Is Stress Damaging Your Appearance?
- Posted on: Dec 15 2015
In many ways, your physical appearance is a reflection of your physical health. You know that too much stress is bad for your health, so it follows that too much stress can also damage your appearance. Here’s what you should know.
Wrinkles
When you are stressed you are more likely to frown or furrow your brows. This can lead to wrinkles around your mouth, on your forehead, and between your brows.
When you are stressed, you are also more likely to eat junk food. Sugar can contribute to the breakdown of collagen in your skin. With less collagen, your skin is thinner, weaker, and more prone to wrinkles.
Acne
Stress releases cortisol, which weakens your immune system and can lead to breakouts. In the short term acne can leave your face looking blotchy and in the long run acne can lead to scars.
Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain
When you are stressed you are less likely to get the sleep you need. This can leave you with dark circles and bags under your eyes that make you look older and tired.
As mentioned earlier, when you are stressed you are more likely to eat unhealthy food. This is also true if you are sleep deprived. When you are stressed and tired, you are less likely to exercise and you are more likely to eat foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients. This can lead to weight gain, which takes a toll on your appearance and your health.
Combating Stress
You can’t always avoid stress, but there are things you can do to keep it at bay and improve your appearance.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, spending time outdoors, and talking to loved ones can help you manage your stress levels.
There are also many cosmetic procedures that can combat the effects that stress has already had on your appearance. For example, blepharoplasty can reduce bags under your eyes, Botox can reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by furrowing your brow, and liposuction can remove stubborn fat. To learn more about cosmetic treatments that can combat the effects of stress and aging, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shridharani.
Posted in: Face Procedures
