The battle with stress is ever present, with our fast-paced lifestyles, time constraints and responsibilities rising by the hour (or at least, that's what it feels like). Specialists agree that stress impacts us on a physical and emotional level, with Blackmore’s naturopath Leanne McLean confirming: “stress response involves a cascade of profound effects within and upon the body.”
Swisse dietician Georgie Rist expands on this, saying: “If the small everyday worries become part of our everyday lives, we become habitually out of balance and the body may neglect everyday operations like digestion, detoxification and immunity – to the point where we are not responding to viruses, or processing foods as efficiently as we could and creating nutritional deficiencies, which affect both our internal and external health.” Unfortunately, De Lorenzo trichologist Megan Yabsley says the signs of stress are often most obvious on women. “It seems that women seem to suffer the most when it comes to exhibiting hair and skin complaints exacerbated by life stresses.”
Now that stress is embedded in our lives to one extent or another, consumers' growing interest in maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing is understandable. There is also a distinction between wellbeing and beauty, with Diagonal Reports revealing consumers believe the appearance of their skin is not entirely dependant on cosmetics. As a result, Diagonal Reports says words such as ‘energy’, ‘de-stress’ and ‘wellness’ are resonating strongly with consumers and beauty marketers alike.
Holistic approaches to beauty and lifestyles are more popular than ever, and beauty companies are changing tact to reflect the updated values of buyers. “We can see that consumers are voting with their feet, and it is up to brand owners to adapt their products to meet the demands of beauty, as well as wellness,” says Diagonal, whose research has also shown that companies who can successful meet both needs can and will benefit most in the market.
To analyse how stress specifically affects the body and the beauty world, BD talked to the experts.
Skin
As the largest organ of the human body, it's no surprise skin is hit first and often the hardest by stress. managing director Tammy Hee is adamant, saying the complexion indicates what's going on inside, stress-wide. Clinical associate lecturer in Dermatology at Sydney University Dr Philip Tong says stress often causes skin to be dry. “Skin responds differently to all kinds of stressors and can be unique to the individual, however a common symptom in the Australian climate is dry skin. Dry skin looks scaly and can be itchy, causing patients to scratch, which can further drive the itch. Dry skin is also one of the first signs of more serious skin issues such as eczema and dermatitis.”
Yabsley recommends using products containing natural ingredients to combat stress. “Choose those ingredients in the formulations such as cucumber extract, chamomile, aloe vera, allantoin, arnic and avocado oil, all of which are chosen to induce a soothing and calming effect.” Founder of Samantha Sargent agrees: “It’s essential to only use completely natural and organic products if you would like to improve the health of your skin and overall body, mind and being. It is also essential to address the condition holistically. You can not expect to put a bandaid solution on the skin, and expect to see results in the emotions. The whole body needs to be addressed, as well as the root cause of that stress. [Also use] ingredients that are proven to help target stress. For example, our key ingredient is organic neroli essential oil - that is regarded as one of the most effective sedative and antidepressant remedies and is reputed to be wonderful in helping with states of anxiety and stress.”
Natural oils are also popular with Hee, who believes the incorporation of natural oils such as frankincense are key to relieveing anxiety. She explains: "our whole de-stress range contains frankincense essential oil, which helps to clear the mind, creating focus, and works on both the emotional stress and the physical. It is important to deal with the combination of both.”
Diet
Sargent argues that diet plays a crucial role in helping the signs of stress to subside, stating "a diet that is lacking in balanced nutrition from organic and biodynamic fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts and seeds may contribute to stressed skin.” Yabsley suggests taking supplements to get the balance right. “When caught up in a stressful environment, the basic essentials for a healthy body such as eating well and exercising may be forgotten. Over time, the effects of an increase in cortisol and lack of nutrients start to become obvious in our skin, nails and hair as our bodies become more sensitive and reactive.”
McLean agrees, stating: “Supplements may be useful to support the body’s increased requirements for various nutrients, which may be more readily depleted when stress is prolonged. For example, vitamins such as the B group and vitamin C, and minerals such as magnesium. Supplements which include herbs to support the adrenal glands (these herbs are known as ‘adaptogens’) may also be greatly beneficial to support the body in times of stress.”
Hair
Even the most luscious of locks aren’t safe from stress’ influence. As Yabsley explains, “It has been shown that stress directly affects the hair causing the production of stress related chemicals in the hair bulb. Additionally, some women lose up to 70 per cent of their hair from a stress response called Telogen Effluvium.” For some women, the effects are more severe. “[For some] hair loss, breakage and premature greying [occurs]. If you have scalp conditions like psoriasis, they can worsen. Stress can also cause autoimmune diseases such as alopecia,” says Rist.
Deep-conditioning treatments and oils work well in helping to soothe and smoothe stressed locks, with argan, moroccan and marula oils commonly incorporated into the hair care products of dozens of leading brands. In addition to ensuring hair is not stripped of moisture, for Yabsley, taking the time to pamper yourself is also another surefire way to repair damaged hair and reduce stress levels. She says; “It may seem simple, but just the act of looking after your hair, retouching your colour, a conditioning treatment or even a trim can make you feel so much better.”
Products that can help the body combat stress in all its forms include:
Abeeco
ACURE
All Natural Kids
Alpha-H
Aromatherapy Associates
Aveda
Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash
Cuccio Naturalé
Decleor Paris
De Lorenzo Defence Argan Oil
Dermalogica
Dr.Hauschka
Glasshouse Bordeaux - Vanilla Noir Hand & Body Crème
In Essence
Joico
Kerstin Florian
Mesoestetic
NIVEA Stress Protect Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
NUXE
Pevonia
Red Seal Chamomile Tea
Sun Warrior
Synergie Natural Spirulina Organic Powder
Scunci Detangle Brush
Thalgo
Trilogy
Urban Rituelle
