Stressed? Probably. The pressures of modern living are relentless – whether you’re studying, working, parenting, caring or somehow juggling a combination of a few, or all of the above – the likelihood is, you’re forgetting to care for yourself. We all know how stress affects our wellbeing – we recognise the sweaty palms and palpitations, foggy brain and lack of sleep – but very few of us realise the toll that stress takes on our skin.
The stress-induced ‘fight of flight’ instinct kick-starts the release of several key hormones – adrenaline, cortisol and histamine – which flood the bloodstream in a bid to help us act more quickly under pressure. However, when we’re constantly firing on all cylinders, this adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle swiftly ceases to be beneficial. With hormone levels consistently elevated, skin becomes irritated and inflamed – and as we’re swiftly learning – inflammation is one of the primary causes of ageing. Vital oxygen, water and nutrients are also steered elsewhere depriving skin cells of the vital elements they need to thrive.
The result? Dullness, dehydration, congestion, confusion… the list of skin misery goes on. Which is why {skyn ICELAND’s} creator, Sarah Kugelman – a sufferer of extreme stress levels and the accompanying skin concerns; cystic acne, scars and phenomenal skin-thirst – decided to take back control of her health and complexion.
Developed in collaboration with an advisory board of health and wellness experts – in an effort to fully comprehend the scope of stress’s mal-effects – {skyn ICELAND} have created a capsule collection of potent, award-winning skin care solutions, to combat the stress caused by… stress.
Their signature ‘Icelandic Complex’ – Icelandic glacial water, Arctic super fruits and pure, encapsulated oxygen – is a key component of this impressive range; calming reactivity, replenishing precious moisture and alleviating inflammation to maintain skin’s youthful lustre.
The cooling gels – for {Face} and {Eyes} – are the ultimate foils for all signs of fatigue. “They’re weirdly jelly-esque but instantly refreshing” – infusing weakened skin with missing nutrients, while bolstering cells’ reservoirs to ‘plump’ fine lines and wrinkles. “I feel less jet-lagged already!” said Pete, as he peeled a slug-like sticker from his forehead, while the entirety of the CB team found they felt – and looked – instantly revitalised… no mean feat come 3.30 on Friday…
Store the gel patches in the fridge for extra cooling benefit, and reach for them whenever you need an immediate ‘lift’ – post-work, pre-date, morning-after or even midday (on your lunch break). Think of them as counselling for your complexion…