5 Ways your skin shows stress

You probably know you don't look your best when you're under serious stress (ever catch the reflection of your furrowed brow in a window on a bad day?). Now science reveals all the ways the stress hormone cortisol literally gets under your skin, leading to dryness and other signs of aging. Use the following strategies to correct the top 5 stress symptoms and your complexion will look calm, cool, and collected-even if you're not.

Best anti-aging products that really work

1. Dryness
"Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which damages skin's ability to hold on to water," says Peter Elias, MD, a professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. The resulting moisture loss also diminishes luminosity, explains David Goldberg, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology and director of laser research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Correct It: Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. "Their lower pH prevents further dryness and inflammation," says Goldberg. Wash your face with lukewarm water; hot temperatures strip skin's oils. Slathering on your face cream while skin is slightly damp traps moisture.

13 skin care products derms swear by

2. Fine Lines
Cortisol triggers an elevation in blood sugar, which-via a process called glycation--damages collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that plump skin and keep it smooth. Constant muscle tension also leads to permanent wrinkling.

Correct It: OTC creams made with retinol and antioxidants encourage collagen production to firm skin. An Rx retinoid like Renova offers significantly better results.

10 ways to look younger on a budget

3. Redness
The increased blood flow that occurs when you're under duress may cause capillaries to expand. Stress also triggers flushing known as rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society. And because stress weakens your immune system, flare-ups may last longer.

Correct It: When used daily, topical creams made with anti-inflammatories such as allantoin and licorice root extract can ease ruddiness. Rx treatment includes light and laser therapy that zap blood vessels: You'll need several sessions that each cost $300 and up. If you suffer from rosacea, you may need topical prescriptions to reduce inflammation.

Renew your complexion while you sleep, here's how

4. Acne
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts, says Gil Yosipovitch, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University.

Correct It: Use a lotion containing skin sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a noncomedogenic moisturizer so skin won't get too dry. If your skin doesn't respond to treatment within a few weeks, see your doctor for more potent meds.

11 foods that rejuvenate skin

5. Tired Eyes
Anxiety causes a chain reaction, leading to sleepless nights, which in turn cause puffiness, says Amy Wechsler, MD, a dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City and author of The Mind Beauty Connection.

Correct It: Use cucumber slices as mini ice packs for the eyes; they constrict the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the area. Sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling.

5 ways to battle dark circles


More from Prevention

Four Look-Younger Haircuts

5 Ways to Plump Thin Lips

5 Youth-Boosting Upgrades

How to Make Hair Color Last






Order Prevention today and receive a FREE Trial Issue and FREE Pedometer!











List Maker's Get Healthy Guide. Top to-Do's for a Healthier You!