{"id":112261,"date":"2023-03-03T11:18:17","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T11:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dermatica.co.uk\/skinlab\/?p=112261"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:40:50","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T14:40:50","slug":"stress-and-skin-ageing-what-you-can-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dermatica.com\/skinlab\/stress-and-skin-ageing-what-you-can-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Stress and Skin Ageing: What You Can Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

As if the emotional side of stress wasn\u2019t enough \u2014 being under too much pressure could be speeding up your skin ageing too.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t worry, there are steps you can take to fight the physical impacts of stress. Here\u2019s what you need to know, and what you can do to slow the process.<\/p>\n

Stress ages your skin<\/strong>
\nLong hours at work, or a constant sense of pressure in your life, can impact your body on the outside as well as the inside. Stress is one of the many factors that have been shown to contribute to extrinsic skin ageing.1 That is, premature ageing brought about by external elements like UV sunlight, pollution, and tobacco. <\/p>\n

The other type of ageing \u2014 intrinsic \u2014 happens simply due to the passage of time. It\u2019s harder to influence intrinsic ageing, which is largely down to genetics \u20142 but you can impact extrinsic factors.<\/p>\n

How does stress age skin? <\/strong>
\nIt may sound strange that your state of mind could directly impact ageing. But there are clear biological pathways to explain the effects of emotional tension on your skin. <\/p>\n

Psychological stress increases levels of cortisol, which can trigger oxidative stress in the cells of your body.3 When this happens, the natural balance of free radicals (harmful chemicals) and antioxidants (protective chemicals) is thrown out of kilter. Excess free radicals build up, and these damage cells. <\/p>\n

In fact, free radicals are linked to all kinds of serious health problems, from cancer to heart disease.4 When skin cells become damaged, ageing accelerates.<\/p>\n

What damage does stress do to skin?<\/strong>
\nHigh levels of stress can speed up all the visible signs of ageing. This includes the formation of wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven texture, sagging and dryness.3 It\u2019s also linked with flare-ups of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.5,6 <\/p>\n

Another reason, if you needed one, to aim for a sense of calm and order in your life.<\/p>\n

Does stress affect the skin barrier? <\/strong>
\nWondering about your dry skin? Well, stress is also linked with barrier dysfunction.7 This in turn can increase loss of water from the skin, a process called trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Water loss leads to dry, dull skin \u2014 not the healthy glow you\u2019re after.<\/p>\n

In one study in 46 women, just one stressful event \u2014 a challenging interview \u2014 produced noticeable decreases in skin barrier function.7 Similar changes happened after a single sleep-deprived night.7 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What can you do?<\/strong>
\nThankfully, you can counterbalance the impacts of stress on your skin to help you maintain younger looking skin. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

Start topical actives<\/strong> \u2014 Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, is proven to reverse the signs of age, including accelerated ageing due to stress. It\u2019s a great all-rounder, and can bring about changes in the structure of your skin, boosting how it looks and feels. Its proven benefits include a significant improvement in fine lines, pigmentation, texture and elasticity.8
\nProtect your skin barrier<\/strong> \u2014 A strong, supple skin barrier sets you up well to face the stresses of everyday life. This means it’s super important to keep your skin well hydrated with a good quality moisturiser. Look for one containing proven ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin and ceramides. Apply it at least twice a day, in the morning on cleansed skin and again in the evening after your active ingredients, or before as well if you\u2019re struggling with side effects.
\nDon\u2019t forget daily sunscreen<\/strong> \u2014 UV radiation is a well-known and powerful skin ageing factor. But thankfully it\u2019s really easy to remove UV photodamage from your list of risks. Just wear plenty of high SPF (30+, with UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. This is especially important if you\u2019re using actives in your skin routine.
\nReduce stress to look younger<\/strong> \u2014 This may be easier said than done. But if you can drop your day-to-day stress levels, your skin will reap the benefits. There are many ways to do this, from practical solutions to address the sources of your stress, to coping mechanisms that help when unavoidable pressures mount. Mindfulness, of course, is a tried and tested option, and is something that almost anyone can find time to practise, even if only for 5 minutes a day. Regular physical activity, deep breathing and yoga can all help too.
\nSleep enough \u2014 Sleep deprivation is a source of physical and emotional stress. Sometimes, interrupted nights are unavoidable (hello, new parents). But we should all be aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep a night, if we can. There may be steps you can take to get closer to this, like cutting out all caffeine for a full 8 hours before bedtime.9 Or taking some daily exercise, but stopping at least 2 hours before lights out. Reducing stress during the day will improve sleep quality as well.<\/p>\n

So, while it may be a shock to hear that stress really can make you look older \u2014 it\u2019s comforting to know there are effective ways to slow the process. <\/p>\n

Our experts at Dermatica will help you<\/a> to find an anti-ageing skin regimen to regain supple, healthy and youthful skin. And taking other steps to handle the pressures of life should help to keep you looking and feeling younger.<\/p>\n

References
\nLee CM, Watson RE, Kleyn CE. The impact of perceived stress on skin ageing. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2020 Jan;34(1):54-8.
\nFarage MA, Miller KW, Elsner P, Maibach HI. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2008 Apr;30(2):87-95.
\nChen J, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Qiu J. Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2021 Oct;43(5):495-509.
\nGey KF. Prospects for the prevention of free radical disease, regarding cancer and cardiovascular disease. British Medical Bulletin. 1993 Jan 1;49(3):679-99.
\nChuh A, Wang W, Zawar V. The skin and the mind. Australian family physician. 2006 Sep 1;35(9):723.
\nJovi\u0107 A, Marinovi\u0107 B, Kostovi\u0107 K, \u010ceovi\u0107 R, Basta-Juzba\u0161i\u0107 A, Bukvi\u0107 Mokos Z. The impact of psychological stress on acne. Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica. 2017 Jul 20;25(2):133-.
\nAltemus M, Rao B, Dhabhar FS, Ding W, Granstein RD. Stress-induced changes in skin barrier function in healthy women. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2001 Aug 1;117(2):309-17.
\nMukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006 Jan 1;1(4):327-48.
\nThe Sleep Charity. Sleep Hygiene. https:\/\/thesleepcharity.org.uk\/information-support\/adults\/sleep-hygiene\/, accessed 16 February 2023.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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