The Effect of Stress and of Sleep On Your Skin by Leslie Baumann, M.D.

Banyak orang menyangka bahawa kurang tidur atau tidak cukup tidur dapat menguruskan badan, malangnya anggapan ini adalah salah. Sebenarnya, stres dan kurang tidur (kurang daripada 7 jam) akan menyebabkan badan kita merembeskan hormon kortisol yang menyebabkan paras gula dalam darah naik. Ini akan menyebabkan naik berat badan, masalah jantung dan kesan ke atas kulit di mana ia mempercepatkan proses penuaan dan menjadikan kulit cepat berkedut.

Oleh itu, untuk mendapatkan kesihatan yang baik dan awet muda amalkanlah tidur dengan secukupnya dan kurangkan stres dalam kehidupan. Semoga menjadi amalan harian….

The Effect of Stress and of Sleep On Your Skin

By Leslie Baumann, M.D.

We spend a lot of time focusing on the effect that the sun and environment have on our skin, but few of us stop to think about the detrimental effects that our modern lifestyle—and its stress and of sleep—has on our appearance. Most of us are familiar with dark circles after a late night out, but more and more research is showing that of sleep and stress have far-reaching skin implications.

Both lack of sleep and stress prompt our bodies to produce a hormone called cortisol, which causes blood sugar levels in our bodies to rise. This can lead to weight gain, heart problems, and now recent research is shedding light on the connection between cortisol production, stress and lack of sleep—and the effect this has on our skin.

Cortisol-caused blood sugar increases can accelerate the aging process, since excess sugar can compromise the collagen in our skin and lead to wrinkles. Acne can also be exacerbated by cortisol that’s released when external factors affect our bodies. Research has also shown that these hormonal surges can impair our skin’s barrier as well, leading to dryness, irritation and inflammation—which, as we know, are less than desirable when it comes to our skin.

So what can you do to minimize cortisol production caused by stress and lack of sleep? First, aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Avoiding caffeine can help. You should also try to eat a healthy, low-sugar diet, and remember that starchy vegetables like potatoes are ultimately converted into sugar when they are processed by our bodies. To keep inflammation under control, make sure you get enough omega-3s, either from the foods you eat or supplements. (For skin inflammation, look for soothing ingredients like feverfew, chamomile and salicylic acid). Lastly, slow down! Set aside some time for yourself every day to do a good-for-your-mind-and-body activity like meditation, exercise or a pampering bubble bath. And don’t underestimate the power of aromatherapy. Research shows that a little lavender essential oil can go a long way for relaxation. Believe it or not, your skin will thank you!

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