Migraines are strong headaches that can impact people in many different ways and last anywhere from several hours to multiple days. An estimated 38 million Americans get migraines each year. Getting proper treatment for migraines is important, but you can also add steps to your daily routine that prevent or reduce the severity of a migraine. These five skin care tips can help with migraines while also providing anti-aging benefits that promote healthy skin.
1. Schedule Botox injection
One of the earliest uses for onabotulinumtoxinA -- more commonly known as Botox -- was to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, as scientists studied the effects of the active ingredient botulinum toxin, they learned that it also offers other health benefits. The FDA has since approved it as a treatment for chronic migraines.
Botox works by blocking neurotransmitters that carry pain signals between your brain and the nerves in your head and neck. It also relaxes your muscles and can smooth wrinkles. It’s important to see a medical doctor for a migraine treatment regimen — an esthetician is not licensed to provide this medical care. Also, talk to your doctor about potential side effects and risks.
2. Use an ice roller to calm skin and relieve tension
Ice rollers are an easy and drug-free way to treat migraine headaches and improve the look and feel of your skin. Cooling down blood as it flows to your brain can reduce swelling and pain, which provides relief for tension and migraine headaches. Using an ice roller also improves circulation in your face to aid lymphatic drainage and eliminate excess fluids. The cold pressure also reduces puffiness around your eyes caused by fluid buildup for a healthy, radiant glow.
3. Sleep with a reusable gel eye mask
Similar to an ice roller, a reusable gel eye mask is a simple way to reduce stress while you sleep and relieve migraine headaches. Store your gel mask in the refrigerator, so it provides a cooling sensation around your eyes and reduces swelling and puffiness. A mask also blocks out light for better sleep, which is another effective way to relieve tension headaches and migraines.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
About 1 in 3 people with migraine report that dehydration triggers headaches. Without enough water, your body can’t perform essential cellular functions, so getting enough hydration every day is critical. Hydration is also one of the easiest (and cheapest) anti-aging remedies. Having adequate fluid in your body helps maintain skin elasticity and pH balance while flushing out toxins that could cause skin damage and lead to acne breakouts.
5. Trade synthetic fragrances for essential oils
Most people are aware that synthetic fragrances in various beauty products could cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory conditions, but for some people, these chemicals can also trigger severe headaches or migraines. One good option is to choose fragrance-free products (although it’s important to read the label carefully because that label can be misleading).
Another option is to use essential oils in your beauty routine. Many of these oils also have powerful anti-aging benefits. Look for these essential oils that offer both:
- Lavender reduces stress and anxiety and improves sleep, and research shows that it helps prevent migraines. When applied to your skin, the antioxidants can also limit damage from free radicals that leads to wrinkles.
- Rosemary offers anti-inflammatory properties for the skin and relieves headache pain. It is also antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that could lead to acne, and it contains antioxidants that keep skin-damaging free radicals at bay.
- Peppermint is used to soothe tension and migraine headaches. Peppermint also has anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce redness and irritation; while that won’t prevent wrinkles, it can help your skin look and feel better.
- Chamomile is often used to soothe pain or discomfort and relieve stress and anxiety that leads to headaches. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin irritation. Phytochemicals and polyphenols in chamomile have been shown to increase cell regeneration and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
