Our skin is great, isn't it? Not only is the skin the largest organ on our body, it also tells you on the outside what's going on inside - including what's going on in your head when you're faced with stress.
Do you have a stress face every now and then? We have found out 7 signs.
1. premature ageing
In crisis situations, your body diverts blood to regions needed to cope with stress. The skin has to do without the blood and the important oxygen. The result: free radicals and tissue-damaging oxidants are produced, which in turn accelerate the formation of wrinkles.
2. Inflammations
Chronic inflammation can be caused by stress. This leads to premature aging, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
3. Itchy rash
Stress can slow down the skin's DNA repair mechanisms and also release histamines into the bloodstream that cause allergic reactions. The result: hives, herpes, psoriasis and eczema.
4. Skin infections
The skin cells line up closely and form a barrier that prevents the penetration of bacteria and toxins. Under stress, the natural barrier loses its effect and harmful bacteria can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.
5. Skin blemishes
Stress cranks up the oil production. The pores clog and the pimples and blackheads sprout.
6. dry skin
The protective lipid barrier is attacked by stressed skin, so that liquids evaporate more quickly. Cortisol also prevents the skin from retaining water, so it dries out more quickly.
7. Lifeless skin
Stress promotes a hormone called cortisol, which slows down the movement of skin cells. They take longer to come to the surface and flake off. Over time, the face becomes more and more composed of dead skin cells and looks lifeless and sallow.
