Blood circulatory system is very mechanical in nature. In many ways, it works just like a pump circulating blood through a network of unseen vessels. In the same way that such a pump system would fail if there were wrong with the pump or the vessels became blocked. (Boehike J, 2017)
Most people aren’t aware of how important blood circulation is to your skin health. Your blood circulatory system brings nutrients (oxygen, minerals, vitamins, hormones and other micro-elements) to your skin cells and removes wastes (carbon dioxide, acid, protein by products). Not only do skin cells require all of these substances, but the cells that comprise the blood vessels also require their own share of nutrients. (Chartie S, 2016) So blood circulatory system can have a great impact on what you see in the mirror!
When the bloodflow to your dermis is restricted, your skin doesn’t look it best. Poor blood circulation to your face causes your skin to look pale and pasty. Also a lack of oxygen and nutrients may cause dark spots, a mottled complexion, slower healing acne wounds, slower cell regeneration, dry skin and leaving you looking aged and more fatigued.
While not all dark circles around the eyes are a result of poor blood circulation but because the skin in the area around our eyes is quite thin, poor circulation results in less oxygenated blood, showing in bluish/ purplish appearance around the eyes.
What remedies that can be used to increase blood flow?
1. Exercise
Exercise improves the oxygen carrying capacity and nourishes the body cells. Daily aerobic activity can improve the circulation of blood and is very essential for healthy body and mind. A rule of thumb is: Getting 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week helps you to maintain a strong heart. (Tabor, 2017)
2.Eat healthy food
A balanced and healthy diet keeps the good blood circulation. You can include these foods to your diet:- Nuts, Garlic, Ginger, Green tea, Green coffee, Ginseng root, omega-3 fatty acids rich food e.g. avocado & oily fish, Vitamin C-rich fruit and deep green vegetables.
Healthy food helps to maintain the tone of blood vessels and promotes good blood circulation. In addition, it provides many nutrients and vitamins to leave your skin glowing naturally.
3. Stay hydrated
When you are dehydrated, blood volume and blood output suffer, taxing the heart as it moves blood through your system (Tabor, 2017)
4. Massage
Massage is the most commonly used means of improving bloodflow to your cells. Massage increases blood circulation as a result of “the physical manipulation of soft tissue and also chemicals released in our face or bodies as part of relaxation response.” (a) Take both hands and gently stroke your face. You don’t need to pull on your skin or use a lot of force. (b) Start at your neck and move up to your cheeks to your forehead. (c) You can use the back of your hand, i.e. the knuckles, to roll across your face.
Why not take the easier and handy way to massage your face? The newest Kathleen Facial Sonic Cleansing Device has combined the sonic pulsation with the innovative silicone touch points for a deeper and gentler cleansing. This handy device also gives you facial massage easily when you bathe because of its waterproofing design. Enjoy this mini pamper to stimulate the bloodflow and oxygen circulation every day.
5. Use of stimulating skin care products
Using skin care products with Ginseng Root, Green Coffee and Co-enzyme Q10 may help to improve blood circulation.
Scientists studies (Kang J, Lee N, Ahn Y, Lee H, 2013) show ginseng root improves blood circulation and the Chlorogenic acid present in the Green coffee is a metabolism booster which imposes a positive effect on the blood vessel and so improving the blood circulation (Nutrinelifepune, 2017). Try Kathleen Caviar Enrich Eye Cream, which has infused with Ginseng root and Green coffee that helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Co-enzyme Q10 is a natural “powerhouse” for our cells to improve the blood circulation and improve our antioxidant defence system (Byron R, 2014). Try Kathleen Glamour Ageless Anti-Aging Serum that specifically targets to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, protects against dryness and restores softness.
6. Practicing deep breathing
Deep breathing improves the circulation of oxygenated blood in one’s system. It also helps decrease stress, lower blood pressure. Deep breathing involves: (a) breathing in slowly until your lungs fill up completely, (b) holding one’s breath for 10-15 seconds and (c) letting out ALL of the air slowly, as this removes carbon dioxide and cellular wastes from the body.
If you found this post interesting, you might also like 10 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter is the skin’s best friend, Amazing White Illuminating Serum and the Beauty Shortlist Awards.
Reference
Boehlke, J. (2017). Benefits of Increased Blood Circulation. Retrieved from Livestrong.com
Chartie, S. (2016). Healthy and vibrant skin thanks to your blood flow! Retrieved from avogel.ca
Tabor, A (2017), In Circulation: Facts About Blood Flow and Healthy Skin. Retrived from Healthy Directions
Kang J, Lee N, Ahn Y, Lee H, (2013), Study on improving blood flow with Korean red ginseng substances using digital infrared thermal imaging and Doppler sonography: randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel design. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nutrinelifepune (2017). Top 9 Benefits of Green Coffee Beans You Should Not Miss
Byron, R (2017), Coenzyme Q10 Remarkably Improves Circulation