Skin health is a major concern for many people. Studies show that emotions can affect skin health, and dermatologists are conducting further research on how our emotional wellbeing affects the skin. The skin indicates the current state of mind of an individual, according to Merrady Wickes, the head of content and education at Detox Market. Read on to learn more about how your emotions affect your skin.
Skin health is a major concern for many people. Studies show that emotions can affect skin health, and dermatologists are conducting further research on how our emotional wellbeing affects the skin. The skin indicates the current state of mind of an individual, according to Merrady Wickes, the head of content and education at Detox Market. Read on to learn more about how your emotions affect your skin.
Anger
We all have different levels of anger management. People who are temperamental make their facial muscle tense and their skin starts developing lines after a while, according to Jessica Wu, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School.
Anger alters the natural skin healing and rejuvenation process. The Journal Brain, Behavior, Immunity published a study in which researchers put participants into two groups. One group had hot-tempered individuals and the other had people with Zen temperaments. They inflicted a small wound on the arms of each participant.
The researchers found that cell turnover and healer took four times longer in angry participants than in those with Zen temperaments. High cortisol levels makes one to be temperamental. It prevents the production of collagen, thus slowing down skin healing and increasing wrinkling. Controlling one’s anger is one of the easy anti-ageing tips that most psychodermatologists give.
Stress
Stress is common among the youth.it ages your face faster than it would naturally, according to Amy Wechsler, M.D. The level of cortisol in your body increases when you are stressed. It makes new skin cells, blood vessels and vital organs fragile. Also, it reduces cell turnover by half as it slows down the formation of new skin cells.
The body produces more cortisol when you are anxious or during a flight or fight response. Although the hormone helps in life-threatening scenarios, the body should produce it for less than two minutes. It adversely affects the skin if its production continues for several days or weeks. Severe stress causes skin breakouts, dullness, dryness, wrinkles and irritation.
Happiness
Dopamine, serotonin and endorphins are the most popular happiness-causing hormones. The brain produces serotonin and dopamine in certain regions, when you indulge simple exercises. However, the hormone’s production extends to other parts of the brain when you exercise frequently. Being jovial makes your skin glow.
Embarrassment
When you blush due to embarrassment, neuropeptide skin receptors receive messages from your brain. The sympathetic nervous system is sensitive. Different people have varying levels of sensitivity. Therefore, some individuals blush more easily than others. Studies show that frequent blushing leads to rosacea, severe swelling of the blood vessels. Differentiate flushing from blushing. Flushing makes the whole body turn red while blushing changes the face alone.
Fear
Adrenal glands release adrenaline when you sense danger or feel threatened. It raises your heart rate and increases blood circulation in power muscles in the legs. An increase in adrenaline levels reduces blood flow to your face and skin. It constricts blood vessels in your skin to reduce bleeding in case you sustain an injury.
Negative emotions like anger and stress contribute to skin aging. Also, they cause pimples and might make the skin turn red. Psychodermatologists recommend two-pronged treatment for such skin conditions. You can engage in regular exercise and meditation to promote your overall skin health. Besides emotions, factors such as your diet, hygiene and the environment affects your skin health.
