Correlation between Stress and Skin Health

Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol in the body, which in turn can increase oil production on the skin. This excess oil (sebum) production can clog pores and cause acne. In addition, stress can also slow down the skin’s healing process, making the skin more prone to inflammation, irritation and other skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

When we are stressed, the skin also tends to lose its natural moisture, leading to dry and dull skin. Not only that, stress can also trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Wow, what a complex relationship between the two!

Follow these ways to overcome it…

Stress is not a mental illness like depression or anxiety, so there are steps we can take to reduce it. For example:

Increase Exercise and Physical Activity

If you’re tired and in a bad mood, try to move regularly! Regular exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of even common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Sereni-Trees does not need to force itself to be an active individual. Simply start with light activities such as walking or cycling. Choose an activity that you enjoy so that you can increase the chances of sticking to it in the long term.

Avoid Too Much Smartphone Screen Time (Screentime)

We can’t deny that cellphones, laptops, or computers have become commonplace in this era. In fact, they are needed every day either for study or work. However, excessive use can increase stress levels!

Too much screen time is also linked to lower psychological well-being and increased stress levels in both adults and children.

In addition, excessive screen time can affect sleep, which in turn can increase stress levels.

Implementing Self Care

Taking time for self-care can help reduce stress levels. Some examples of practical self-care include: taking a bath, lighting candles, using a diffuser with a calming scent, or yoga.

People who regularly engage in self-care tend to have lower stress levels and a better quality of life, while a lack of self-care is often associated with a higher risk of stress and burnout.

It doesn’t have to be complicated! An easy example can start from using Serenitree’s calming body wash. Combined with the calming lotion, the ritual and aroma of lavender essential oil can definitely have a calming effect. In addition, your skin will stay clean and healthy! Win win solution!

Daily Journal Writing

Believe it or not, regular journal writing can help reduce stress and anxiety! It can provide a positive “outlet” to pour out all our thoughts and emotions, bad or good.

Regular journal writing has been linked to better quality of life and more proactive self-care behaviors. Are you interested in giving it a try?

Avoid Too Much Sugar and Caffeine

You are what you eat. What we consume certainly determines our physical and mental health. Consuming too much caffeine can worsen anxiety and also disrupt sleep. As a result, it can increase symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Tolerance to caffeine is different for everyone. If caffeine makes you nervous or anxious, consider cutting back by replacing coffee or energy drinks with decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, or water.

When it comes to sugar, when we consume too much of it, the body produces insulin to lower blood sugar levels. After the blood sugar drops rapidly, the body responds by producing stress hormones, such as cortisol, to help stabilize the blood sugar. These fluctuations can trigger anxiety and stress.

Practicing Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises not only slow down the breath, but also lower the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and calm the mind. When we breathe deeply, oxygen flow to the brain increases. This can improve focus and mental clarity. In addition, deep breathing can distract from stress-inducing thoughts, thus helping to create a sense of calm and peace.

For deep breathing exercises, we can do it regularly 1-3 times a day. Each session can last for 5-10 minutes. However, it all depends on your needs! As long as we maintain our routine, we will definitely feel the positive effects!

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mindfulness practice where we focus on the present moment without judgment. This practice will increase self-awareness, reduce protracted thoughts, and help accept experiences as they are.

It also trains the brain to be more perceptive and calmer in the face of stressful situations, thus allowing us to respond more thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Examples of activities include yoga, meditation, or taichi. There are many more activities that can support us to practice mindfulness!

Supplement Support (Optional)

It is also possible that the stress we are suffering from is due to a lack of nutritional intake! Therefore, another option could be to take supplements (in consultation with your doctor and body condition). 

For example: B vitamins, such as B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, play a role in brain function and the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Zinc plays a role in mood regulation and brain function. Zinc deficiency can be associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. For more information, consult a professional directly, Sereni-Trees!

So, those are 8 ways we can control our stress levels. Remember, stress not only affects your mental health, but your physical health too. It is the source of all diseases! Therefore, let’s handle it well!

The post Correlation between Stress and Skin Health, What’s the Impact? appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

In this article, Serenitree will discuss how we learn about the causes and proper ways to treat dry skin. So, make sure to stay tuned, Serenitree Squad!

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin starts with excessive production of oil or sebum in the skin. Sebum itself is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin. Actually, the main function of sebum is to maintain moisture and protect our skin from bacteria.

