I’m a beauty pro and my anti-aging tips will take 16 years off you – they’re free and even Kim K does it

A BEAUTY professional has revealed her anti-aging tips that won’t break the bank.

With just a few simple stepsMike Kocsis believes that his techniques can reduce aging by up to 16 years.

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Mike, who is a self-care expert at Balance my hormonesencourages people to take care of their hormonal health to quickly reverse the signs of aging.

He also believes it all comes down to adopting methods to reduce cortisol levels.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands.

Mike says: “Cortisol often gets a bad rap as it is commonly referred to as the body’s stress hormone; however, it plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels, reducing internal inflammation, and even preserving memory.

“However, too much cortisol harms the body.”

Adopting methods to reduce cortisol levels is one of the quickest ways to reverse signs of aging caused by feelings of stress.

Mike continues: “It doesn’t have to be expensive gym sessions or an extensive skincare routine.

“Simply going for a walk increases production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

“In fact, a survey by the magazine communications biology found that walking can reduce your biological age by up to 16 years.

“Participating in walking meditation is a great way to further suppress the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

“There are several easy-to-use apps that offer guided walking meditations.”

Practicing cold water therapy is also great for anti-aging, according to Mike.

Studies have shown that daily digestion of probiotics significantly reduces cortisol levels

Mike Kocsis

Cold water therapy involves applying ice or cold to the skin, or immersing it in water.

Mike continues: “The practice of cold water therapy has gained popularity in recent years, with several celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga claiming to be fans.

“Immersion in cold water has been proven to reduce cortisol levels, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

“Reducing inflammation and cortisol helps reverse the signs of high cortisol levels and therefore the onset of aging.”

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Gut health also plays an important role in hormonal health.

He says: “If you’re striving to lower stress levels and achieve healthy-looking skin, consuming probiotic foods like kefir and Kombucha will benefit your gut microbiome.

“Studies have shown that daily digestion of probiotics significantly reduces cortisol levels.”

A group of cells in the brain known as the hypothalamus initiates the secretion of cortisol by releasing corticotropin.

This leads to the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, which when detected by the two adrenal glands that sit above the kidneys, releases cortisol.

Mike says: “This kick initiates the body’s fight or flight response, a mechanism whose purpose is to keep us safe and let us know when we are safe or in danger.

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“If we experience high amounts of stress, excess cortisol courses through the body, impacting not only our mood, but also the functioning of organs such as the skin.”

Here, Mike Kocsis at Balance my hormones reveals how your skin can provide signals that indicate when your cortisol levels are too high, with three methods that work to decrease its production.

A Cortisol Breakout and Skin Problems

It’s no coincidence that people often notice flare-ups when they’re under stress.

Cortisol is an inflammatory hormone and when levels are high, the sebaceous glands produce excess oil. As a result, the oil remains on the skin, clogging the pores.

This causes an outbreak of acne on the skin, especially around the chin and mouth.

Signs that cortisol levels are elevated can also manifest in the appearance of psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.

For those who already suffer from these conditions, cortisol can increase the severity of symptoms; however, even those who have never experienced these conditions can see them appear.

A breakdown in the skin scaffold

Cortisol can accelerate the signs of aging. Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids.

It is essentially the structure of the skin to provide support to the skin tissue.

Cortisol is a catabolic hormone and breaks down proteins, including collagen, disrupting the collagen matrix that makes up 75% of the skin.

As a result, as cortisol breaks down collagen, the face can lose its structure and begin to sag.

Increased cortisol and dehydration

The skin produces several types of oils that provide a layer of protection against environmental aggressions.

Cortisol hinders the production of these oils, making it increasingly difficult for the skin to retain moisture.

Without enough lipids (the chemical compounds that form bonds in the body), the skin loses water.

This is often referred to as TEWL, transepidermal water loss.

TEWL causes dehydration of the skin, paving the way for dry patches that become tender to the touch.

Ways to Reduce Cortisol (Backed by Science)

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases heart rate and raises blood pressure.

This can increase feelings of stress and lead to an increase in cortisol production.

Of course, reducing your caffeine intake also improves sleep hygiene, which in turn helps balance your mood.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your cortisol levels, reducing your caffeine intake should be your first option.

Finding ways to increase production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, is a great way to suppress the stress hormone, cortisol.

Practicing meditation, exercising and exposing yourself more to sunlight are proven ways to increase serotonin production.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good option for reducing cortisol levels.

Try to stay away from processed foods and opt for leafy vegetables, oily fish and colorful fruits.