The Science of Slowing Down: How Aromatherapy Helps Reset Stress Hormones
Why We’re Always “On”
If you’ve noticed that you rarely switch off even when you’re supposed to be resting, you’re not alone. Modern life keeps us in a near-constant state of stimulation. Messages, work notifications, family demands, the invisible mental load — they all tell our nervous system that there’s always something else to do.
Research has shown that mothers, in particular, often experience stress levels equivalent to working 2.5 full-time jobs. That constant “on” mode raises cortisol — the hormone that helps us respond to stress but, when left unchecked, keeps our bodies stuck in survival mode.
When cortisol stays high, we may feel anxious, restless, or exhausted no matter how much sleep we get. Over time, this chronic stress can dull our energy, affect mood, and even change the way our skin looks and feels.
Aromatherapy and the Science of Calm
Here’s where nature steps in. Aromatherapy, the use of pure essential oils to support emotional and physical wellbeing — works directly through the senses to shift how we feel.
When we inhale certain essential oils, their aromatic molecules travel to the limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotions, memory, and the body’s stress response. This is why scent can instantly change our mood, it bypasses logic and speaks straight to the nervous system.
Lavender, clary sage, and ylang-ylang, for example, are known for their calming properties and their ability to lower heart rate and reduce feelings of tension. Citrus oils like grapefruit and bergamot can lift mood and boost focus, while grounding notes such as frankincense and cedarwood promote a sense of stability.
In simple terms: aromatherapy helps remind your body that it’s safe to relax.
Turning Daily Habits into Stress-Reducing Rituals
You don’t need an elaborate spa day to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. It’s most powerful when woven into everyday moments — the ones you already have.
- Start your day with scent. Uplifting blends with rosemary or lemongrass can spark clarity and motivation before work.
- Reset between tasks. A few deep breaths with an aromatherapy room spray or a short hand massage with body butter can break the stress cycle.
- Evening unwind. Calming oils like lavender or sandalwood can signal to your body that it’s time to shift from “go” to “rest.” Try applying a soothing body butter or misting your pillow before bed.
Each moment of scent and touch acts as a gentle cue, inviting your nervous system to soften.
Small Steps, Lasting Change
Stress may be part of life, but burnout doesn’t have to be. By pairing science with sensory rituals, you can help bring your cortisol levels back into balance and reconnect with yourself.
At Ametrine Skin, every formulation is crafted with this balance in mind — blending purposeful skincare with mood-supportive essential oils to help you pause, breathe, and begin again.
Because when your mind slows down, your body follows.
Create Your Calm Ritual
If you’re ready to invite a little more ease into your day, start with a simple, sensory ritual designed to help you unwind.
A nourishing, aromatherapy-infused moisturiser that melts into the skin while the blend of lavender, clary sage, and ylang-ylang eases tension and stills the mind.
A comforting scent for your space and bedtime routine. Mist your room or pillow before rest to help your body recognise that it’s safe to slow down.
Both are crafted to transform ordinary moments — applying moisturiser, preparing for sleep — into quiet invitations to breathe, reset, and reconnect.