How to Beat the Ageing Effects of Stress at Harley Street Skin Clinic IN TODAY'S busy world few people are able to escape the effects of stress. While it is well understood that stress can damage health and wellbeing, it may come as a surprise to hear that it can also have a detrimental effect on skin and hair as well as accelerating signs of ageing. Beauty brands are responding to this by investing in innovative ways to combat the effects of stress. From mindful massages and spiritual skincare to calming lotions and soothing bath soaks there Stress can have a detrimental effect on skin and hair as well as accelerating signs of ageing are many clever new stress-busting beauty buys and rescue treatments that can help you to look and feel great.
SKIN SAVIOURS Everyone’s skin reacts differently to stress but dehydration, dullness, breakouts and uneven skin tone are all good indicators that your skin is feeling under pressure. Soothe an irritated complexion with Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, £28, which contains a powerful blend of calming antioxidants. The stress hormone cortisol can increase oil production, leading to congested pores and breakouts. Murad Blemish Spot Treatment, £15 contains sulphur to banish spots and exfoliating AHAs to speed up cell turnover. Spiritual skincare is growing in popularity with some cosmetic brands harnessing the healing powers of precious stones into their products.
Aeos Energising Skin Conditioner, £54.99 is a potent cream that contains seven crystals including amethyst, quartz and
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to stress
emerald to restore balance to skin and calm excess oil production.
BODY BOOSTERS Roses are known for their wellbeing benefits and have been used therapeutically for thousands of years. The calming floral aroma can instantly lift the mood and when used in beauty products, these beautiful blooms have anti‑inflammatory properties that help combat the signs of ageing. Use Rosina’s Natural Rose Soap, £5.50 Roses are known for their wellbeing benefits and have been used therapeutically for years
(rosinaslotionspotions.com) while bathing, then afterwards apply Odylique Rose Velvet Body Lotion, £29, a luxurious treat that will nourish dry skin.
A long soak in a warm scented bath is the ideal way to relax the mind and body. Add a handful of Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts, £15, which contain a soothing mixture of lavender and mineral salts. The feelgood power of fragrance is often underestimated. Keep a body spray handy and spritz yourself throughout the day. Try Yardley’s new London Bluebell Body Spray, £2.49, an energising and uplifting contemporary fragrance. For a special treat book in for a stress-busting massage. Spa brand Espa’s Mindful Massage is a deeply relaxing 90-minute treatment that focuses on the mind and body to help you reduce stress and be more in the present moment. The therapist guides you through breathing and visualisation techniques before giving you a relaxing full body massage using warm rose quartz crystals. From £190 and available nationwide from March.
PAMPER YOUR TRESSES Research shows that women lose up to 10 per cent of hair during the winter months and when this is combined with
Research shows that women lose up to 10 per cent of hair during the winter months
damage from cold weather and heated styling tools, it’s no wonder that your locks may not be looking their best at this time of year. Nourish your hair with L’Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Low Shampoo, £6.99.The creamy foam-free formula moisturises as it cleanses, making it ideal for fragile and weakened hair. Using silk pillowcases can help brittle, damaged hair as it reduces the amount of friction when you move your head as you sleep. Try John Lewis Silk Oxford Pillowcase, £40. Protect your hair from repeated chemical colouring by using a root cover-up product to hide regrowth. Color Wow Root Cover Up, £28.50 is a long‑lasting mineral-powder formula that stays in place until shampooed out. Available in six shades. Olaplex is a salon treatment for coloured, damaged or brittle hair. It helps rebuild strength and structure, leaving hair smoother, silkier and more manageable. It can either be mixed in with your hair colour by your colourist or applied afterwards. From £50. Give thinning hair a boost with Viviscal, £51, a supplement packed with marine protein and zinc that promises thicker locks and increased hair growth within three to six months. At the clinic try Angel Hair, a rejuvenating treatment that uses platelets taken from your blood. Using silk pillowcases can help brittle, damaged hair as it reduces the amount of friction
From £1,500 (020 7436 4441).
The platelets are mixed with growth factors and injected into the scalp to help stimulate follicles. A course of six monthly treatments is recommended.