Is modern life placing a burden on your skin?

Two of the most persistent issues in modern life are stress and insomnia or sleeplessness. This places the foremost burden on your alertness the following day, gradually taking a toll on your skin's vitality. So, what are effective skincare methods to address this?

Modern society has improved various aspects of human life. Alongside these advancements, stress and sleepless nights have become a part of many people's lives. Apart from their detrimental effects on mental health, these "contemporary concerns" also contribute to significant changes and aging of the skin.

How Does Stress Impact the Skin?

"When stressed and anxious, the body releases a significant amount of cortisol, a hormone that helps the body cope with such situations. 

However, prolonged stress and the overuse of cortisol can lead to skin tissue inflammation, thereby accelerating the aging process with the appearance of spots, sagging, and wrinkles," explained Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, a dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Dermatology Association.

Another significant concern is the impact on the beneficial microorganisms on the skin. Dr. Daniel Cassiano, a dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Dermatology Association, shared, "An increasing body of research shows that the community of beneficial microorganisms on the skin helps improve our overall health." 

However, stress and anxiety can negatively affect this microbial community.

The Adverse Effects of Sleepless Nights

It's widely known that poor sleep quality can impact both health and skin. However, nowadays, not everyone can guarantee the quality of their sleep each day. According to Dr. Mário Farinazzo, a plastic surgeon, doctorate holder, and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, "This occurs because during sleep, cells are regenerated, and free radicals are eliminated."

Solutions for Stressed Skin

 
Several common and easy-to-implement methods include incorporating physical activity and meditation into your daily routine. Additionally, addressing signs of skin inflammation is a necessary step. Products containing BAM active ingredients, which directly inhibit enzymes to reduce cortisol production, are suitable choices for combating the effects of stress on the skin.

"As a result, stress hormone levels become balanced, collagen fiber damage is reduced, and skin tissue conditions improve. As a result, the skin maintains its youthfulness, health, and firmness," says Gustavo Saczk, a dermatologist, PhD, member of the Brazilian Dermatology Association and the Brazilian Dermatologic Surgery Association, and scientific advisor for Età Cosmetics.

Oral serums are also recommended in conjunction with topical serums to enhance treatment effectiveness. Patrícia França, the scientific director at Biotec Dermocosméticos, explains: "Oral serum is formulated with ingredients like Modulip GC and Glycoxil to counteract the chronic effects of stress on the skin, as well as regulate cortisol and glycation processes."

Solutions for Skin After Sleepless Nights

Stay Hydrated

Do you notice puffiness on your face after sleepless nights or oversleeping? Dr. Paola recommends drinking at least two liters of water daily, with coconut water and green tea being ideal choices. Be mindful of your sodium intake with meals, as it can lead to water retention, especially when consuming canned fruit juices.

Add Green Vegetables

Daily physical activity is essential as it promotes a healthy body. "Muscle contraction itself contributes to fluid retention. Combining exercise with a balanced diet, including green vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and white cabbage, can help improve the detoxification process, reducing puffiness and water retention," says Dr. Paola.

Skin Care

However, if you've been dealing with sleep deprivation for a long time, your skin's ability to repair and regenerate may be compromised. In such cases, you can use products containing resveratrol and pomegranate seed oil. Resveratrol has a strong antioxidant capacity and contributes to increased cell longevity. 

Pomegranate seed oil is an excellent ally with potent antioxidant properties. According to Ludmila Bonelli, an aesthetic expert, dermatological cosmetic scientist, and scientific director of Be Belle: "Pomegranate seed oil strengthens the skin's structure and enhances its immune capabilities, while also countering the aging effects of free radicals."

Supplements

Regarding dietary supplements, pharmacist Patrícia França suggests the use of Exsynutriment, an organic, bioavailable silicon that stimulates collagen, and Oral FC, which aids in hydration and combats aging and inflammation.

You can refer to Vitacare USA's Vitality 100+ product for comprehensive nutritional supplementation.

 

Physical Therapy

Relax & Refresh

Additionally, you can utilize skin treatments such as Pico Ultra 300, designed to reduce pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin, or Ultraction 3D, ideal for stimulating collagen production.

According to Dr. Paola, for initial wrinkles, you can opt for the Relax & Refresh treatment to slow down the aging process, particularly around the eyes and mouth. "In this procedure, botulinum toxin relaxes muscles combined with skin boosters to expedite hydration and collagen production, effectively reducing crow's feet and wrinkles. On average, the treatment spans three sessions and yields results after 15 days."

LipoGlow

Another method is LipoGlow, performed by injecting fat into the face to enhance skin radiance and brightness. "The lipoenxertia procedure uses fat from the patient's own body to restore volume and rejuvenate facial skin," explains Dr. Mario Farinazzo, a cosmetic surgeon. 

"Fat, aside from not causing rejection as it is taken from the patient's own body, provides natural and almost permanent results because approximately half of the transferred fat integrates into the tissue. Additionally, it is rich in stem cells, which improve skin quality and appearance."

HydraFacial

Although not specifically indicated for addressing age-related issues, the HydraFacial procedure can restore skin health that may have been compromised due to stress and lack of sleep. "HydraFacial promotes an immediate improvement in skin quality, helping to even out tone and texture, enhance firmness, vitality, softness, and skin brightness through patented Vortex-Fusion®️ technology with exclusive spiral-design tips. 

This technology creates a swirling effect, combined with the vacuum suction technology of the device, to remove impurities and provide moisturizing solutions," explains dermatologist Dr. Mônica Aribi.

Conclusion

There's a saying that goes, "First, the figure; second, the skin." Healthy, beautiful skin not only improves your overall appearance but also reflects your physical and mental well-being. Try these methods to take care of your skin after stressful days or sleepless nights!