Women are multi-taskers, which means we try to juggle everything from our careers and school to friends and family. And while a majority of the time we're total boss babes, managing all of that at once can be overwhelming. Translation: We're completely stressed out.
The bad news: "Stress can worsen or aggravate skin sensitivities and show up as redness, irritation, acne, cold sores, or dry patches," says Josie Howard, M.D., a psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco, member of the clinical faculty at the University of California San Francisco and a member of the Simple Skincare Advisory Board.
Dr. Amy Wechsler, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection adds, "stress can also lead to stomach irritation, insomnia and of course irritated, acne-prone or aged skin." Basically, stress looks good on no one.
The good news is, taking the edge off is as easy as taking a bubble bath. "The incorporation of calming rituals...unwind," says Howard. And that's where these soothing picks come in. They're stress-relieving, sleep-enhancing, skin-beautifying skin-saviors that will calm and relax you with scents of lavender, clary sage and jasmine.
The bad news: "Stress can worsen or aggravate skin sensitivities and show up as redness, irritation, acne, cold sores, or dry patches," says Josie Howard, M.D., a psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco, member of the clinical faculty at the University of California San Francisco and a member of the Simple Skincare Advisory Board.
Dr. Amy Wechsler, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection adds, "stress can also lead to stomach irritation, insomnia and of course irritated, acne-prone or aged skin." Basically, stress looks good on no one.
The good news is, taking the edge off is as easy as taking a bubble bath. "The incorporation of calming rituals...unwind," says Howard. And that's where these soothing picks come in. They're stress-relieving, sleep-enhancing, skin-beautifying skin-saviors that will calm and relax you with scents of lavender, clary sage and jasmine.
It always seems like the second your head hits the pillow, your mind starts racing. Suddenly, you're stressing about your insurmountable to-do list and sleep is nowhere to be found. Enter: Lather Quiet Night Relaxing Balm. This aromatherapy balm contains calming lavender, calendula and ylang ylang essential oils mixed with nourishing rosehip and sunflower oils.
Lavender is well known for its sleep-improving, anxiety-decreasing superpowers. Howard cites two studies that looked at the use of lavender for these purposes: "By simply placing a vial of lavender at the bedside of sleep-deprived patients, they found a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, and an increase in sleep quality and quantity." In another study, lavender aromatherapy in a dentist's office greatly reduced patient's anxiety. "So, if lavender can help with these two groups, it stands to reason that we could likely all benefit from a whiff of lavender to ease the impact of our daily life stressors," she says.
Lavender is well known for its sleep-improving, anxiety-decreasing superpowers. Howard cites two studies that looked at the use of lavender for these purposes: "By simply placing a vial of lavender at the bedside of sleep-deprived patients, they found a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, and an increase in sleep quality and quantity." In another study, lavender aromatherapy in a dentist's office greatly reduced patient's anxiety. "So, if lavender can help with these two groups, it stands to reason that we could likely all benefit from a whiff of lavender to ease the impact of our daily life stressors," she says.
Fig + Yarrow's handcrafted, small-batch products are made from organic wildflowers, herbs and essential oils (and most definitely seem like they belong on aspiring lifestyle guru Blake Lively's countertop). The Hand + Body Wash in Lavender + Thyme is a dual-purpose product that calms with the floral scent of lavender essential oil.
Lavender essential oil is an adaptogen (that's a real word, we promise); that means it has different results depending on what you need from it. If you're stressed, it's relaxing; studies have also shown that people with extreme fatigue became less fatigued after exposure to lavender.
Lavender essential oil is an adaptogen (that's a real word, we promise); that means it has different results depending on what you need from it. If you're stressed, it's relaxing; studies have also shown that people with extreme fatigue became less fatigued after exposure to lavender.
Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts are made with both sugar and salt to exfoliate and soften your skin. The granules are infused with organic French lavender and clary sage essences to help you de-stress.
While you're in the tub, work on your deep breathing. "Your lymphatic system gets a boost from these deep breaths," Wechsler says, which helps it deliver nutrients to cells, collect waste and fight off pathogens -- all of which can improve your skin's health. "Not to mention that deep breathing immediately helps restore your body to a state of calm," she says.
Just don't wind down with a glass or two of wine, as well. Clary sage, while non-toxic, is so relaxing that it can enhance the effects of alcohol.
While you're in the tub, work on your deep breathing. "Your lymphatic system gets a boost from these deep breaths," Wechsler says, which helps it deliver nutrients to cells, collect waste and fight off pathogens -- all of which can improve your skin's health. "Not to mention that deep breathing immediately helps restore your body to a state of calm," she says.
Just don't wind down with a glass or two of wine, as well. Clary sage, while non-toxic, is so relaxing that it can enhance the effects of alcohol.
"You can add a few drops of an essential oil into your warm bath and soak to evoke a state of relaxation and bliss," Wechsler says. Put a few drops of Dermalogica Stress Relief Oil into your tub, and let the soothing blend of sandalwood, lavender, clary sage essential oils take you to your happy place. You can also use this oil in lieu of a lotion, or for a relaxing massage.