happy womanBy Woman's Day Staff
Anyone who's ever felt her stomach churn or her shoulder blades merge knows the bodily effects of stress aren't subtle. "Your skin pays a price, too, though in less obvious ways," says New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. "Under stress, you tense your facial muscles more, which can cause worry and frown lines-just for starters." But there are ways to wipe the anxiety from your face. Photo by Hapa/Getty.
Related: Try these 8 calming foods that ease stress.
The Doctor's Tip
Cortisol, a hormone released when you're stressed, contributes to collagen breakdown and wrinkling. An easy antidote? Once an hour-or just periodically throughout a stressful day-take a minute, close your eyes and breathe deeply, says Doris Day, MD, founder of MyClearSkin.com. "The relaxation of your body and facial muscles that comes from deep breathing can counteract the negative effects of cortisol."
The Home Remedy
Dullness can be another by-product of stress. "Your skin cells don't turn over as well as they should, and a thickened outer layer means a less youthful appearance," says Dr. Day. But a quick stop in the kitchen will help. Using a whisk, mix ½ cup plain yogurt with ½ cup honey, then massage the blend into your face for a couple of minutes and rinse with warm water. The yogurt's lactic acid will exfoliate dull skin layers, and the honey's humectants will leave you looking dewy.
Related: Check out these 6 all-natural beauty fixes.
The Makeup Trick
Skip matte, powdery foundations, as they'll exacerbate lines and dullness, says Neutrogena makeup artist Amy Oresman. Instead, opt for moisture and sheen, but stay away from noticeable sparkle, as the particles can settle into lines and highlight them. If you need powder in shine-prone places (usually within the T-zone), spot-apply.
Related: Discover 75 timeless beauty tips.
The Product Fixes
Hyaluronic acid plumps wrinkles short term; retinol minimizes long term. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler, $22; at drugstores
When your natural glow isn't quite there, try the faux variety. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20, $13.99; at drugstores
Combat slowed cell turnover and dullness with this gentle exfoliant. Olay Skin Smoothing Cream Scrub, $6.49; at drugstores
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
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