Healthy Living

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Keep holiday stress off your face

Remember the last time you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror after a particularly harrowing day? Your skin probably didn’t look as smooth and glowing as it usually does (never mind the furrowed brow). The reason: Cortisol, a hormone your brain pumps out when you’re feeling stressed, literally gets under your skin and can make you break out, dry out, or just look tired and blah. Stay pretty all season with these tips:

STRESS SYMPTOM: ACNE
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts. To beat ’em, use a lotion containing skin-sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a noncomedogenic (read: won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin soft. (Here are some tips on how to break bad habits that may be increasing your stress.)

STRESS SYMPTOM: DRYNESS
When that pesky hormone cortisol is present, your skin can’t hold onto water, which cases dryness and zaps your luminous glow. Fix it with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. These have a lower pH that prevents further dryness and inflammation. Wash your face with lukewarm water; hot temperatures strip skin’s oils. Then slather on your face cream while skin is still damp to lock in moisture (If it’s in the AM don’t forget to use one with an SPF of at least 15—even in winter.) (Here are fantastic ways to turn the clock back without overspending.)

STRESS SYMPTOM: TIRED EYES
When you’re stressed, you don’t sleep well—and if you’re hitting one too many holiday parties and downing a few extra cocktails you’re probably not getting the best sleep of your life. Cold cucumber slices are such a popular remedy because the chill constricts the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the area (plus their round shape and size make this veggie particularly eye friendly). Another easy trick: Pile up some pillows and sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling. (Here are some great strategies on how to get the rest you need.)

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[photo credit: Getty Images]


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From the Community…

Comments 1-5 of 5
  • Jill's Avatar
    Posted by Jill Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:29am PST

    nice.. and right now it's stress mode

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  • Ariel's Avatar
    Posted by Ariel Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:33pm PST

    Health is more than a Treasure thats why we must maintain our health and a good healy habit.....

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  • Duh's Avatar
    Posted by Duh Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:58pm PST

    for acne ALWAYS use a light, light, light touch! step 1: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. Step 2: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, then a light unscented moisturizer and gentle scrub once a week. i'm an esthetician and the worst thing you can do is pile on the heavy-duty stuff, especially if it's a mild, stress related issue. Be patient and don't touch your face!

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  • tutti g's Avatar
    Posted by tutti g Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:03pm PST

    extra tips: after the shopping spree, it's always best to sleep after having been able to CLEANSE, TONE, and MOISTURIZE to prepare your face for another (possible) tiring day. Drinking lots of water also helps retain the energy you lose while doing those daily errands. Make sure you bring with you a bottle of water whenever you go thru the holiday rush to keep that healthy glow in you! :)

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  • Jama's Avatar
    Posted by Jama Fri Dec 12, 2008 5:24am PST

    I'm a total bath girl. my advice is to always hop into the bath! It solves most if not all problems I swear. The best bath products that I've used are from Paris France by Votre Vu. Their products can only be purchased online at www.votrevu.com/jama. Try their "on Holiday" Shower gel, body oil and lotion. My hair is healthier because of their shampoo and conditioner too. Get you bath on! and use pampering fancy products to indulge yourself.

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