Health

How Cortisol Affects Your Skin – The Stress Connection

Published

17 hours ago

3 July 2025

You ever notice how your skin acts up at the worst possible time?

Not after a greasy meal or a night out—but right in the middle of a stressful week. One minute you’re dealing with a flood of emails and missed calls, and the next, your face is flaring up for no clear reason.

At first, I thought it was just me. But turns out, there’s a deeper connection between stress and your skin—and it’s got a lot to do with a little hormone called cortisol.

Breakouts. Dry patches. Sudden redness.

Sound familiar?

It’s not a coincidence. One sneaky hormone might be behind it all: Cortisol—your body’s primary stress hormone.

So… what exactly is cortisol?

Cortisol isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s incredibly useful.

Cortisol is basically your body’s built-in alarm system. When you’re stressed—like really stressed—your adrenal glands release it to help you stay alert and keep going.

It’s useful in small bursts (like when you’re late and sprinting for a meeting), but when stress sticks around too long, cortisol starts messing with things it shouldn’t… including your skin

The problem?

Your body doesn’t know the difference between running from a lion and stressing over unread emails.

When cortisol sticks around longer than it should (which happens when you’re constantly stressed), it starts to mess with your skin in ways you probably never expected.

Here’s how cortisol can mess with your skin

1.Breakouts That Come Out of Nowhere

Ever notice how you break out more when you’re stressed?

Cortisol boosts oil production. More oil = clogged pores = pimples. Add in the temptation to pick or touch your face when anxious, and it’s a recipe for skin drama.

2. It Dries You Out

Chronic stress can weaken your skin barrier—meaning your skin loses moisture faster.

You may notice flakiness, tightness, or just that “dull” look that no amount of moisturizer seems to fix.

3. Slower Healing

Have a cut or breakout that just won’t heal?

Yep—blame stress. High cortisol can slow down your skin’s natural repair process. So that scar or pimple sticks around longer than it should.

4. Inflammation Central

Cortisol can throw your immune system off balance, triggering more inflammation.

This makes conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea worse during stressful times.

Okay… but what can you actually do about it?

Here’s the good news: once you’re aware of the stress-skin connection, you can do something about it. Not overnight, but it’s absolutely doable.

Start with your mind

No, you don’t need to become a monk. But small things make a big difference.

Try:

5 minutes of deep breathing before bed
A walk without your phone
Journaling or brain-dumping your worries
Saying “no” more often (boundaries = peace)

Simplify your skincare

When cortisol is high, your skin’s more reactive.

So don’t overload it. Stick to gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers, and sunscreen. Avoid scrubs, alcohol-based toners, or anything “harsh.”

Watch your lifestyle habits
Stay hydrated
Sleep like it’s your job
Eat real food (yes, greens—but also carbs and joy)
Move your body—dancing counts, too

Conclusion

Your skin listens to everything your body is feeling. And cortisol? It’s just the messenger.

So instead of only fighting your skin with products, try listening to what it’s telling you.

Sometimes, the best skincare isn’t in a bottle—it’s in how you treat yourself.

Be kind. Slow down.

And let your skin breathe.

Ancient Herbal Teas That Are Good for Your Liver

Published

3 days ago

1 July 2025

Jennifer Chisom

Revitalize your liver naturally with these 5 powerful herbal teas. Sip your way to better digestion, detox, and overall wellness!

Be honest, when was the last time you thought about your liver? We usually talk about skincare, workouts, and our diet. But the liver? It’s always gets left out of the conversation.

And yet, it is working round-the-clock: cleaning out toxins, helping with digestion, and even balancing your hormones.

So today, we are going to show our liver some love, the easy way. Just by sipping the right teas.

In this article, we’d be discussing 5 herbal teas that people have used for ages, and they still work like magic.

Milk Thistle Tea

Let’s start with the legend when it comes to liver health. This one is a big deal and has been used for the past 2,000 years. Milk thistle is packed with silymarin which helps clean out the liver and even repairs it.

If you’ve been taking meds, drinking, or feeling bloated and tired, try this tea. It’s the detox you need!

How to use: Add a teaspoon of crushed milk thistle seeds in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink once or twice a day.

Taste tip: It has a nutty taste so you might want to add honey or mint.

Dandelion Root Tea

This is not just a backyard weed! This tea is really good when it comes to flushing out your liver. It helps your body break down fat and keeps your digestion smooth.

If you tend to feel heavy or puffy after meals, Dandelion root is your go-to!

How to use: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried root in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and sip while warm.

Taste tip: It’s earthy and a little bitter so you might want to add lemon or cinnamon depending on your taste.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric isn’t just for cooking. It plays an incredible role in your liver health. It helps reduce inflammation and keeps your liver running smoothly. If you’re always feeling bloated or tired, then you shouldn’t sleep on this one!

How to use: Boil a cup of water with ½ teaspoon turmeric, a pinch of black pepper (so your body can absorb the tea), and you can sprinkle in cinnamon or ginger if you want. Cook low and slow for 10 minutes and add some honey to taste.

Taste tip: Warm, spicy, cozy.

Licorice Root Tea

If you feel down or crave sugar a lot, then you should try licorice tea. It helps clean up your liver and it supports your adrenals (the part of you that helps with energy and stress.)

How to use: Simmer 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in hot water for 5–10 mins. Sip slowly.

Taste tip: It’s sweet on its own. So you might not need to add sugar.