However, anything in excess is not good! Excessive oil production can lead to several problems such as: pimples, blackheads and oily skin. It’s not only caused by one factor either. Here are some factors that can cause your skin to become oily:

• Genetic Factors: Our skin type has a lot to do with genetics. That’s why it varies, whether it’s dry, oily or combination. If this is the cause, it’s a bit difficult to prevent, but we can still overcome it!
• Hormonal conditions: Apart from genetics, oil production is also related to our hormonal changes. Examples include puberty, menstruation and menopause. 
• Skincare ingredients are too harsh: Skincare with synthetic chemicals can trigger several reactions, including excess sebum production and acne. 
• Improper diet: Consuming too much fatty or sugary foods will trigger your body’s hormone and insulin levels. As a result, your skin gets oily and acne-prone!
• Stress: This one is the root of all diseases! Stress can affect the balance of the hormone cortisol in our body. Of course, this can be a factor in all skin problems.
• Environment: Living in an area with extreme air (too hot/cold), let alone lack of skin protection, can be a factor as well.

So you see, Serenitree Squad, there is not just one source of the problem of oily skin. As long as you know the diagnosis of the cause, there is always a solution. In addition to treatment, Serenitree recommends some tips to prevent this problem! Let’s take a look together!

Serenitree’s Oily Skin Tips

The key to healthy skin is overall body health. Therefore, Serenitree’s tips will not be far from good habits, lifestyle and care routine. Here’s how you can avoid oily skin:

• Always wash your face every morning, noon and night

If you wash your face regularly with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser, all the oil, dirt and bacteria buildup will be gone! Remember to use warm water, not too hot water. Not only will it trigger even more oil production, it can also burn your skin! Also make sure to wash your face every time you sweat or after exercising.

• Choosing skincare with the label “oil free” and “noncomedogenic”

Of course, the right skincare can help us combat oily skin. Make sure to choose skincare that is labeled as “oil free” and “noncomedogenic”.

• Use a gentle facial cleanser/without SLS and Parabens

People with oily skin must wash their face every day (3 times a day). But don’t forget to choose a gentle cleanser without SLS or parabens. 

• Routinely use moisturizer

Even though your skin type is oily, moisturizing is a must! As long as you use a moisturizer that is fast absorbing and not heavy.

• Do not touch the skin frequently

Excessive touching of the face, especially with dirty hands will invite various bacteria to our skin. Even if you want to touch your face or do skincare, wash your hands first!

How easy is it to prevent? As long as we do it regularly, we can guarantee that our skin will be free from oil. Remember Serenitree Squad, your efforts will definitely pay off in the future!

Can Oily Skin Use Moisturizer?

Many people think that if you have oily skin, you don’t need moisturizer. What’s the point, it’s not like our skin is going to dry out right?

It turns out that this thinking is wrong! Oil or sebum produced by the skin is to protect our skin, not to hydrate it. Even though it feels oily, it doesn’t mean it’s well hydrated. Skin hydration is the process by which water is absorbed by the skin layers. Its purpose is to keep the skin elastic, supple, and resistant to damage. Conclusion= Oily skin can still be dehydrated! Without moisturizing, your skin will be prone to premature aging, irritation, and risk of breakouts.

Can you see how important the role of moisturizer is for all skin types? The next thing is to choose the right moisturizer. Different types of moisturizers can be the solution to different skin problems and types. For oily skin, Serenitree suggests a light-textured, easy-to-absorb type of moisturizer. It will not leave a “heavy” or sticky effect after application. 

The ingredients in the moisturizer are not random either! The ingredients we recommend include: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and essential oils like tea tree oil. Also, make sure it doesn’t contain oil or comedogenic ingredients like Wheat Germ Oil and Acetylated Lanolin. With the right moisturizer, our skin will always be well-hydrated without the risk of clogging our pores or triggering oil production! One plus point of that, we can deal with oily skin without fear of dehydration. 

Serenitree Squad, do you have oily skin too? Will you try these Serenitree-style tips? The key is our routine and discipline to make our skin problems go away. Along with carrying out these tips, Serenitree also strongly recommends that you consult a dermatologist so that the problem is resolved more quickly and safely. Let’s get moisturized and glowing skin together with Serenitree!

The post Overcome oily skin with 5 tips from Serenitree! appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.