Today, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. And while stress can sometimes be a driving force, prolonged exposure can lead to an excessive release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which directly impacts our skin. Let’s take a look at how cortisol affects our complexion and how certain natural habits can soothe our skin… and our minds.
Cortisol and its effects on the skin
Cortisol is a hormone released by our adrenal glands in response to stress. But over the long term, high levels of cortisol can unbalance our skin. It promotes inflammation, leads to overproduction of sebum (the cause of acne), and even accelerates skin ageing by reducing collagen production. The result? A dull complexion, imperfections and the premature appearance of wrinkles.
Natural Solutions to Lower Cortisol
1. The benefits of forest walks
The “shinrin-yoku” or forest bath, practiced in Japan, involves spending time in nature. According to several studies, this simple activity can considerably reduce cortisol levels. Nature soothes us, and by breathing deeply in the pure forest air, our bodies release tension, allowing our skin to regenerate naturally. Nature soothes us, and by breathing forest air, we inhale beneficial molecules such as Alpha-pinene, naturally present in certain trees and plants, which is used in aromatherapy for its anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties.
2. Adopter la Méditation et le Yoga
These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s resting state. By meditating for a few minutes a day or doing a few yoga postures, you can reduce stress and cortisol levels. The effects are visible: calmer skin, with less redness and imperfections. And a calmer mind.
3. Natural ingredients to soothe skin and mind
– Orange Blossom Hydrosol: Ideal for soothing stressed, sensitive skin, this hydrosol has calming, balancing properties. Sprayed on the face or added to an evening routine, it provides an instant relaxing effect. It’s the main ingredient in our fresh mist Rosée D’Oranger.
– Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, green tea helps fight stress-induced free radicals, reducing the impact of cortisol on the skin. In our Exfoliating Green Teagreen tea macerate reinforces this calming effect on the skin, while deeply nourishing it.
– Essential oils: Lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils are excellent for reducing stress and soothing the skin. Diffuse them or apply them diluted on your wrists before bedtime for optimum relaxation.
4. A Bath for a Real Moment of Relaxation
Taking a hot bath is an excellent way to reduce cortisol and deeply relax the body. Warm water helps release muscular tension and improves circulation. The use of bath salts, such as our Marée CristallineThis calming effect is amplified by Violet extract. These moments of relaxation also stimulate the well-being hormones, creating a moment of calm that benefits both mind and skin.
5. Balanced eating for radiant skin
Finally, a diet rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins helps stabilize cortisol levels and maintain healthy skin. Avocados, nuts, berries and dark chocolate are real happiness (and beauty) boosters.
In conclusion
Reducing cortisol is possible with a little time for yourself and a few wellness habits. By adding a dose of nature, relaxation and the right ingredients to your routine, you’re not only acting for your inner well-being, but also for glowing skin.
Go further?
For those wishing to assess their cortisol levels in greater depth, there are several options: traditional blood or urine tests, but also innovative methods such as a test on a single strand of hair, as proposed by Cortigénix. This latter option measures accumulated cortisol over a prolonged period, providing an overview of chronic cortisol variations in the body.