Living with skin issues like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. But did you know that stress is one of the biggest triggers for these conditions? Today, we're diving into the fascinating connection between your brain and your skin to help you understand how stress impacts your skin health and what you can do to break the cycle.

The Skin: Our Body's First Line of Defense

Did you know that your skin is not only the largest organ of your body but also plays a crucial role in protecting you from external stressors? Research shows that the skin is both an immediate stress perceiver and a target of stress responses. This fascinating relationship between the brain and the skin is known as the "brain-skin connection."

Up for a little bit of biology? The skin is composed of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that constantly renews itself, with cells gradually moving up and sloughing off the surface. The stratum corneum, the epidermis's top layer, consists of dead, flattened cells (corneocytes) embedded in a matrix of lipids, forming a protective barrier.

The dermis, located beneath the epidermis, is made up of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix, which provide the skin with elasticity and tensile strength. Together, these layers work to maintain homeostasis between the external environment and internal tissues. Thanks professor!

The Link Between Stress and Skin Issues

When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. For people with skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, this inflammatory response can trigger or worsen symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of stress and flare-ups.

Research has shown that stress can:

• Disrupt the skin's barrier function, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity
• Stimulate the production of oil (sebum), which can clog pores and contribute to acne
• Slow down wound healing and skin repair
• Exacerbate itching and redness in conditions like eczema and psoriasis

Other Triggers of Skin Issues

While stress is a significant factor in many skin issues, it's important to note that other triggers can also contribute to flare-ups. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), several other triggers have been identified, including:

• Environmental allergens (pollution, pollen, animal dander, mould)
• Food allergies (eggs, cow's milk, fish)
• Dry, cold, or low-humidity weather
• Fragranced or harsh soaps, cleaning products, and laundry detergents
• Certain clothing materials (wool, nylon)
• Excessively dry skin
• Skin infections
• Hormonal changes

Managing Stress for Healthier Skin

While eliminating stress from your life entirely may not be possible, there are many strategies you can use to manage stress and reduce its impact on your skin. Here are some of my favourite tips:

1. Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other mindfulness practices can help you relax and manage stress.
2. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body and skin repair and regenerate.
3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote overall skin health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support skin health from the inside out.
5. Connect with others: Talking to friends, family, or a support group can help you manage stress and feel less alone in your journey.

Go For Zero: Your Partner in Calm, Healthy Skin

At Go For Zero, we understand the importance of managing stress for healthy skin. That's why we've curated a toxin-free range of products designed to help you relax, unwind, and give your skin the love it deserves.

Check out some of our favourite stress-busting, skin-soothing products:

1. Calm Balm: This soothing balm is infused with lavender and chamomile to help you relax and de-stress. Apply it to pulse points like your wrists and temples for an instant calming effect.
2. SOS Balm: Formulated with organic nourishing ingredients, our SOS Balm helps to soothe irritated, inflamed skin and promote healing (it’s especially great for  psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea and acne!). Apply on the irritated spots to heal it and reduce itchiness.
3. Calm Roll-On: Keep this convenient roll-on in your purse or pocket for on-the-go stress relief. The blend of essential oils can help to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
4. Calm tea: created with immunity boosting Lemon Verbena, calming Chamomille and anti-inflammatry Vervain, this pure organic calming tea is designed to calm the mind and body.
5. Sleep mist: create a peaceful environment with our sleep mist or make your own with our organic essential oils and amber bottle.

We know that harsh ingredients and fragrances can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. That's why we offer a range of unscented products, fromcleansers tomoisturisers, that are gentle on even the most delicate skin.

At Go For Zero, we're committed to bringing you the best in gentle, natural, eco-friendly skincare. We carefully research and select every product we carry to ensure that it's free from harsh chemicals and irritants that can exacerbate skin issues. From cleaning and laundry products, to skin care, hair care and baby care, our range of your everyday essentials is designed to be suitable for the most delicate skin. 

 

Remember, managing stress is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to healthy, happy, glowing skin. If you're struggling with persistent skin issues, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about a comprehensive treatment plan.

And as always, we're here to support you on your journey.

With love,

Ellie x

Resources

1. Suárez, A. L., Feramisco, J. D., Koo, J., & Steinhoff, M. (2012). Psychoneuroimmunology of Psychological Stress and Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiologic and Therapeutic Updates. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 92(1), 7-15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/
2. National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Stress and Eczema. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/stress-and-eczema/
3. National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Eczema and Emotional Wellness. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-emotional-wellness/
4. Pietrangelo, A. (2019, March 8). The Link Between Eczema and Stress. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema-stress
5. Davis, C. P. (2020, September 16). Eczema and Stress. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-stress
6. Gotter, A. (2021, February 8). The Eczema-Stress Connection and How to Manage Flare-Ups. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/eczema/eczema-stress-connection/