ASK THE KHANS
QI’M very stressed and have started to grind my teeth during my sleep, which is hurting my facial muscles. How can I stop this?
AONE of the most common reactions to stress is unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth resulting in pain
turmeric, ginseng and liquorice root are known to regulate stress in the body so introduce them into your diet as supplements or in smoothies.
Look for antioxidant serums with vitamins C, E and resveratrol – all great in fighting skin inflammation as they help protect skin cells from sun exposure and pollution. Try The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%, £5.50 (boots. com). Apply a couple of drops to the skin after cleansing and before moisturiser. and even severe headaches. Botox injections into the jaw muscles can help and will also help lower your stress levels as the grinding disappears. Treatment is painless. Results kick in around five days after injections and last up to six months. From £200 and available from most dentists or clinics.
A moisturiser that helps repair barrier function will boost protection against inflammation.Try Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Great 8 Daily Defense Moisturiser, £36 (johnlewis.com).The nourishing formula includes UVA/UVB protection with broad spectrum SPF35.
Avoid harsh ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and over-exfoliating as these will strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and susceptible to inflammation. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day.Try Ren Perfect Canvas Jelly Oil cleanser, £25 (renskincare.com), which contains grapeseed oil known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Probiotics in skincare are loved for their calming qualities. Try The Inkey List Multi-Biotic moisturiser, £12 (lookfantastic.com) packed with probiotics to help balance your skin’s natural pH levels and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
If skin is inflamed, LED red light therapy will encourage your skin to heal – try Celluma light therapy. It uses a face mask that beams blue, red and near-infrared light, that firms skin and banishes bacteria. From £100 a session from most clinics.