Stress or mental health, fatigue, and environmental pollutants represent a growing threat to human health worldwide. These effects on respiratory, gastric, and cardiac health may have been well established, but its impact on skin remains poorly described.
Skin serves as the first protective line and barrier of the body. Like many other organs, skin can be affected by several disorders in response to external factors such as pathogens, ultraviolet light, and pollution, as well as endogenous alterations related to aging and/or oxidative stress disturbance.
The skin is one of the main targets of pollutants, which reach the superficial and deeper skin layers by transcutaneous and systemic routes.
Studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between psychological stress and individuals’ health. Exposure to chronic stress is generally considered to cause more long-term health problems than acute stress since chronic stress is most likely to result in prolonged and/or permanent physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses that may have a role in the etiology and or exacerbation of diseases.
Stress hormones have many negative consequences on the skin which include the dry, dull skin, hyperpigmentation, inflammation and interferes with the production of collagen causing premature aging.
This is where your skin products come in to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sunspots, dry and dull skin. Products containing adaptogens (substances that help the body to adapt to stress and fatigue) like reishi, turmeric, and ginseng can make a difference with those mentioned skin conditions.
Reishi can provide deep hydrating, antioxidant-rich adaptogens and contain immune-boosting properties that give the skin a more soothed, and calmed feel. Skincare-wise, they can be found in several product types including serums, moisturizers, and masks. Reishi mushrooms are brimming with skincare benefits, from reducing redness to fending off fine lines and wrinkles. Reishi can help prevent premature aging and free radical formation. Reishi contains polysaccharides that provide its humectant property hence when used can provide deep moisturization for the skin giving a dull skin repair and reinforce moisture barrier. Reishi extract form can help inhibit the melanin-producing enzyme called tyrosinase thus reducing skin hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Turmeric powder on the other hand is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tinge; it's also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory. Western brands have only recently taken note of something Eastern cultures have known for hundreds of years, and because of it, they've begun to include turmeric in their products as well. The skin benefits of the use of turmeric are as follows: it has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant effects. The use of purified curcumin in products like serums is recommended since it's colorless. Turmeric can also help lighten pigmentations, it helps heal and prevent dry skin, slows the skin aging process, and is used to diminish wrinkles, keep the skin supple, and improve skin elasticity.
Ginseng is a root, and it's typically harvested after growing for six years, its peak of potency. The herb is known for increasing circulation and strengthening the body's immune system, and it's often featured in meals, drinks, and herbal remedies. How does our skin benefit from this herb? No matter what your skin type is or what your concerns with your complexion may be, chances are, ginseng can probably assist you. Since ginseng can boost the circulation of the skin's blood vessels it can help rump up the synthesis of collagen helping the fine line and wrinkles of the skin to improve. It also has antioxidant properties that protect your skin from free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
Ginseng when taken can provide an energizing factor giving the skin a more bright and revitalized complexion. Lastly, ginseng can inhibit melanin production helping to lessen pigmentation and its natural anti-inflammatory properties help soothe erythema and puffiness.
Lastly, let's talk about Vitamin C. The antioxidants in vitamin C may help defend against the damage that UV light can cause. That doesn’t mean that you can use a vitamin C skin serum in place of sunscreen. It can’t replace SPF since it doesn’t absorb UVA or UVB rays. But if UV light does get into your skin, some research suggests that vitamin C can help blunt the harm. Vitamin C-based skincare products may lighten hyperpigmentation. It has a powerful ingredient in many anti-aging products that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It can also boost collagen formation resulting in delayed sagging of the skin. Aside from the mentioned function of Vitamin C, it can also promote faster wound healing and helps in diminishing scars.
Bottom line:
Stress or mental health, fatigue, and environmental pollutants can take a toll on our health and also in our skin, presenting with skin dryness or dullness, pigmentations or dark spots that can be widely treated with skin products containing Vit C, and adaptogenic herbs like reishi, turmeric, and ginseng. Try our Vitamin C Adaptogen Serum, Daily Zen Radiance Cream and Matcha Glow Latte to incorporate these wonderful ingredients in your routine.