While we at New Radiance Cosmetic Center of Palm Beach try to help our clients’ physical appearance through procedures or products, here at our blog, we emphasize preventive care, particularly diet and exercise, in order to keep your skin and your body in top form, using natural methods to fight the aging process.
What then, about the greatest silent killer of all: stress?
Stress is already known for causing internal damage — according to the American heart Association, stress is linked to hypertension and heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. It can also lead to ancillary problems such as excessive drinking, smoking, or overeating, which in turn can lead to mortal damage.
But what about externally? Does stress affect skin health? The answer seems to point at yes. One particular 2004 study showed a link between chronic stress and aging, as telomeres (structures at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with aging) also shorten prematurely in people experiencing long-term psychological stress; in effect, prematurely “aging” the cells.1
Stress also releases adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone. Adrenalin accelerates the heart rate and constricts blood vessels; norepinephrine also affects the heart, and cortisol increases fat storage and degrades collagen. As wrinkles are formed by a weakening of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, the connection between stress and premature aging of the skin should be obvious. The skin has trouble replenishing itself naturally when cortisol is constantly coursing through the body thanks to a constant stream of stress.
This begs the question: does it matter what you eat or what you apply to your face if you are always in a state of internal worry? Perhaps it’s time to look inward in order to preserve your outward appearance.
Some suggestions:
- Relax! Don’t worry so much. Especially about aging — it’s creates a vicious cycle! And try to get enough sleep.
- Create “me” time. Make sure you read a bit of your favorite book, or catch the movie you’d like to see. Get it done!
- Take up a hobby. A hobby are not chores, or “me” time; hobbies are activities that you love to do, and that you are good at. Arts, music, creating of something. Make that time in your life, and you’ll look forward to those moments throughout the week!
- Exercise. Aside from all of the benefits of exercise, maintaining your stress levels are one of the best effects. Working out lowers your blood pressure, increases endorphin levels, and improve sleep, which also helps to manage stress.
- Alternative Therapy. Meditation, acupuncture, or yoga may seem far-fetched to a lot of Westerners, but these techniques have been used in Asia for centuries as tried and true methods for maintaining a balance between the body and the mind, and helping one to achieve a calmness of thought.