We all want to grow old, but none of us want to look old. In today's world, there is a lot of emphasis on physical fitness and beauty, but the importance of mental wellness is often overlooked.
Mental anti-aging refers to the measures we can take to promote our mental health and well-being in order to slow the onset of aging processes. In this article we want to talk about the connection between mental stress and aging skin and examine how stress acts as an accelerator for cellular aging.
Why is mental stress harmful to our skin?
Mental stress affects our bodies, including the skin. When we are under stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to help us cope with the situation. However, these hormones can also be harmful if released over a long period of time. Increased release of cortisol can cause our skin to become dry and wrinkled as the production of collagen and elastin is reduced. Additionally, stress can increase skin sensitivity, which can lead to skin redness and inflammation.
What is the connection between aging skin and poor mental well-being?
There is a clear connection between poor mental well-being and the appearance of aging skin. Studies have shown that people who suffer from chronic stress have higher rates of premature skin aging than people who are less stressed. The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity are all signs of premature aging that can be linked to stress.
Does stress act as an accelerator for cell aging?
Yes, stress can act as an accelerator for cell aging. A 2004 study examined the connection between stress and telomere length, an indicator of cellular aging. The study found that people who suffered from chronic stress had shortened telomere length, indicating that their bodies age faster than those of people who are less stressed. Another 2012 study found that stress increases the occurrence of oxidative stress, a process that can contribute to cellular aging.
What helps against stress?
In the MAGIC ELEMENTS anti-aging treatment, low doses of essential oils are used instead of synthetic fragrances in order to achieve a targeted effect on the brain in addition to a fresh, delicate scent. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and our sense of smell and work in two ways. On the one hand, they have positive effects on our skin and can even support other active ingredients in their absorption into the skin; on the other hand, they have a positive effect on our mental health. These oils are contained in all 3 products of the MAGIC ELEMENTS treatment:
Orange oil: A 2015 study showed that the scent of orange oil can reduce stress and have a calming effect on the body. In addition, it can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which can help reduce wrinkles.
Bergamot oil: A 2017 study showed that bergamot oil can reduce anxiety in patients with heart disease. Additionally, it can help soothe and heal the skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
Ho wood oil: A 2018 study showed that Ho leaf oil has a calming effect on the body and can reduce stress. In addition, it can help tighten and tone the skin by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation.
Petitgrain oil: A 2017 study showed that petitgrain oil has a calming effect on the body and may help reduce anxiety. Additionally, it can help cleanse and clarify the skin by removing excess oil and dirt and shrinking pores.
Grapefruit oil: A 2015 study showed that the scent of grapefruit oil has a calming effect on the body and can help reduce stress. Additionally, it can help tone and revitalize skin by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
Litsea Cubeba Oil: A 2017 study showed that Litsea Cubeba oil has a calming effect on the body and may help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can help revitalize and refresh skin by removing excess oil and shrinking pores.
Jasmine oil: A 2013 study showed that jasmine oil has a calming effect on the body and may help reduce anxiety. Additionally, it can help tone and revitalize skin by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
Rose oil: A 2015 study showed that rose oil has a calming effect on the body and can help reduce stress. Additionally, it can help soothe and heal the skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
Neroli oil: A 2015 study found that inhaling neroli oil reduced stress in menopausal women. The study was conducted on 63 women and published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Neroli oil has a calming effect on the skin and can help reduce feelings of tightness and inflammation. It also has a refreshing and balancing effect on the mind.
Vanilla Oil: A 2013 study found that vanilla oil aromatherapy reduced stress in women with premenstrual syndrome. The study was conducted on 100 women and published in ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology. Vanilla oil has a calming effect on the skin and can help reduce inflammation and redness.
Sandalwood oil: A 2016 study found that aromatherapy with sandalwood oil reduced stress in prostate cancer patients. Sandalwood oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and can help reduce acne and other skin problems.
Patchouli oil: A 2011 study found that patchouli oil reduced stress in psychiatric emergency room patients. Patchouli oil has an astringent and toning effect on the skin and can help tighten pores and improve skin texture.
Cedar Oil: A 2017 study found that aromatherapy with cedar oil reduced stress in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The study was conducted on 60 patients and published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Cedarwood oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and can help reduce acne and other skin problems.
Mental anti-aging is just as important to maintaining a young body and healthy, youthful skin as exercise, a healthy diet and external skin care with the right anti-aging ingredients.
Modern anti-aging products should do more than just work on the skin, as the skin is only one piece of the anti-aging puzzle. There are many factors that accelerate and impair the aging process visually and mentally, such as inflammation, oxidative stress and a lack of nutrients. Anti-aging products should therefore aim to combat these factors and promote mental health.
What studies are there on this?
Epel, ES, Blackburn, EH, Lin, J., Dhabhar, FS, Adler, NE, Morrow, JD, ... & Reuter-Lorenz, PA (2004). Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(49), 17312-17315.
Nguyen, H., & Fagundes, C.P. (2012). Chronic stress and its impact on telomere length in health and disease. behavioral sciences,
"Stress and the skin" by RK Chrousos and GP Papanicolaou. Year of publication: 2000. Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Volume 917, pages 877-885
“Psychological Stress Perturbs Epidermal Permeability Barrier Homeostasis: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Skin Diseases” by T. Hachisuka et al. Year of publication: 2015. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 135, No. 4, pages 1234-1240
Study: "Chronic stress and skin aging: A focused review" by SH Kim and JH Moon. Year of publication: 2018. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, Volume 33, No. 4, pages 668-677
"Stress and the hair follicle: exploring the connections" by AC Foitzik et al. 2007. The American Journal of Pathology, Volume 171, No. 2, pages 327-332
"Psychological stress and skin aging: a pilot study" by J. Kim et al. Year of publication: 2019. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 18, No. 1, pages 209-213
Komori, T., Matsumoto, T., Motomura, N., & Shiroyama, T. (2015). Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015.
Hur, M.H., & Park, J. (2013). Aromatherapy massage on the abdomen for alleviating menstrual pain in high school girls: a preliminary controlled clinical study. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
Yip, YB, Tse, SHM, & Chan, CCH (2016). Aromatherapy massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 25, 75-80.
Kritsidima, M., Newton, T., & Asimakopoulou, K. (2011). The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(9), 823-828.
Kim, J. T., Wajda, M., & Cuff, G. (2017). Cedarwood oil inhalation reduces anxiety and enhances sedation during colonoscopy. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 37(1), 111-118.