Women’s bodies are biologically distinct from men’s in several key ways that impact health, stress responses, and overall wellness:
1. Stress Response: Women experience stress differently due to hormone variations. Both sexes release cortisol, but women produce higher levels of oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," which influences emotional responses and increases the need for social support during stressful situations (Taylor et al., 2000).
2. Skin Structure: Women’s skin is generally thinner than men’s, with lower collagen density. This makes women more prone to rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and accelerated aging due to environmental stressors (Shuster et al., 1975).
3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Women experience monthly hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle, which can affect mood, energy levels, and skin health. These fluctuations require adaptable wellness routines to maintain balance (Yonkers et al., 2008).
4. Pain Perception: Research suggests that women may experience and process pain differently from men, with higher sensitivity to certain types of pain stimuli and a higher prevalence of chronic pain conditions (Fillingim et al., 2009).
5. Metabolism and Fat Storage: Women generally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, which plays a role in hormone regulation and reproductive health. This can influence how women respond to diet and exercise routines (Blaak, 2001).
These biological differences highlight the importance of tailored self-care practices to support women’s unique health needs.
Empowering Women Through Self-Care
Self-care is more than a buzzword—it’s a crucial part of mental and physical health. Women often juggle multiple roles, from professional careers to caregiving responsibilities, and neglecting personal wellness can lead to burnout.
Incorporating red light therapy into a wellness routine can be a powerful, science-backed tool for women. Studies suggest that red light therapy supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin health, which is particularly beneficial given the unique structural differences in women's skin (Avci et al., 2013).
How Beam Supports Women’s Health
At Beam, we’re committed to providing tools that empower women to take control of their wellness routines. Our Beam Mask and Beam Blanket offer more than just relaxation—they provide scientifically-supported benefits that align with the unique health needs of women.
- The Beam Mask supports skin rejuvenation, helping to reduce fine lines and promote an even skin tone.
- The Beam Blanket aids in muscle recovery, stress reduction, and overall relaxation, which is essential for managing the physiological effects of chronic stress.
Prioritize You This International Women’s Day
Empowerment starts from within. By understanding the unique needs of women’s health and embracing self-care practices tailored to those needs, women can show up as their strongest, healthiest selves in every area of life.
This International Women’s Day, take a moment to celebrate your journey, your resilience, and your well-being. Because when women thrive, everyone thrives.
Sources:
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Stress Response:
Taylor, S. E., Klein, L. C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A., & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: Tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23(5), 651–666. https://direct.mit.edu/books/edited-volume/2431/chapter-abstract/64395/Biobehavioral-Responses-to-Stress-in-Females-Tend?redirectedFrom=PDF -
Skin Structure:
Shuster, S., Black, M. M., & McVitie, E. (1975). The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. British Journal of Dermatology, 93(6), 639–643. https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/93/6/639/6670536 -
Hormonal Fluctuations:
Yonkers, K. A., O’Brien, P. M., & Eriksson, E. (2008). Premenstrual syndrome. The Lancet, 371(9619), 1200–1210. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)60527-9/abstract -
Pain Perception:
Fillingim, R. B., King, C. D., Ribeiro-Dasilva, M. C., Rahim-Williams, B., & Riley, J. L. (2009). Sex, gender, and pain: A review of recent clinical and experimental findings. The Journal of Pain, 10(5), 447–485. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590008009097 -
Metabolism and Fat Storage:
Blaak, E. (2001). Gender differences in fat metabolism. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 4(6), 499–502. https://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/abstract/2001/11000/gender_differences_in_fat_metabolism.6.aspx -
Light Therapy Supporting Women's Biology:
Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: Stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4126803/
