New research shows that worrying and a high-pressure lifestyle can damage your dermis. Here are strategies to restore your smooth, even glow.

Stress is not for the faint of heart—nor thin of skin. You know at some gut level (like when you catch the reflection of your furrowed brow in a window) that stress doesn’t help your appearance. Now science is detailing the myriad ways the stress hormone cortisol literally gets under your skin, leading to dryness and other signs of ageing (including, yes, those lovely worry lines). Most practising dermats said they noticed a correlation between skin problems and stress.

Keep stress off your face

However, the connection is being studied across the world under the new science of ‘psychodermatology’, that’s still in its nascent stages. The good news according to science is it also heals. Once you identify how your inner turmoil shows itself, you can use targeted home and pro therapies to counter its not-so-pretty effects. With the strategies listed in this space, your skin will look calm, cool, and collected.
STRESS SYMPTOM
Dryness: “Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which damages the skin’s ability
to hold on to water,” says Peter Elias, MD, a professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Reduced moisture further leads to dull-looking skin. “Stress is seen to make dry skin types even drier,” says Dr Navin Taneja, Delhi-based dermatologist who runs The Skin Clinic.

Correct it: Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. “Their lower pH prevents further dryness and inflammation,” says David Goldberg MD, clinical professor of dermatology and director, laser research, at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. “Use a foaming face wash to restore moisture,’’ suggests Dr Rekha Sheth, Mumbai-based dermatologist. Slathering on your face cream while the skin is slightly damp also traps moisture.

STRESS SYMPTOM
Fine Lines: “Cortisol triggers an elevation in blood sugar, which—via a process called glycation—creates free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, the protein fibres that plump skin and keep it smooth,” says Dr Charulata Bose, dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic. “Constant frowning can also result in dynamic wrinkles on the forehead,” adds Taneja.

Correct it: OTC products like night creams and prescription formula like Reti C made with retinol, and anti-oxidants encourage collagen production to firm skin. There are enough skin firming products available in the market. Use them after consulting a good dermat. In extreme cases you can opt for simple procedures like Botox that temporarily reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Injecting fillers (cocktail of proteins and anti-oxidants) also plumps up the skin.

STRESS SYMPTOM
Flushing: 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, US. And because stress weakens your immune system, flare-ups may last longer. “Stress may also result in hives. I get many cases where teenagers develop hives around their board exams,” says Dr Raj Parikh, consultant dermatologist
with Vichy Laboratories, Mumbai.

Correct It: When used daily, topical creams made with anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric and allantoin, can ease ruddiness. If you suffer from rosacea, you may need topical prescriptions
to reduce inflammation.

STRESS SYMPTOM
Acne: Increased cortisol levels lead to higher oil production, hence acne. According to the web science portal ScienceDaily stress may trigger acne even in people who are not prone to it otherwise. Stress also 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 non-comedogenic moisturiser 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 treatment.
STRESS SYMPTOM
Tired eyes: “Stress affects sleep, and when you don’t get a good night’s sleep be sure to expect puffy eyes or dark circles the next morning,” says Bose.

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 avoid fluid accumulation as that leads to puffiness under the eyes.
Your glowing skin plan

Daily: Work out.
Exercise 3 or 4 days a week to decrease tension, boost circulation, and keep inflammation in check. “Exercising releases endorphins that can lift your mood and it shows on the face,” says Neesha Maria Bukht, a certified fitness trainer with Talwalkar’s Gym, Mumbai. What’s more: when you sweat while exercising, toxins get washed out, leaving your found to ease anxiety by 44% and reduce depression by 34%, in a study conducted by Richard Davidson, Phd and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin. Weekly: Keep a Skin Diary. “Write down what’s going on in your life when your skin acts up and when it gets better,” suggests Wechsler. That helps you zero in on the emotional issue that’s triggering your skin problem. face cleaner and glowing.

Catch enough Zzzs: Sleeping less than 7 to 8 hours a night not only makes you grumpy, it also causes the body to release cortisol, increasing dryness and inflammation, says Amy Wechsler, MD.

Practise meditation: Try to meditate for at least 10 minutes every day. Mindful meditation, or focussing deeply on what you are doing at a given moment, was found to ease anxiety by 44% and reduce depression by 34%, in a study conducted by Richard Davidson, Phd and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin.

Weekly: keep a Skin Diary.
 “Write down what’s going on in your life when your skin acts up and when it gets better,”suggests Wechsler. That helps you zero in on the emotional issue that’s triggering your skin problem.