In this month of pink October, it seems more important than ever to take care of our bodies and observe them for the sometimes imperceptible changes that should alert us to our state of health (to this end, I invite you to have your breasts checked or learn how to do it yourself, as it's literally a lifesaver!).
And then, in autumn, it's not uncommon to feel a little down, a drop in vitality, an emotional turmoil. The decrease in light intensity, the shorter, rainy days, the return to everyday life at the start of the new school year, can have an impact on our morale, which in turn has consequences for our bodies, and a fortiori our skin...
That's what I'd like to talk to you about today, because I believe it's more important than ever to combine body and mind in the same movement, in order to feel complete and lasting well-being while protecting ourselves from health problems.
In this respect, seawater could be one of your most precious allies...
THE SKIN, AN EMUNCTORY ORGAN SENSITIVE TO STRESS
As I've already mentioned in previous publications, the skin is an organ like any other! It is one of the 5 main emunctories - lungs, liver, intestines, kidneys - which regulate the evacuation of toxins (by eliminating waste), but it also has the function of protecting our entire body.
waste), but it also has the function of protecting our entire organism.
Its primary role is to act as an effective barrier against viruses and microbes, as well as the elements (by regulating heat and oxygenating skin cells).
To do this job perfectly, of course, it needs to be in good health. The surface area to be treated is colossal and, like the other organs, it is sensitive to our mental well-being.
You can see this for yourself: all you have to do is blush at a compliment, and you've got the proof that your emotions have an impact on your skin.
But this doesn't always go as smoothly as we'd like, and it can also fall victim to the stress and negative thoughts that sometimes plague us...
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL BALANCE
It's not for nothing that mental health is a major public health issue.
“Mental disorders represent the leading item of expenditure for the general health insurance scheme by pathology, ahead of cancers and cardiovascular diseases (...)” (https://sante.gouv.fr/)
We really do have everything to gain from taking better care of our minds, in order to protect them from the more serious pathologies that could arise.
A good mental state and well-balanced emotions allow us to feel secure, to be free to express our needs and desires, to have the resources to overcome certain fears and life's ups and downs, to avoid being overwhelmed by anxiety and tetanus, and to form healthy relationships with the world around us...
Good mental health is therefore an essential prerequisite for managing everyday life and our relationships with others with greater ease.
How poor emotional management affects our physical health. When the above-mentioned conditions are not met, or when the environment is degraded, our mental health can be diminished - and not without consequences.
When we can no longer cope with stress or express our emotions openly, tensions can “build up” inside the body.
In very concrete terms, this “emotional turmoil” can lead to increased nervous tension, stomach aches, excessive fatigue, disrupted sleep and eating patterns, and alter the proper functioning of the immune and hormonal systems, releasing large quantities of chemicals into the bloodstream.
hormonal system, releasing large quantities of cortisol (the stress hormone) into the bloodstream, which in time can send the whole body into a frenzy.
And the skin is no exception! Isn't it said that it's the “mirror of our emotions”?
THE IMPACT OF OUR EMOTIONS ON THE SKIN
Inflammation is one of the first signs of stress, and it's much more visible on the skin, which can be subject to a real flare-up of eczema, acne or psoriasis...
This inflammatory flare-up can itself cause discomfort and increase general anxiety (thus coming full circle...).
When we're anxious, oxidative stress intensifies: large quantities of free radicals are released, which can ultimately lead to accelerated aging of the skin.
That's why it's so important to be vigilant about the condition of our skin, as it also says a lot about our mental state...
HOW TO LET GO & TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?
Leave self-criticism in the checkroom: everyone makes mistakes, so there's absolutely no point in harping on about the same thoughts that are ruining your life. Instead, look at how you can change things in concrete ways.
If you're feeling unwell or your emotions are “overflowing”, find someone to talk to about it (this could be a friend or a professional if the problem is deeper and more difficult to deal with), or write down what's bothering you and get it out of your head.
Changes can always be made - you already have the key to solving the problem! It's in action that you'll find comfort (by practicing a sport, meditation or creative activities) but also by taking care of your skin...
A SKIN ROUTINE CAN ALSO HELP!
Taking time out for yourself is invaluable, as you can focus entirely on your well-being without having to worry about anything else.
A massage with a light cream, such as Relax Isotonic, allows you to release tension, clear your mind of toxic thoughts and do good for your skin (which will be better oxygenated, moisturized and regulated).
To perfect this moment and maximize the benefits of your seawater treatments, download my free guide to “The Art of Facial Modeling”.
This is a gentle effleurage technique to help your treatments penetrate the skin, release toxins and relax you!
To go further...
I wanted to talk about emotions and their impact on our bodies in a more personal way (with my own experience of bereavement and my body's reaction to the news) in episode 14 of my podcast “The power of the subconscious”.
I invite you to listen to it here.
Come and share your tips for combating stress and looking after your skin.
