It’s a huge reflection of the amount of stress we are facing right now, and my heart goes out to you if you experiencing stress to a level that is affecting your skin. When your skin starts presenting with unexplained red rashes, eczema, becomes dry and itchy, or your scalp is irritated and flaky, this is often an indicator that your stress levels are higher than your body can cope with, and this is a time to listen to your body’s feedback before it becomes a cycle that is hard to break.The discomfort from your skin or scalp also adds to the feeling of stress as it’s a constant irritation that makes you feel more stressed.

1. Start an action plan as early as you can: The longer you let the condition go, the harder the cycle can be to break.

2. Treat BOTH the skin condition AND the stress condition at the same time.

3. Be kind to yourself and start saying “no” to things that add to your responsibilities.

HYDRATION:

Stressed skin has generally lost its natural skin oil (sebum) protection. This makes it more easily irritated. Until the skin strengthens and balances it is vital to replace the lost oil barrier by applying products that hydrate and protect the skin.

The right formula of hydration will still allow your skin to breath yet be perfectly balanced to have some ingredients that absorb and others that stay on the top layers to offer long-lasting protection.

OUR BODY IS DESIGNED TO BALANCE ITSELF - SUPPORT YOUR NATURAL HEALING:

Our skin welcomes the benefits of the products more when we apply them in a way that helps us deeply relax.

Mindfully apply each product and take the time to massage in, concentrating not only on the skin but also the muscles.

Treat the area as a whole, don’t give extra attention to the place of irritation to restore a sense of all over balance and relief.

TREAT BODY & MIND:

Treating the stress of body and mind together achieves quickest results.

At iKOU we combine a combination of ingredients to heal and protect the skin, aromatherapy to calm both skin and mind and textures that inspire immersing yourself in a sensory, deeply relaxing, ritual-like experience.

This approach calms the skin and the mind at the same time which deepens the body's natural healing process.

Imagine the difference to your overall physical and emotional wellbeing when you take the time to enjoy a complete head-to-toe home spa ritual that leaves you hydrated all over and completely relaxed.

It is amazing the results you get when you do this!

My favourite combination is a body scrub in the bath with a deep conditioner scalp massage and a home spa facial with face polish and mask.

A complete experience relaxes you entirely to encourage healing, and helps take the focus away from the area of irritation to settle your nervous system.

TO DE-STRESS SKIN ON THE BODY:

“De-Stress Body Souffle” protects and heals while allowing the skin to breathe and stimulating healthy new cell growth.

Use in conjunction with “Organic Italian Orange & Jojoba Body Buff”, 1-2 times per week; A deeply hydrating organic body scrub that boosts the souffle absorption benefits.

HOW TO:

iKOU Body Buff can easily be used in the shower.

While your conditioner is on for a few minutes, simply turn off the water, scrub all-over and rinse off your hair and body at the same time!

TO DE-STRESS SKIN ON THE FACE:

“Baobab & Neroli Calming Face Oil” (massage into face morning and night).

Use in conjunction with “Recovery Face Cleansing Creme”.

HOW TO:

Double cleanse with Recovery Cleanser at night. Apply directly to dry skin, at the sink (not in the shower where you skin is wet) and gently remove after each cleanse with a soft face cloth.

Massage the Calming Organic Face Oil into the entire face and décolletage releasing tension from the muscles of the face, neck and jaw.

TO DE-STRESS THE SCALP: 

iKOU Natural Shampoo & Conditioner- wash daily.

Daily washing really helps shed the excess skin cells. 1-2 times per week use the Deep Conditioner without shampooing, onto dry hair and warmed before application and use it as a relaxing Head & Scalp massage to relieve stress and treat the flaky scalp condition at the same time.

- WATCH HOW TO VIDEO

*We recommend blow dry your hair shortly after washing, as a damp scalp is more prone to fungal conditions and create a light feeling where your hair lifts off your scalp.

TO DE-STRESS THE HANDS:

Use De-Stress Hand & Body Wash in conjunction with De-Stress Organic Hand Cream to treat eczema, psoriasis or sensitive, irritated skin on the hands.

Apply the organic hand cream twice each time, 5 minutes apart to really layer the protective hydration. Include the cuticles as they often take oil from the skin. At night apply thickly for extra benefits as you sleep.

Diet can also impact the health and wellness of our skin immensely.

Common triggers of skin irritation are cow's milk, cheese, wheat as well as processed foods, flavours and preservatives.

Even if you’ve eaten these things regularly and coped, stress can trigger sensitivities to these common allergens.

At times our skin needs more support, eating fresh colourful simple real foods and being mindful to more drink water can make a huge difference.

Generally when we are stressed we lack the energy and motivation to prepare nutritious meals, choosing convenience with pre-prepared options.

Times of stress however are when our body needs good food to support and boost your system, so the effort is worth it!

Listen to your body's signals. Your skin is a mirror of your emotions and health.

It is okay to put yourself first!

Naomi Whitfeld is the Founder of iKOU and author of the book "Energise your life".

Her passion for inspiring others to live a life of wellness & joy shines through in everything she does.

As an intuitive Aromatherapist, Naomi incorporates mind & body benefits into all she creates, believing we respond best when we treat as a 'whole".

Winner of the Telstra Business Women's Award for "Entrepreneur of the Year", Naomi has a particular interest in supporting busy women to enjoy rituals of self-care on a daily basis.