Stress eating? Go herbal, discover adaptogens
Posted By May
The mind-body connection affects the skin too. Our skin reacts and changes detrimentally when the stress hormone (cortisol) is released. Although it isn't a cure-all, evidence points to adaptogens' strong ability to help prevent/alleviate stress and keep skin healthy.
How the skin reacts to stress
According to Dr. Abram Beshay, a dermatologist from the University of Utah, our skin reacts to the stress hormone cortisol through the following changes:
Because of the above skin reactions from stress, Dr. Beshay (2021) said that it can exacerbate the following skin conditions:
With science clearly establishing the evident impact of stress on skin, let's look into adaptogens and how this ingredient can help reduce stress and give you healthier skin in the process.
Adapto-what?
Like our muscles need training to increase physical endurance, adaptogens are taken to train your body to be more resistant to emotional/psychological stress and fatigue.
They are plants/herbs, usually roots like ginseng, that increase stress resistance and help you regain balance.
Adaptogens are said to be:
It adapts your system to combat stress and fatigue, hence the name adaptogen. It's balancing in a way that it calms us down when we're restless, and picks us up when we're feeling sluggish:
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Moreover, adaptogens are said to:
Adaptogens and effects
Here are some specific adaptogens and their potential benefits:
*Source: Healthline.com
At the end of the day, you know your body best. Research the specific adaptogen/s that might fit your lifestyle the most, figure out the proper timing to take it, and consult your doctor -- especially if you are on medication.
Our ESK advisors and dermatologists are also at your beck and call for whatever you need regarding stress and its effects on skin health. Give us a call or message us today, and we'd be happy to guide you through products and services that best fit your lifestyle.
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How the skin reacts to stress
According to Dr. Abram Beshay, a dermatologist from the University of Utah, our skin reacts to the stress hormone cortisol through the following changes:
- Increased inflammation
- Impaired wound healing
- More oil and sebum production
- Impaired resistance to infection
Because of the above skin reactions from stress, Dr. Beshay (2021) said that it can exacerbate the following skin conditions:
- Acne
- Hair loss (Alopecia areata)
- Hair thinning (Androgenetic Alopecia or Telogen Effluvium)
- Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Scalp rash(Seborrheic dermatitis)
- Hives
With science clearly establishing the evident impact of stress on skin, let's look into adaptogens and how this ingredient can help reduce stress and give you healthier skin in the process.
Adapto-what?
Like our muscles need training to increase physical endurance, adaptogens are taken to train your body to be more resistant to emotional/psychological stress and fatigue.
They are plants/herbs, usually roots like ginseng, that increase stress resistance and help you regain balance.
Adaptogens are said to be:
- Anti-stress / Anti-fatigue
- Anti-depressive
- Neuroprotective
It adapts your system to combat stress and fatigue, hence the name adaptogen. It's balancing in a way that it calms us down when we're restless, and picks us up when we're feeling sluggish:
- "Induces increased attention and endurance in situations of decreased performance caused by fatigue and/or sensation of weakness.
- Reduces stress-induced impairments and disorders related to the function of stress (neuro-endocrine and immune) systems (Panossian, et. al., 2010)."
Adaptogenic goji berries
Moreover, adaptogens are said to:
- Increase stress resistance;
- Have a normalizing effect on our bodies' response to stress and fatigue; and
- Are therapeutic (Panossian, 1999 in Wynn, et. al., 2007).
Adaptogens and effects
Here are some specific adaptogens and their potential benefits:
*Source: Healthline.com
At the end of the day, you know your body best. Research the specific adaptogen/s that might fit your lifestyle the most, figure out the proper timing to take it, and consult your doctor -- especially if you are on medication.
Our ESK advisors and dermatologists are also at your beck and call for whatever you need regarding stress and its effects on skin health. Give us a call or message us today, and we'd be happy to guide you through products and services that best fit your lifestyle.
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References
REFERENCES:
- Beshay, A. (2021). Stress and the Skin. University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. Retrieved June 7, 2021
- Chesak, J. (2019, July 22). 12 Adaptogens for stress and hormonal balance - And how to use them. Healthline. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
- Ducharme, J. (2018, February 28). What are Adaptogens and why are people taking them? Time. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188
- Wynn S. and Fougere B. (2007). CHAPTER 20 - Veterinary Herbal Medicine: A Systems-Based Approach, Editor(s): Susan G. Wynn, Barbara J. Fougere, Veterinary Herbal Medicine, Mosby, Pages 291-409, ISBN 9780323029988, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-02998-8.50024-X