If you chuckled at this meme going around (thanks to Erin at Evolutionare for sharing it with me), you definitely understand the stress owning a business takes on you.
“When we’re under ongoing stress, it creates that fight-or-flight reaction in an unrelenting way, and as a result, stress chemicals are released into the body. What we know so far is that the release of those stress chemicals creates biological changes,” Dr. Vivian Diller, PhD, tells the Huffington Post. “It’s very possible that if you have a life filled with that constant stress, little by little the body is breaking down.”
The effects of the breakdown Diller mentions? Pre-mature aging. One study found that a harmful effect on critical DNA in cells can be caused by work-related exhaustion while another study, according to Scope (which is published by Stanford Medicine) supported even the anticipation of stress can accelerate cellular aging.
Elissa Epel, PhD, a research psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco, explains in an interview with MORE.com, “We’ve known for 50 years that stress contributes to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and autoimmune disorders — diseases that can shorten our lifespan. But we had no direct documentation of how stress impacts aging at the cellular level. My team identified marked changes in the DNA of the white-blood cells in stressed-out women. Under prolonged emotional stress, the telomeres — branches at the tips of each chromosome, which allow cell replication — appeared shorter. When telomeres get too short, cells can’t divide and die sooner. Based on telomere length, we estimated that cells in the women studied had aged 9-17 additional years. It’s possible that as more cells die, the visible effects of aging — wrinkles, diminished eyesight — become apparent.”
If you’re a frequent visitor, I hope by now you are at least thinking about incorporating some stress reducing practices into your routine, because owning a business comes at a significant price to your mental health. To combat the toll your fight-or-flight response may have already taken on your beautiful face, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite anti-aging products – clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by entrepreneurship…
1.) PMD Personal Microderm ($159.00)
If you can never seem to find time to indulge in a spa day, this will be your secret weapon. The Personal Microderm is a revolutionary at-home skincare tool that provides the same impressive results as professional, in-office microdermabrasion treatments. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, and enlarged pores. After a treatment, makeup goes on smoother and skin care penetrates significantly deeper – 20X deeper. PMD uses a patented spinning disc with aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate away the dead, dull cells on the skin. By removing this dead skin cell barrier, new cell growth is stimulated and renewed, revealing soft, brilliant and rejuvenated skin. Plus, calibrated vacuum suction is used to increase blood flow and circulation triggering the body to build collagen and elastin which leaves the skin firm and radiant. Shed your skin insecurities, re-discover your glow, and be the most confident Gem that you can be with radiant skin!
2.) Invincible Root Cell Anti-Aging Serum from Farmacy Beauty ($65.00)
This is not your average beauty serum. Farmacy Beauty products are filled with unique farm-grown botanicals and powered by Echinacea GreenEnvy™. Containing the highest known concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, this potent natural antioxidant helps to protect and firm the skin by inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen. It’s also packed with a highly stable form of vitamin C that penetrates deep into the skin reducing the appearance of freckles, dark spots, and sun damage.
3.) Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel ($68.00)
A long time beauty secret of celebs, peels are the go-to exfoliators for those in the know. Peel newbies often find the prospect of at home treatments to be intimidating. This is the solution. Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel offers all the benefits of a peel, like plumping the skin’s matrix to increase volume resulting in firmer, tighter skin, all without the threat of irritation. Apply at night once or twice a week to discover younger, smoother, firmer skin. No burn. Just benefits. Pair with the Evening Restorative Complex ($48.00) cream for power packed benefits.
4.) Youth Glow Eye Gel by goPURE Naturals ($20.50)
The skin around your eyes is delicate and extremely this, making the area around your eyes one of the first places where visible signs of aging begin to emerge. After becoming a mother, founder Erin Keyan was shocked to discover how many products contain toxic and dangerous chemical ingredients. Containing only the purest and natural ingredients, this baby helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to restore youth back to your sockets of wisdom.
5.) Nourish Anti-Oxidant Protective Moisturizer from Doll Face Beauty ($38.00)
Empower your skin with this effective daily diva defense from one of my favorite skin care brands ever! This blend of free-radical fighting mega anti-oxidants infused in a lightweight moisturizing lotion provides all-day protective hydration while also protecting skin against premature aging signs. It’s power-packed with clever ingredients like anti-oxidant Super Berry Seed Oil Raspberries and high-powered polyphenol Grapes for natural potency.
6.) Anavita Moisturizing Anti Wrinkle Anti Aging Cream ($29.95)
Turn back the clock while saying goodbye to wrinkled, sagging, dry skin. This unique formula stimulates collagen production and rebuilds the cellular matrix of the skin using three proven ingredients – hyaluronic acid, Argireline (5%), and Matrixyl. Ideal for the multi-tasker who will find delight in no longer having to buy a collection of products to fight the signs of aging.