Signs of Stress on the Skin
So, I have noticed many suffering from different skin conditions and only thinking of treating them topically. Actinic, dry skin, dehydrated skin, psoriasis, eczema, and other conditions where moderate to severe inflammation live. I've even seen a condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa, treated by a licensed individual with such harshness that it made me cringe.
I bring attention to some of these conditions because many of these are brought on by stress. I have stated in my video that by the time we actually see these conditions on our skin, it could mean a very long journey back to bringing balance.
I want to go back to the basics for a moment. Hormonal balance is the cause of many of these conditions and almost anything can imbalance our hormones. Mind you, I am talking to my FBA women. Stress in our environments, like work or even our homes, will raise our cortisol and serotonin, two key neurotransmitters that help regulate our mood, anxiety, and, ultimately, our skin. Learning to do the root work of listening to our bodies and not dismissing any signs of stress will help us avoid buying harmful and unnecessary treatments to mostly overcorrect if at all, a condition that we may be able to treat with breathing, exercise, and a diet change.
How do I get there? What should I be paying attention to, exactly? Here are just a few signs that might be helpful:
Eating Habits
You've noticed that you are eating more junk, like sugar, craving quick foods, and drinking more soda, juices, or anything containing more sugar. Eating and not remembering that you ate or what you ate. Reaching for something to eat just because…
Sleeplessness
Losing sleep will cause cortisol to spike. Serotonin will kick in when you're sleeping, and these issues can bring about a myriad of other issues. Stress due to a lack of sleep and trying to figure out how to get more rest, looping into the hopelessness and anxiety associated with not being well-rested, but knowing work, school, children, and life, in general, are looming in the morning, are all signs that you are about 2.5 seconds from dehydration. These imbalances can also lead to autoimmune diseases and issues with your skin, such as dry, dehydrated, or thyroid disease that cause an already heavily irritated system to be more impacted.
Lack of Focus
When you are unable to focus, that is often a sign that the body is out of balance, the mind could be overloaded, and stress is on the horizon. The body's pathways are meant to be in balance, and it can also heal itself; it will heal itself when in an environment that facilitates peace and wellness and when it is receiving whole foods, good water, rest, exercise, and a healthy amount of sunshine and outdoors. There is, of course, the aspect of being spiritually healthy. Meditating and releasing thoughts through breathwork, prayers, and being intentional about what we watch, read, and who we engage with are essential to our overall well-being. The skin can begin to be blotchy, hyperpigmented, saggy, or inflamed due to the inability to focus.
Those are a few signs that your body is stressed. It's extremely important to address the signs and alleviate the cause before the skin ever starts to answer the call of stress and attempts to correct itself—another conversation.
Remember, the skin is the largest organ on the body and being conscienscous about how we are treating it is better and more efficient than trying to correct many skin conditions. Of course, there are variations for each person and it's always good to get an assessment from a skin care specialist that has experience in wellness and treats the body holistically.
Stay hydrated, focus on positive outcomes, do what you can with what you can, eat whole foods, pray, meditate, and get your rest for the best results.
It Looks Good to Feel Good So, Love, U!
Shantelle
Shantelle