Side note: If you have high blood pressure, you might want to check in with your doctor before making this a regular habit or part of your routine.

Schisandra Berry Tea

This one might not be so popular, but it is one of those herbal teas that should be hyped a lot. These little berries are great for the liver but they also help with your energy levels, skin health, and brain fog.

How to use: Slowly cook 1 tablespoon of dried berries in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and sip.

Taste tip: It is a burst of different flavours: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter all in one! But it is extremely beneficial for your liver health.

Conclusion

Your liver is doing a lot of work. And thankfully, you don’t need a fancy detox or expensive juice to take care of it. Just add one of these teas into your week, one cup a day and your body will feel the difference.

Clearer skin? Better digestion? Less bloating? Yes, these are signs that your liver is healthy.

Try a few of them, find your preferred one, and keep sipping. Your body (and future self) will be so glad you did!

ALSO SEE: Dubai Launches World’s First AI Chef

Health

Top 5 Yoga Studios in Dubai for Inner Peace and Flexibility

Published

3 weeks ago

10 June 2025

Tosin Adesina

In a city renowned for its fast pace, luxury, and innovation, the need for balance is more essential than ever.

Amid deadlines, high-rise living, and the ever-present buzz of ambition, many are turning to yoga not simply as a form of exercise—but as a deliberate practice of self-alignment, focus, and restoration.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional navigating high-stakes industries, or a wellness enthusiast striving for daily balance, it offers a growing collection of yoga spaces that blend global expertise with calming environments.

These studios don’t just deliver flexibility or fitness—they offer an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Here are five standout yoga studios where serenity, discipline, and strength come together to support your body and mind.

1. SEVA Experience

SEVA is not just a yoga studio—it’s a complete wellness sanctuary. Tucked within a lush garden and intentionally free of digital distractions, SEVA offers a quiet retreat from the fast pace of city life.

With a focus on traditional yoga, meditation, and holistic healing, the studio offers classes like Kundalini, Yin, and Breathwork that invite deep restoration.

Their plant-based café also offers nourishing meals and juices, creating a space for both physical and mental well-being.

It’s well Recommended for mindfulness practitioners, beginners, and anyone seeking emotional clarity.

2. Zen Yoga

Zen Yoga is thoughtfully located in three of our most esteemed areas—Media City, Emirates Hills, and Umm Suqeim—making it easily accessible for those seeking balance and wellness in the heart of the city.

Zen Yoga has built a solid reputation as one of the most consistent and community-centered yoga spaces.

With multiple branches and an inclusive atmosphere, it caters to all levels—offering classes in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Prenatal Yoga, and more.

Each location features highly experienced instructors and a warm, welcoming environment—perfect for professionals looking for a reliable routine that fits a busy lifestyle.

Zen Yoga

3. Yoga La Vie

Yoga La Vie is perfectly situated at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah—offering a serene, upscale setting where elegance meets wellness by the sea.

Combining the grace of movement with scenic beauty, Yoga La Vie is known for its boutique, beachfront experience. Its offerings include yoga, barre, and Pilates, with a focus on posture, tone, and feminine strength.

Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, classes here are designed to be both energizing and restorative—ideal for those who seek a mindful escape without leaving the city.

It’s Recommended for professionals and creatives looking for high-quality instruction in a refined setting

Yoga La Vie

4. Dryp

Located in Al Wasl

Dryp is a go-to destination for hot yoga and high-intensity flow classes. If your idea of stress relief includes a good sweat and powerful movement, this studio delivers.

Heated Vinyasa, Sculpt Yoga, and fusion fitness classes are led by dynamic instructors who blend challenge with encouragement.

With a strong community of fitness-minded individuals, Dryp is ideal for those seeking both transformation and motivation.

Highly Recommended for hot yoga enthusiasts, goal-driven individuals, and athletes in recovery.

5. Nilaya House

Nilaya House is a haven for serious yogis and those looking to immerse themselves in the traditional philosophies of yoga.

The studio offers Mysore-style Ashtanga, Iyengar, Pranayama, and guided meditation classes, with a curriculum rooted in lineage and alignment.

With a minimalist, peaceful atmosphere and an emphasis on breath and technique, Nilaya House is where yoga becomes a lifestyle—not just a class.

Nilaya House

Conclusion

Dubai’s yoga studios offer more than physical fitness—they provide intentional spaces to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect.

Whether you’re seeking peace after a demanding day, strength to support your goals, or clarity amid the noise, the right yoga studio can be your anchor.

Investing in your inner well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy for long-term health, resilience, and focus.

Eat these Omega 3 Superfoods to Help You Live Longer and Stronger

Published

1 month ago

2 June 2025

Xclusivstars

Do you want to live a longer and healthier life? It’s not just enough to look good; but to also gain confidence knowing you are living a healthy life as well.

One of the best ways to do that is to stay committed to eating Omega-3-rich foods. These contain nutrients that are essential for improving the heart, reduce inflammation and support brain function.

Here are top 3 Omega food that are accessible and affordable

Sardines: These are small oily fish mostly packaged in a tin. They contain a high level of DHA and EPA giving support to bone density and to the overall health of the heart.

Walnuts: Walnuts have a rough brown or black shell. Encased in it is a white edible nut which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acid and antioxidants. These nutrients promote brain health and lower cholesterol.

Anchovies: These are tiny fish and similar to sardines. They are rich in Omega 3 and support overall health.

Benefits of Omega-3s