Here's How Stress Ages Your Skin
Is stress to blame for those pesky lines and wrinkles that have seemingly appeared overnight?
Read on to find out how stress can add years to your face plus natural remedies to minimize stress in your life - yes, it’s possible!
The Chemistry Of Stress
I’m sure you’ve heard the term ‘stress hormone’ before - but do you know what it actually refers to?
Stress causes a change in brain and body chemistry. In times of stress, your adrenal glands release increased amounts of a hormone called cortisol - commonly known as the ‘stress hormone’ - into your body.
Nearly every cell has a receptor that can absorb cortisol. This means it has a big impact on many areas of the body - including your skin.
Cortisol itself isn't ‘bad’ at all. It’s naturally present and beneficial for the body in the right amounts. It helps regulate important things like your sleep / wake cycle.
Problems begin when excess amounts of cortisol are continually released during prolonged periods of stress. This is when it can start to wreak havoc on your skin.
Cortisol - the enemy of collagen and elastin
Cortisol doesn’t play nice with collagen and elastin.
Collagen and elastin are protein fibers that together give your skin it’s structure, firmness, and elasticity. Collagen is responsible for keeping skin firm, while elastin’s role is to keep it tight.
When these two supple skin powerhouses become damaged it leads to the signs of aging we all know and don’t love - wrinkles and fine lines!
Excessive amounts of cortisol break down and degrade collagen and elastin. Over time, your skin won’t be able to bounce back the way it once did.
While the amount of collagen and elastin naturally produced in your body naturally slows down with age, living with high stress levels speeds up this process. You can end up looking much older than your years if you don’t find ways to keep your stress levels in check.
Inflammation
A whole range of skin conditions including acne, dryness, sensitivity, and premature aging are linked with inflammation in the body.
“Inflammation” has become a bit of a buzzword, but essentially it’s your body’s natural response to a perceived threat - from seasonal allergies to stress.
Like cortisol, a temporary inflammatory response is healthy for the body to defend itself against true threats like viruses.
The problem? If your body is in a constant state of stress, it’s also in a constant state of inflammation. This loop of inflammation weakens skin structure, destroying collagen and elastin.
Stress and Sleep
While high levels of cortisol due to chronic stress speed up the premature signs of aging, stress impacts your skin in less direct ways too.
Sleep is a big one!
If you’re struggling to get a quality night sleep because anxious thoughts keep turning over in your mind, your skin will suffer.
While you sleep your body produces growth hormone which is a peptide hormone crucial to stimulate cell regeneration and growth.
Growth hormone also stimulates collagen synthesis. If you’re not getting enough deep, quality sleep the surge of growth hormone is inhibited - diminishing the production of collagen and cell regeneration.
This leads to increased fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull, lackluster complexion overall.
Natural Tips For Dialling Down Stress Levels
It’s clear that getting your stress levels under control is key to minimizing signs of aging due to stress.
Sometimes that’s easier said than done though, right?!
To help you out, I’ve put together a few natural ways to cultivate a calmer headspace and keep those collagen crushing cortisol levels in check.
Try a fish oil supplement
Fish oil has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. If your going through a stressful period, you might consider adding a fish oil supplement to your daily diet.
Avoid sugary, processed foods
It’s tempting to munch your way through a family-sized block of chocolate (without the family!) when things get overwhelming. The bad news is sugary, processed foods boost your blood sugar.
This spike signals the adrenal glands secrete extra cortisol to manage those blood sugar levels. So you’ve got even more of the stress hormone pulsing through your body.
Try the 4-8-7 breathing technique
Many people swear by this classic breathing pattern to get control of themselves in a stressful situation.
Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of 4,
Hold your breath for a count of 8, and
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 7.
Give it a try and see!
Swap coffee for a herbal tea
Skip the latte (or 3) in favor of a calming brew instead. Try chamomile to start, it reduces stress and anxiety, helps treat insomnia and relaxes the muscles.
Tap the powers of aromatherapy
Use an essential oil to help calm a worried mind. Lemon or lavender oil, are both known to help with stress and relaxation.
The Health Honey
Medical Disclaimer
Information in this post and on this web site is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
“The ‘stress hormone’ cortisol is the enemy of collagen and elastin.”
