense, barrier function, and causes an overproduction of melanin. This increase in melanin is responsible for hyperpigmentation and often the outcome of prolonged inflammatory states.
Stressed Skin Solutions: Incorporate antioxidants into your daily skincare regimen
“While it’s no secret that antioxidants play an important role in keeping our bodies healthy, it can be difficult to find the right skincare ingredients to aid in the skin’s defense—and at the right amount. Noble Panacea offers a variety of antioxidants—ranging from vitamin C to seaweed to botanical extracts—but also ensures the precise dosage and delivery via their Organic Molecular Vessel™ Technology. There are different types of free radicals, so using more than one type of antioxidant is most effective,” recommends Dr. Chapas.
The body’s normal oxidative system does not function properly in states of stress which is why it needs antioxidants more than ever during challenging times. Antioxidants play a powerful role in counteracting premature skin aging by neutralizing free radicals caused by oxidative stress to prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also help in defending against photodamage and pollution and are proven effective to inhibit tyrosinase activity, the enzyme that controls melanin production.
Multi-Antioxidant Skincare Solution: Soothe inflamed and sensitive skin
“Soothing inflamed, irritated skin with active ingredients such as oat, aloe, and tea extracts help reduce redness and also help prevent future signs of aging,” advises Dr. Chapas.
Quell and calm skin irritation to take preventative measures against the undesirable effects of hyperpigmentation, redness, and premature aging. Not only do products from the Brilliant collection remedy against immediate visible stress-related skin concerns, but it also reduces the likelihood of more advanced issues. Look to active ingredients such as tea extracts, resveratrol, black cumin, aloe, oat extract, cucumber extract, and marine extracts.
Supercharge your regular beauty routine with powerful skincare innovations:
“Most skincare is only active for the first two hours after you put it on, whereas Noble Panacea skincare with OMV™ Technology delivers the active ingredients throughout the entire day to optimize the skin benefits. It’s a really unique active ingredient delivery system,” Dr. Chapas asserts.
It’s well known that the first steps in maintaining clear and youthful skin health are sticking to the basics of a morning and evening routine such as regularly cleansing to remove bacteria and toxins, exfoliating to prevent stress-related breakouts, moisturizing to hydrate and nourish, as well as using treatment products specific to skincare goals. However, to achieve unparalleled results for a youthful complexion as well as soothing stressed skin, take a basic beauty routine to the next level with highly efficacious products featuring Active Daily Doses and OMV™ Technology. The Active Daily Doses are a hygienic, single packaging specifically designed to protect the full potency of active ingredients and OMV™ Technology’s transformational efficacy, while reducing potential breakouts from bacteria growth in traditional packaging. They also deliver a precise formula dosage that optimizes its therapeutic window for a powerful all-day treatment. The result is a more immediate healthy, calm complexion, and resolved skin concerns.
High-Efficacy Skincare Solutions:
Eat nutrient- and vitamin-rich foods
“A nutritious diet high in antioxidants is key to neutralizing free radicals that may harm the skin while vitamins and proteins support the skin renewal and reparative processes.” — Dr. Chapas
Overindulging in processed foods and sugar may lead to and aggravate skin issues. Eating a healthy diet makes one look good (and feel good) from the inside out. Consume more vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and healthy fats to promote a balanced diet. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants helps prevent and protect the skin from free radical and sun damage.
Cool down with self-care that doubles as skincare
Alleviate facial tension and contracted muscles for a more supple complexion with targeted treatments that can be incorporated into a de-stressing ritual. Eye creams are famously more soothing when refrigerated for a few minutes before application to enjoy an overall cooling effect. Massage the chilled creams along the eye area and brow bone to both depuff and detoxify the skin that instantly refreshes and relaxes.
Cooling Skincare Solutions:
Oxygenate your home—and your skin
Being quarantined indoors all day, every day can certainly leave one feeling claustrophobic, both physically and mentally. A simple way to alleviate the frustration with feeling confined is to regularly open the windows, let in the fresh air, and practice mindful breathing exercises that calm the mind and in turn, calm stressed skin. Good breathing habits nurture beautiful skin through the mind-body connection. Breathing with intention invites a sense of peace but also flushes the excess carbon dioxide from the body and replaces it with rich cell-energizing oxygen. This oxygenation improves circulation, invigorates the cells, and minimizes the impact of stress on the skin. Look to Ayurvedic pranayama breathwork practices that can be done easily at home to soothe both the mind and the body.