By Jennie Lawson, founder of Mimosa Beauty and ambassador for smart mirror HiMirror
Relationships on Female First
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and thousands of singletons and loved up couples will be dolling themselves up for a romantic evening. But do they need to? Can simply being in love make you more beautiful?
We asked skincare specialist Jennie Lawson, founder of Mimosa Beauty and ambassador for smart mirror HiMirror, how being loved up can impact your looks.
Loved up glow
Hormones are closely intertwined with emotions and can have an enormous impact on your skin.
The idea that being in love gives you a ‘happy glow’ is to some extent true – positive emotions are linked to the release of ‘happy hormones’ such as endorphins, and neurotransmitters, which reduce inflammation in the skin and increases blood flow, giving skin a natural glow.
Similarly, oxytocin, which is the hormone responsible for bonds between partners, is believed to decrease some of the inflammatory factors which slow healing, so increased oxytocin can help reduce skin irritation.
Blushing
In the early throes of romance, the surge of adrenaline that makes your heart feel like its beating double time is responsible for increasing your circulation. This makes your cheeks flushed, which helps you look healthier and more youthful.
Reduced stress
In a happy relationship you’ll be less likely to be suffering from stress and anxiety, which can otherwise cause acne, dry skin or puffy eyes.
Cortisol, the stress hormone released when you feel worried, can inflame cells, which makes them prone to breaking down collagen. This is the protein which helps skin stay smooth, so greater stress can cause rough and dry skin.
Being sad also causes your blood vessels to constrict, making skin look pale and sallow
Likewise, crying can – over a long period of time – cause wrinkling as the eye area is delicate.
A happy romance which reduces these stresses can help your skin appear smooth, moisturised and clear – all key to a beautiful complexion.
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