Stress and how it affects your skin

Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
Now you may ask: “How does stress affect my skin?”
Well it’s pretty simple. When our bodies are stressed, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol adds to the formation of lines and wrinkles on our skin by making our sugar levels in our blood go up as soon as it’s released. Increased blood sugar promotes glycation, which damages collagen, making it stiff and rigid, and in turn causes lines and wrinkles to form.
That’s not the only way cortisol affects our skin, because it also decreases the production of hyaluronic acid, made by the skin as a natural moisturizer. When our skin is dry and dehydrated, the enzymes in our skin work much harder to repair the damage done daily. It also worsens your psoriasis symptoms and makes irritants and allergens easier to invade your body and cause more problems.
Another byproduct of stress, ephinephrine (which is also known as adrenaline), blood flow going to our skin is reduced and is robbed of vital nutrients, including oxygen. Less oxygen and overall slow circulation leads to poor skin complexion. The other effect of poor circulation in our skin is the dreaded cellulite. The toxins that build up from the decreased blood flow then cause a loose, dimpled surface that looks unsightly.
Other effects of stress to your body are: acne, hair loss, excessive perspiration and can cause inflammation of any skin lesions that you may have.
So now you may ask: “How can I save my skin from being damaged by stress?”
Skin rejuvenation treatments from your dermatologist can definitely help improve your skin. When your skin looks good, then you will also feel good. In a 2008 study conducted to measure any effects of botox injections and how it affected the other aspects of patients’ lives, 29% reported that they felt less anxious, and 36% felt more relaxed after their skin rejuvenation treatment.
Some other ways you can help reduce stress are:
– Catching the proper amount of sleep keeps cortisol production to a minimum so you’ll be better equipped to fight off lines, wrinkles and dry skin.
– Exercising not only helps release stress but it also boosts circulation all over your body. To get that rosy glow while getting fit and fighting cellulite, do some regular physical activity.
– And lastly, don’t forget to relax. Meditate, read, unwind, do the things that help you feel relaxed. Living a stressful life taxes your entire body, even your skin!