Stretch for healthier skin

Stretching doesn’t only feel good for the body.  Regular stretching is essential for the body’s health, especially for the connective tissue. Surprisingly, stretching regularly can contribute to healthier skin. Read more in this article by our Founder, Mette Skjærbæk.
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I remember it as it was yesterday: In the 70s, I was visiting Ida, my classmate, and I saw her mother doing yoga in the living room. I felt like I was hiding behind the frame of the door, watching her perform her stretches. I was completely in awe. Little Mette had never seen anything like it before...

I did always see our cat, Kissi, stretch after sleep though, as the most natural thing in the world, and cats are not the only ones who always begin with a patient stretch. Videnskab.dk (Scientific magazine) writes, "It is observed in almost all animal species - our best friend, the dog, stretches its front legs forward and arches its back, and even fish spread and wave their fins when they wake up.”

So maybe, in this particular area, we should learn from animals, because something so instinctively pleasant and healthy for the body can easily be forgotten in an up-and-go everyday life

Why? 

When I write an article about stretching, it is with the hope of inspiring you to start remembering it when you wake up, and also during the day as a little mini-break. 

It's the finest DO YOU to prioritize the small things we can do to create that crucial connection with ourselves.

When we stretch, it positively affects nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and connective tissue. Flexibility increases in our muscles, and the hormone endorphin is released. Endorphins contribute to giving us a feeling of happiness, providing energy and well-being. 

I'd like that as an appetizer before breakfast, please.

There are many good reasons to stretch, but perhaps most importantly, it just feels great..

Below, I will dig deeper into why stretching and movement are beneficial for connective tissue. The health of connective tissue is a crucial factor in how our skin appears.

The skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The dermis consists mainly of connective tissue, also known as fascia, primarily formed by collagen and elastin fibers.

In youth connective tissue repairs and renews itself progressively, maintaining elasticity and suppleness. However, as we age, the natural repair processes slow down, causing connective tissue to gradually lose its elasticity. Additionally, this process is significantly accelerated by the sun's UV rays (netdoktor.dk).

What is fascia?

Fascia, also known as the body's connective tissue, is the fabric that binds our muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels together. When the body has healthy fascia, we become more agile and flexible.

The benefits of maintaining healthy fascia include improved blood circulation and increased body symmetry. Some positive effects on the skin include the reduction of stretch marks and cellulite, as well as the breakdown of scar tissue.

Unhealthy fascia can result from various factors, but one of the major culprits is a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of movement and poor posture. Other factors contributing to unhealthy fascia may include muscle overuse, stress, and dehydration.

Read the article “STAY HYDRATED - drink water”

How can I keep my fascia healthy?

You can maintain a healthy fascia by stretching daily. This can be done by incorporating stretching exercises into your daily routine. It doesn't have to be complicated; for example, you can start the day with a gentle morning stretch.

You can then tailor your stretching exercises as needed. It might be that you feel the need to stretch after a long workday or before bedtime.

Posture and movement are two other factors that play a role in maintaining healthy fascia. It's important to focus on proper posture and ensure you're not slouching. Movement is one of the easier factors. Movement doesn't necessarily have to be exercise; a power walk in the fresh air can be sufficient.

Read the article “How daylight affects us”

Here is my warmest recommendation to start the morning by stretching like your favorite animal... just sitting on the edge of the bed, gently awakening both the body and thoughts.

All the best,

Mette