Stress can Show on the Face

Demanding deadlines, messy breakup and an unexpected surgery can leave lines of stress on our face. Stress can take a toll on our health both physically and psychologically, it can also lead to dermatological problems like acne, brittle nails or even hair loss.

When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body’s stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which leads to oily skin, acne, oily scalp and other skin related problems.

Stress also stimulates the adrenalin gland which causes constriction of blood vessels. This translates into less supply of blood and oxygen to the skin, making it look dehydrated and dull.

Symptoms of stress show on the hair as well. Like skin hair also becomes dull, dry, limp and unmanageable. Hair loss is a common problem of stress. Stress leads to water loss as well. Stress affects the regular digestion process of the body where the vitamins don’t get absorbed properly, thereby causing a vitamin deficiency. This in turn affects the skin and hair health. Stress can lead to water loss that inhibits the skin’s inability to repair itself.

It is surely hard to keep smiling when you are under chronic stress. Most people who struggle with chronic stress frown constantly without realizing it. Frowning causes frown lines and signs of constant worry and stress on the face. Stress can cause ridges on the nails and sometimes horizontal lines, a sign of constant worry and stress.

You should find out steps towards combating stress. Identify what is causing stress and make changes in your lifestyle accordingly. Diet plays a very important role in keeping stress away. Include lots and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, eat less of white sugar and increase your intake of high-fiber foods to ensure that you get a full supply of nutrients. Avoid refined food like sugar, flour, alcohol, aerated drinks, caffeine and smoking. They cause obstruction in the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin and hair.  Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and hair hydrated. Have six to eight hours of sleep on a daily basis.

Exercise decreases the production of cortisol and increases endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemicals. When they are released through exercise, your mood is boosted naturally. Exercise also releases adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals that work together to make you feel good.  Practice yoga and meditation to keep yourself stress free!