Secrets of the Skin

The stress response activates various mechanisms that prepare us for confrontation or escape. One of these is the secretion of hormones. The physiological response to stress involves the activation of a complex system (known as the “stress response”). HPA-pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal axis, which in effect causes the secretion of cortisol, often referred to as the main stress hormone.

Cortisol inhibits non-essential functions, such as digestion, for example, diverting all the body’s resources to organs that are crucial to make a fight or flight, such as the muscles, heart or brain. While an acute stress response is essential for survival, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on the body. Long-term activation of the HPA axis can lead to dysregulation of cortisol levels, which withgreater risk of heart disease, reduces immunity. It can also cause depression and anxiety.

Stress, and the skin

Stress, especially chronic stress, also affects our skin. All of our body’s resources are redirected to the most important organs that play a major role in the fight-or-flight response. Also, blood is diverted to them. This mechanism is called centralization of the circulation. In organs less important in stressful situations, such as the gastrointestinal tract and skin, blood vessels constrict and blood shifts to the lungs, heart and brain. The skin turns pale because it is anemic. With one-time stress, our skin quickly activates repair mechanisms. But if the stress lasts for a long time, its ability to repair and regenerate is exhausted, which has a negative impact on its condition.

The most important effects of chronic stress on the skin

Weakening of BHL

Under stress, the hydrolipid barrier is weakened. Prolonged stress increases the permeability of the epidermal barrier (TEWL), making the skin evaporate water faster and thus become dry.

This, in turn, disrupts all the metabolic processes going on in the skin. Therefore, skin exposed to stress does not function properly and is unable to regenerate properly. This leads to its loss of firmness, thinning and increased susceptibility to inflammation and irritation. It becomes̨ lackluster, sallow and dry, and dilated blood vessels and wrinkles appear on it. Sebaceous glands, trying to make up for reduced lipid levels in the epidermis, increase sebum production, which promotes the appearance of acne lesions.

Reduction in collagen production

Because the blood supply is reduced, cellular respiration is impaired. Skin cells not only do they not receive the right amount of nutrients, but also the removal of toxins and unnecessary substances does not take place properly. The resulting free radicals have an adverse effect on collagen and elastin fibers. In addition, cortisol, causes the breakdown of existing collagen and elastin fibers and inhibits the synthesis of new ones. The skin loses its elasticity and firmness, becomes thin and flabby.

Lowering of skin immunity

Cortisol weakens the function of the immune system and, as a result, makes the skin more susceptible to fungal, viral and bacterial infections. It interferes with wound healing and exacerbates the course of many dermatoses , such as atopic dermatitis rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Skin care under stress

Let’s focus on proper cleansing, fighting free radicals and regeneration. To this end, I have composed for you a set of Pure Story cosmetics that will allow your skin to breathe and relax.

1. Cleansing Milk (morning/evening) – gentle cleansing without violating the skin’s hydrolipid barrier. It will help wash away all impurities and leave the skin moisturized and nourished.
2. Age Defence Serum (Evening) – effective fight against skin aging. Thanks to ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid and natural vitamin E, it will support repair and regeneration processes.
3. Glow Serum (in the morning) – a light antioxidant serum, extremely recommended for graying skin and one that lacks radiance. A combination of 15% vitamin C and ferulic acid blend to give your skin a radiant look.
4. Deep Moisture Cream (morning/evening) – deep hydration of the skin. This is by far the most important product that will close the entire care and, above all, allow the hydrolipid barrier to regenerate.
5. Lipid Repair Balm (Evening) – for very dry skin, this is a key waterless formula. By using it, you will let your skin take care of itself, as the main ingredients are substances your skin knows well – including cholesterol, ceramides and unsaturated fatty acids.
6. Eye Cream Mask (morning/evening) – a “must have” for tired eye skin. It contains key substances to relax the sensitive eye area, such as arnica extract, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10 and hyaluronic acid. It will definitely wipe the stress from your eyelids 🙂