“Fight or flight” equals inflammation, skin damage and pain. The fight or flight response is a biological defense function activated at times of threat and danger. It is a stress and anxiety related condition many face due to work and lifestyle, and includes traffic stress, deadlines and relationships, that cause many imbalances, inflammation and sensitivity in the body and skin. Fight or flight, which includes panic attacks, is an autonomic nervous system response that increases heart rate.

Essential oils and other botanicals offer a vast amount of options for both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection from sun damage. Several essential oils used in topical skin care have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in preventing sun damage. Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) and tincture extracts also provide the necessary and powerful flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolics known for the antioxidant.

When anxiety, stress or depression hit, the body responds, and not exactly in a good way. Emotional stress will release cortisol, which in turn causes inflammation and free radicals, both damaging on several levels to organs and functions within the body. Stress, anxiety and the fight or flight response are responsible for pre-mature aging and damage to skin. Migraines, cardiovascular issues and weakened immunity are on the list of bodily harm caused by stress and anxiety.

Health is a one word definition of beauty. Beauty is the outward expression of an overall healthy body. That means healthy mind, healthy cells and body functions, and healthy attitudes. You can cream your skin with the latest in cosmetic active ingredients all you want, but you’ll never achieve resonant beauty without applying all the holistic steps required for true beauty health.