Oxytocin, known as the "happiness hormone", is produced in the brain, but also in skin cells and contributes to daily well-being by counteracting stress (both psychological and physiological), lowering blood pressure, regenerating muscles, promoting feelings of attachment and strengthening social bonds.
Oxytocin receptors are present in the tissue and cells of the skin. For this reason, several scientific reports support the positive effects of human contact on skin health. Caresses, hugs and physical contact with our loved ones increase oxytocin levels in the blood and its benefits.
However, the body stops producing Oxytocin for a variety of reasons, which results in the following consequences:
- Frequent episodes of stress and anxiety.
- Increase in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
- Dull, dehydrated and prematurely aged skin.
But beyond understanding the reasons why you don't generate enough Oxytocin, we want to tell you how you can help your body produce this important hormone.
Learn about 4 simple actions that will improve the health of your skin.
1- MORE CONTACT WITH VITAMIN PEOPLE. Sharing with people who bring happiness into your life stimulates the production of oxytocin. Human contact reduces feelings of loneliness, strengthens the immune system and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2- CHOOSE MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. Spending two hours a week in contact with nature improves health by increasing oxytocin production, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3-GIVE AND RECEIVE SINCERE HUGS. Hugging our body secretes oxytocin, releases serotonin and dopamine (responsible for good mood), which generates a pleasant feeling of harmony and fullness, a dose of wellbeing for body and soul.
4-AVOID STRESSFUL SITUATIONS. When you experience tension and anxiety for a continuous period of time, you keep your body under stress by producing large amounts of cortisol, weakening the immune system, affecting the health and well-being of your skin.