SOLVING STRESS
Q: How can I soothe stressed out skin?
TAMMY WRITES: In my Treatment Room I’ve seen how stress can affect the body, the emotions and our sense of balance. But I’ve also seen how incredibly ancient herbal remedies can help us restore and soothe the skin—and our wellbeing.Of course, symptoms often arise in the skin first—it’s our body’s largest organ—manifesting as acne, when hormones like cortisol increase sebum production to cause a breakout, for example. But an excess of stress hormones like cortisol can also cause premature aging, breaking down the healthy collagen that gives skin its structural integrity. And we all know that stress can also result in a lack of sleep, which in turn affects the complexion, giving skin a dull pallor. The underlying musculature can be affected by our habitual facial patterns—the more you frown, or wrinkle your brow, the more those worry lines are reinforced.
To break the cycle, I recommend formulas like Awakening Eye Gel, which is so instantly soothing, and Intensive Repair Balm, which blends Chamomile with rejuvenating Helichrysum, and which immediately helps the skin repair damage, restoring the skin’s vitality. At the same time, in my practice I always guide clients in approaching the underlying causes of stress, which can often be significantly reduced by introducing a meditation practice or making lifestyle shifts that make time for more sweet simplicity.
