The amazing fact you should know is people who smile often look more attractive and beautiful. Even scientific evidence suggests that happiness lengthens your life and makes your skin glow. But sadly, in today’s world, each of us has a different level of pressure and anxiety, which is adversely affecting our mental and physical health. Numerous research studies have also concluded that psychological stress can give rise to numerous dermatological concerns.
Effects Of Stress On Skin
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Dryness
- Puffy eyes and dark circles
- Eczema
1. Acne
A research study published in the international journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology has established a strong connection between stress and acne. During stress and anxiety, your body releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone further boosts the overproduction of sebum, ultimately leading to clogged pores and acne. Use of face wash containing ZincPCA is found quite effective to balance your skin’s oil along with providing relief in inflammation and redness.
2. Wrinkles
You might be surprised to know that prolonged stress can give you facial wrinkles. Numerous scientific research studies have identified stress as the biggest cause of premature aging of the skin. Stress hormones cortisol is found to degrade the skin proteins named elastin and collagen, which make your skin appear saggy and wrinkled. Additionally, stress creates oxidative stress in the body, which causes the death of healthy skin cells. Along with managing your stress levels, you can consider using skin care products containing antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C help to restore the skin elasticity.
3. Dryness
According to a 2018 study, psychological stress deteriorates your stratum corneum. It is an outer layer of your skin, which prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Another study also elaborates that impaired barrier function of stratum corneum leads to itchy, dry, and damaged skin. As per dermatologists, Ceramide-based moisturizers help to improve the barrier functions and provide the hydration to attain soft and supple skin.
4. Puffy eyes and dark circles
Stress takes a serious toll on your delicate under eyes skin. Stressful life events are found to disturb your sleeping pattern, resulting in the formation of dark circles, fine lines, and puffy eyes. In addition, sleep deprivation makes your eye muscles work more than usual, it causes loss of skin elasticity. If you are already dealing post-stress under eye concerns, then good nourishing and hydrating under eye cream will surely be a great addition to your skin care regimen.
5. Eczema
Research studies reveal that emotional stress can worsen your eczema. When you are in tension, elevated levels of stress hormones cause an inflammatory response in your skin. Therefore, people who are dealing with atopic dermatitis or eczema should keep their stress levels under control.
Easiest tips
- Practice the breathing pranayama and meditation for few minutes each day
- Indulge yourself in some physical activity
- Take a break from your cell phone, iPad, laptop, etc, and go for a nature walk.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Improve your sleep hygiene
- Do not feel shy away from sharing your emotions with your friends
- Smile more and feel gratitude for little things
- Start a bullet journal
- Try different ways to pamper yourself like go for a spa massage, buy a pretty dress, watch a good movie, and take a bubble bath, etc.
Fortunately, it is possible to get your glowing and healthy skin back. Numerous research studies unveil that the application of topical antioxidants like vitamin C, hyaluronic acids, and niacinamide is quite good to restore your skin’s integrity and natural glow. Taking the first always seems to be the hardest thing but once you take the step, things begin to change in a positive way. While seeing the mirror, do not forget to say these words to yourself – “I accept and love myself”
