Cortisol: Inflammation & skin health

The natural rise of cortisol as we age 

The levels of our stress hormone cortisol naturally rises as we age, which is a cause of chronic low grade inflammation, a state that can be harmful to our cellular health. In skin cells, low grade chronic inflammation can impair the DNA of our skin cells, slow cell renewal and accelerate skin ageing. 

Limiting stress in your life is essential to keep cortisol at lower levels, so seek out a lower stress life and find ways to manage stressful periods with nervous system calming activities such as walking, breathwork and yoga. These have been shown to lower cortisol which may help reduce inflammation.

But while we don’t always have control over life stressors, we have our daily nutrition as a powerful tool in combating inflammation and aiding skin healing. Include anti-inflammatory foods such as avocados, oily fish like sardines, and plenty of fibrous and vitamin A rich foods like sweet potato as these can help to lower inflammation and heal your skin. 

3 ways to handle high cortisol

Choose anti-inflammatory foods - e.g. cold water oily fish, avocados

Metabolise circulating cortisol with moderate daily body movement

Support steadier blood glucose and cortisol activity with daily breathwork