Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
That’s where this post can help. We look at some of the specific effects of chronic stress and what you can do to push back. Here’s everything you need to know:
Increased Cortisol Affects Collagen
Chronic stress can cause increased collagen breakdown. One problem with that is the role that collagen plays when it comes to facial hollowing, especially elasticity and plumpness. Excessive stress can lead to sagging and thinning skin, causing a hollowed-out look. You sometimes see this effect in younger people when they go through a stressful period.
The solution is to support collagen production throughout the body. Adding citrus fruits, bell peppers, and various amino acids supports collagen production from start to finish, with retinoids and peptides offering a further collagen boost.
Loss Of Facial Fat From Stressful Weight Changes
Loss of facial fat from various weight changes throughout life can also affect the face. Reductions in subcutaneous fat volumes don’t always recover, and can lead to permanent alterations in your complexion. Usually, this can be dealt with by consuming healthy fats and reducing stress levels to a minimum. Additionally, extra virgin olive oil and avocados are great choices.
You can also explore the use of dermal fillers and fat transfers. These treatments can help reduce hollow areas, making skin appear younger and fuller. Many dermatologists use HA for significant volume loss. This substance provides immediate bulk and also encourages surrounding cells to return to their original configuration.
Jawline Changes Due to Muscle Tension
Interestingly, chronic stress can also lead to jawline changes because of clenching teeth or muscle tension. Bruxism, as it is known in medical terms, is a condition where you are more likely to grind your teeth at night.
The best way to deal with this problem long-term is to use progressive muscle relaxation before bed. Calming yourself and allowing a sense of peace to flow over you can be helpful. Short-term, it’s also possible to wear a special night mouthguard. These are useful when you want to protect your teeth from damage.
Inflammation and Premature Aging
Inflammation and premature aging can also result from excessive chronic stress. Inflammation damages skin cells and leads them to live their life cycles faster, dedicating less energy to repair and maintenance.
The trick to overcoming inflammation is to live a healthier lifestyle. The traditional Mediterranean diet is well-known for its stress-relieving properties, and works well with skincare ingredients, like vitamin E.
Reduced Blood Flow Leads to Dull Complexion
High stress levels can lead to reduced blood flow and a duller complexion. Reduced blood flow can cause ashen skin and a pale tone. especially when it causes lower oxygen delivery.You can fight back by eating a larger volume of healthy food. Add daily light exercise to boost circulation. Jade rollers are also an option in some cases (to move fluids around under the skin).
