How To Keep You And Your Hair Safe From Relaxers And Dyes

Stress is unavoidable and it comes in so many ways. Hassles of heavy traffic and noxious exhaust fume could cause stress to a home bound motorist. Bad relationships can also cause stress. It could also be pressure from work. To a student it could be pressure of studying for exams
. Stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest. While many people associate the term stress with psychological stress, scientists and physicians use this term to denote any force that impairs the stability and balance of bodily functions

How Does Stress Affect Skin?

1. The adverse impact of stress on immune function affects skin as the skin is the largest organ that directly connects to physiological function of the body. Stress contributes greatly by increasing free radicals production in the body which is the major cause of premature aging.
2. Mental or emotional trauma can lead to repeated negative facial expressions and constant muscular contractions which may eventually become permanent as wrinkles and frown lines.
3. Stress can trigger or aggravates skin conditions such as acne (pimples), eczema, warts, blisters, psoriasis and cold sores.(Although still subject to debate by dermatologists).
4. In times of “fight or flight”, which is the mechanism that the body uses to respond to stress, the flow of blood and other nutrients is directed to the essential areas of the body for survival while it is withdrawn from the non-essential area such as the skin. When this response is frequent, the skin is constantly deprived of oxygen and blood flow thereby making toxic waste removal very slow. The adverse impact of this makes the skin look dull, less hydrated and lifeless thereby leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
5. Stress can also lead to comfort eating which may lead to weight gain and blemished skin, especially when foods with high glycaemic index and processed ones are consumed in excess. Stress can also encourage poor lifestyle choices like smoking and excess consumption of alcohol that age the skin prematurely.
6. Stress also affects digestion which adversely affects the skin and overall health. This occurs in two ways. First, the body does not absorb all the nutrients from the foods taken. Secondly, the undigested impurities accumulate in the body faster than the body can expel them. This leads to building of toxic in the body that finds its way into the blood stream and may show up as breakouts, blemishes and skin rashes.

The appearance of the skin is the reflection of all that goes on in the mind and body. An important goal for those under stress is the management of life stresses. Elimination of stress is unrealistic, since stress is a part of normal life. It is impossible to completely eliminate stress, and it would not be advisable to do so. Regular exercise, a well balanced diet and detoxification all helps to keep the body in good shape.