Stress Relates To Skin Aging

By now most of us know that stress isn't good for us and that it can affect us in many different ways. But did you know that stress affects how our skin ages? Didn't know? Then it's about time you did! It just might be what has you looking rather "blah" these days.

Have you ever wondered why no matter how well you take care of your skin it seems to have a dull appearance? Or perhaps you find yourself suffering from excessive oil or skin that's really dry? There is a good chance that these problems can be caused by stress.

People react differently to stress but when we get to the physiological level our bodies all respond the same. That's because stress increases the production of adrenaline as well as the release of it into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is what gives you that "rush" or energy in stressful times. It speeds up your heartbeat, your breathing, and your metabolic rate. You've likely heard it referred as "fight of flight response."

Not all stress is bad but it needs to be balanced. It's important that you practice techniques that allow you to relax. Yoga is an excellent example of a stress reducing technique. If you don't learn how to balance your stress it will age not only your skin but your organs too.

Let's look at how uncontrolled stress can affect our skin.

1.Stress creates the production of adrenaline, which takes blood away from the skin, sending it to the muscles to give them increased strength to handle an emergency. When you have stress over a long time that release of adrenaline is ongoing and eventually it will leave your skin looking sallow and pale.

2.Intense emotion can cause your skin to break out. It can be excitement, frustration, or anger. That's because it stimulates the release of certain enzymes and hormones, which then send signals that cause the sebum to become overproduced, blocking the pores, and next thing you know you have zits.

3.When you have chronic stress your muscles tend to become stiff and tense, which causes the blood flow to the skin to become obstructed, hindering the removal of the waste from the tissue, causing your skin to look aged.

4.When you are stressed the rejuvenation of your skin is hampered. When this occurs dead layers of skin are not sloughed away as quickly leaving room for new skin. That means before you know it you are looking years older than you really are.

5.When you are under chronic stress you produce more cortisol, which causes the body's natural defenses to become weakened. That leaves your skin very vulnerable to pollutants in the environment. That means your skin will take on a pale tone with a grey tint making you look older.

Now that you know the effect stress has on causing your skin to age, you will want to learn techniques to deal with your stress so that you can keep your skin looking, healthy, younger, and more beautiful. Learn to handle stress, take care of yourself, and your whole body, including your skin will look younger as a result.